Attorney General Wilkin Addresses Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop at UWI

The Caribbean legal landscape is on the cusp of a technological revolution, driven by the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). This was the central message delivered by the Honorable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, during his keynote address at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop held in Panama City, Panama on July 22, 2025. Wilkin’s presence, a testament to St. Kitts and Nevis’s pioneering efforts in integrating AI within its justice system, underscored the growing recognition of AI’s capacity to revolutionize access to justice, enhance transparency, and streamline legal processes throughout the region. His address served as both a showcase of existing AI-driven initiatives and a call to action for regional collaboration in embracing this technological frontier.

A key highlight of Wilkin’s presentation was the unveiling of “VoiceIT,” an AI-powered legal assistant developed by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis. This innovative tool represents a significant step towards democratizing legal knowledge by providing readily accessible, real-time answers to legal inquiries. VoiceIT’s dynamic learning capabilities, continuously updated with legislative amendments and ministerial procedures, ensure its relevance and accuracy. This readily available resource not only empowers citizens with legal information but also streamlines the work of legal professionals, freeing them from time-consuming research tasks and allowing them to focus on more complex legal matters. The demonstrable success of VoiceIT has ignited significant interest from other Caribbean nations eager to replicate its functionalities and benefits within their own legal frameworks, showcasing the potential for regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in the realm of AI-driven legal reform.

Beyond VoiceIT, Wilkin’s address painted a broader vision of AI’s transformative potential within the Caribbean justice system. He outlined a range of applications, including the use of AI in early neutral evaluations, a process that can facilitate early resolution of disputes, thereby reducing the burden on the court system and minimizing the emotional and financial costs to litigants. Furthermore, he highlighted the possibility of using AI-powered sentencing tools to promote consistency and fairness in judicial decision-making, minimizing disparities arising from human bias and promoting equitable outcomes. The potential of automated dispute resolution mechanisms for minor offenses was also explored, offering a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve less complex legal issues.

However, Wilkin emphasized the critical importance of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI within the justice system. He stressed the need for rigorous ethical guidelines and ongoing human oversight to ensure that AI tools are used responsibly and do not perpetuate existing biases or create new forms of injustice. This focus on ethical implementation is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring that AI serves to strengthen the principles of fairness and equality that underpin a just legal system. The emphasis on ethical considerations reflects a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of AI integration, ensuring that its potential benefits are realized while mitigating potential risks.

The UWI Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, with its focus on regional collaboration and digital transformation, provides a vital platform for discussions and knowledge sharing among legal professionals and policymakers. The insights shared by Wilkin and other participants are crucial in shaping a future where technology empowers justice systems across the Caribbean. The workshop serves as a catalyst for regional cooperation, enabling the sharing of best practices and fostering a collective approach to leveraging AI’s potential for positive change. This collaborative environment allows for the development of tailored strategies that address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each jurisdiction, ultimately strengthening the rule of law and enhancing access to justice throughout the region.

The forward-thinking approach of St. Kitts and Nevis, as exemplified by the development and implementation of VoiceIT, signifies a paradigm shift in how legal information is accessed and utilized within the Caribbean. The focus on innovation and collaboration, coupled with a strong commitment to ethical considerations, sets a precedent for other nations to follow. The UWI workshop, serving as a hub for the exchange of ideas and best practices, plays a vital role in facilitating the broader adoption of AI-driven solutions throughout the region. This collective effort promises to usher in a new era of efficiency, transparency, and accessibility within the Caribbean justice system, ultimately strengthening the foundations of democracy and ensuring equitable access to justice for all.