Dr. Ricardo Neil Delivers Keynote Address at the Opening of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation’s 2025 Science Week

The 2025 St. Maarten Science Week, themed “AI: Shaping the Future of Learning,” commenced with a resounding call to action by Dr. Ricardo Neil, a prominent figure in Caribbean technology and education. The event, hosted by the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation at Motorworld, drew a diverse and engaged audience comprised of government officials, educators, business leaders, and community members, all united by a shared interest in exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education. The presence of Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, underscored the government’s commitment to embracing technological advancements to enhance learning opportunities for all students. The week-long program promised a series of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to delve into the multifaceted aspects of AI integration in education, from practical applications to ethical considerations.

Dr. Neil, Chairman and Founder of both the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Robotics Association (OECSRA) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA), and Goodwill Ambassador for Science and Technology for St. Kitts and Nevis, delivered a compelling keynote address that emphasized the revolutionary potential of AI while also cautioning against neglecting the human element in education. He articulated a vision of AI as a powerful tool capable of personalizing instruction, optimizing resource allocation, and alleviating administrative burdens on teachers, ultimately freeing them to focus on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence in their students. Dr. Neil emphasized that while AI can enhance the learning experience, it should not supplant the essential role of human interaction and mentorship.

Central to Dr. Neil’s message was a call for equitable access to the benefits of AI in education. He stressed the need for significant investment in digital infrastructure, particularly reliable internet connectivity, to ensure that all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, can participate fully in the digital age of learning. Furthermore, he advocated for robust teacher training programs to equip educators with the necessary skills and confidence to effectively integrate AI tools into their pedagogical practices. This empowerment of educators, he argued, is crucial for ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically, promoting not only academic achievement but also the development of well-rounded individuals.

Recognizing the importance of local context, Dr. Neil encouraged the development of community-driven AI projects that address specific regional challenges and priorities. He suggested that St. Maarten could leverage AI to develop innovative solutions in areas such as climate resilience and sustainable tourism, two critically important sectors for the island’s future. However, he cautioned against a blind embrace of technology, stressing the need for careful consideration of ethical implications, including data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias. He emphasized that AI development and implementation should be guided by ethical principles to ensure that these technologies serve the best interests of all members of the community.

The enthusiastic participation of diverse stakeholders at the launch event reflected a growing recognition of the transformative potential of AI in education and a shared commitment to exploring its responsible implementation. Educators, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives engaged in lively discussions about the practicalities of integrating AI into local schools, as well as the policy implications of such a shift. The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, under the leadership of Dr. Carter and her board members, expressed their dedication to fostering continued collaboration among these stakeholders to ensure that the integration of AI in education is a collective and inclusive endeavor.

The Science Week 2025 program promised a deeper dive into the various facets of AI in education, with planned workshops and panels covering topics ranging from specific AI-powered educational tools to the development of a local tech sector capable of supporting long-term economic growth in St. Maarten and the broader region. The overarching goal of the week’s activities was to empower educators, students, and community members to embrace AI not as a replacement for human interaction, but as a powerful tool to enhance learning, promote innovation, and address pressing societal challenges. The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering scientific inquiry, innovation, and community engagement, particularly among students, by connecting them with the wider scientific community and inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM/STEAM fields. This focus on developing a future-ready workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving technological landscape is crucial for the long-term prosperity of St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean region.