VI Must Adopt AI Policy
Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, says the Virgin Islands needs a clear policy to manage artificial intelligence as part of the government’s digital transformation agenda. Ahead of the State of the Territory Address on June 9, the minister also highlighted island-wide business revitalisation efforts, entrepreneurship training and the planned rollout of a Financial Services Strategy in Q3 2026.
Smith, OBE, is urging the Virgin Islands to put an AI policy in place as the territory accelerates its digital transformation efforts. Speaking with Nadia Turnbull, Communications Officer in her ministry, ahead of the State of the Territory Address, the minister said artificial intelligence is already arriving and the territory must be prepared to manage its social and economic impacts. "It is happening, and we have to make sure we have a policy in place so that we as a people know what comes next and how we should manage this very important area," Hon Smith said.
The comments come as Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley prepares to deliver the State of the Territory Address on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at the Noel Lloyd/Positive Action Movement Park at 4:00 PM. Hon Smith highlighted three priorities she expects the address to touch on: digital transformation including AI, ongoing revitalisation of businesses across the territory, and measures to strengthen the financial services sector.
On business recovery, she pointed to activity stretching "from Anegada to Jost van Dyke," noting recent progress such as the graduation of 26 business owners from the Entrepreneurial Education Programme. The training initiative, run by the Department of Trade in partnership with H.
Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), focused on business planning, marketing, financial management and operational skills. Hon Smith said skills training and a complementary grants programme are central to reviving small businesses and boosting local entrepreneurship. In financial services, the minister said the government plans to roll out a Financial Services Strategy in the third quarter of 2026.
The strategy will target new markets and products while prioritising training for Virgin Islands residents to ensure local participation in a sector that remains a cornerstone of the territory’s economy. For residents, an AI policy would aim to address data protection, algorithmic transparency, workforce reskilling and the use of intelligent systems in public services — issues that affect jobs, privacy and competitiveness in tourism and finance.
Hon Smith framed these measures as part of a broader push to build resilience, create opportunities for locals and modernise public and private sector operations. The State of the Territory Address by Premier Wheatley is expected to provide further detail on these initiatives and the government’s plan to prepare the territory for technological and economic change.
Primary source: VINO