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). The Hon. Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, articulated this vision in a keynote address at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, held in Panama City, Panama, on July 21, 2025. Wilkin, invited in recognition of St. Kitts and Nevis’ pioneering efforts in integrating AI into its justice system, highlighted the potential of AI to enhance access to justice, promote transparency, and streamline legal processes across the region. His address underscored the importance of ethical considerations and human oversight in the development and deployment of these powerful tools.

St. Kitts and Nevis has emerged as a regional leader in leveraging AI for legal innovation, exemplified by the development of VoiceIT, an AI-powered legal assistant. This innovative tool offers real-time answers to legal queries related to national laws and dynamically updates its knowledge base with legislative changes and ministerial procedures. Wilkin emphasized VoiceIT’s potential to redefine justice delivery by making legal information more accessible, transparent, and efficient. The platform’s success has sparked considerable interest from legal professionals and policymakers across the Caribbean, who recognize its potential to transform their own justice systems. Wilkin’s presentation served as a compelling case study for the broader adoption of AI-driven solutions in the region.

Beyond VoiceIT, Wilkin’s keynote address explored a range of prospective applications of AI in court operations. He highlighted the potential of AI-powered early neutral evaluations to facilitate pre-trial settlements, providing litigants with an efficient alternative to protracted litigation. He also discussed the use of data-informed sentencing tools to enhance judicial consistency, ensuring fairer and more predictable outcomes in criminal cases. Furthermore, he envisioned the implementation of automated mechanisms for resolving minor disputes, freeing up judicial resources for more complex matters. These innovative applications promise to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Caribbean’s justice systems.

Central to Wilkin’s vision is the ethical development and deployment of AI within the legal framework. He emphasized the importance of establishing clear ethical guidelines and ensuring continuous human oversight to mitigate potential biases and ensure responsible implementation. This cautious approach acknowledges the transformative power of AI while recognizing the need for careful management to safeguard fundamental rights and ensure fairness within the justice system. The emphasis on ethics serves as a crucial reminder that AI should augment, not replace, human judgment in legal matters.

The UWI Caribbean Commercial Law Workshop, with its focus on digital transformation in the legal profession, provided a timely platform for these critical discussions. The gathering of legal professionals from across the region fostered a collaborative environment for sharing insights and exploring innovative strategies for leveraging AI to enhance justice systems. The workshop served as a catalyst for regional cooperation in the development and implementation of AI-powered legal solutions, promoting a shared vision of a more accessible, efficient, and transparent legal landscape across the Caribbean.

The insights shared by Attorney General Wilkin at the UWI workshop mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Caribbean legal system. His vision of a future where AI empowers justice systems – enhancing accessibility, promoting transparency, and streamlining operations – offers a compelling roadmap for the region. The emphasis on ethical considerations and human oversight ensures that these powerful tools are deployed responsibly, safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting equitable outcomes. As the Caribbean embraces the digital transformation of the legal profession, collaborations like the UWI workshop will play a crucial role in shaping a future where technology serves to strengthen the pillars of justice.