Although artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to transform the workplace, it has the potential to have an even greater impact on our societies by helping us address many of the development challenges that countries, such as those in the Caribbean region, need to address. Eldon Marks, of V75 Inc. and TrueSelph Inc. in Guyana, is back with us again to share his thoughts on, among other things: how AI has evolved since our first conversation in 2019; why Caribbean countries are not part of the global AI conversation; ways in which Caribbean countries can capitalise on AI4D; and what is needed for Guyana to become a powerhouse in AI, or more broadly, tech.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music!!

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been all the rage these days, as big tech tries to figure out how to capitalise on the opportunity and we, users, enjoy the efficiencies that have been emerging.

In the Caribbean region, tiny pockets of AI development exist. But as has occurred with other tech innovations and trends, we are on the periphery and somehow were not able to make any meaningful inroads. The same seems to be happening with AI.

It is also important that we consider AI for Development (AI4D), which similar to ICT for Development (ICT4D), is about using technology to address development challenges that countries are experiencing – which in the Caribbean region are several. But to what degree is it possible for an advanced technology to be integrated into solutions addressing some of our challenges is unclear.

In this podcast episode, we discuss AI and Caribbean innovation along with the role AI4D can play in the region.

 

Introducing our guest

Eldon Marks

Eldon Marks is a seasoned tech innovator, educator, and social entrepreneur. For nearly two decades, he has passionately driven the growth of Guyana’s tech landscape. His journey began as an academic, inspiring a tech community while teaching at the University of Guyana. Fuelled by a desire to retain local talent, Eldon founded V75 Inc. and Nexus Hub Inc., a leading technology company and a non-profit dedicated to nurturing Guyana’s intellectual capital and expanding its tech ecosystem. In the last five years, Eldon’s leadership has directly created opportunities for numerous young professionals and upskilled hundreds in the tech sector. 

Notably, his initiatives have introduced the conversational AI specialization to Guyana, paving the way for AI engineers to craft solutions used globally. Eldon Marks’ current focus lies in pioneering innovative tech industries in Guyana. With expertise in AI, he is driving industry development and opportunity creation in developing tech ecosystems by harnessing the potential of the generative AI industry.

 

Insights into our conversation

Eldon was one of the first persons we had on the Podcast who indicated they were using AI and it is exciting to bear witness to the strides he and his ventures have made. It was thus fitting to have his views on the recent developments in AI and to discuss innovation and tech entrepreneurship within that context.

Although tech innovation, and AI innovation in particular, is occurring across the region, as Eldon found in Guyana, it might not be as plentiful as one had anticipated, which in turn may make it challenging to create the requisite ecosystem. However, AI is being used in numerous ways with everyday technologies thus allowing the solutions that are being developed to meet people where they are, as Eldon highlighted in projects that will be displayed in an upcoming AI4D event that will be held in Guyana on 24 November.

Below are a few of the questions posed to Eldon during our conversation.

  1. To start us off, tell us a bit about yourself.
  2. From your perspective how has AI evolved, and what do you think of the ways AI is currently being leveraged, since our first conversation in 2019?
  3. Currently, there is still a lot of excitement and hype in the AI space, and a lot of jockeying for first-mover advantage, but Caribbean countries are not part of the global conversation. Why do you think that is the case?
  4. AI4D is not an area that you hear about much. But why do you think AI4D is an area Guyana (and perhaps the wider Caribbean) should be focusing on?
  5. To what degree are organisations in Guyana embracing AI?
  6. V75 Inc. is partnering with TrueSelph Inc. in organising the event. What is TrueSelph and why did you create it?
  7. What are some of the ways TrueSelph be applied?
  8. What is needed for Guyana to become a powerhouse in AI, or more broadly, tech?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select Links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit: E Marks;  Gerd Altmann (Pixabay); Focal Foto (flickr); rawpixel.com (Freepik)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez