In my last article, I explored the state of digital literacy and adoption rates in Trinidad. While some businesses are experimenting with digital tools, the broader landscape remains fragmented.
The Digital Standard
Trinidad lacks a universal digital standard. Take America, for example, the land we obsess over yet pretend not to. In America, platforms like Yelp are the default: a go-to for reviews, ratings, and everything in between. Regardless of opinions about Yelp, the U.S. still has digital ‘gold standards’ people fall back on, such as Craigslist for ads, Zillow for real estate, and so on.
Trinidad, on the other hand, has no singular digital benchmark—no one-stop shop for ads, discovery, reviews, or business credibility that’s free for all. Not made by Trinis, I mean. In reality, Facebook is the de facto for everything mentioned previously and more. A non-Trinidadian-made platform, we have no say in whatsoever.
It’s Mostly Hype
This absence of a digital standard means AI, despite all its potential, remains a bit of a novelty.
It exists mostly in pockets, small businesses adopting AI in their own niches, but it hasn’t taken root broadly. Right now, AI feels gimmicky in a landscape still defining itself digitally.
Often, when people here obsess over AI, it’s a reflection of being caught up in a wave of foreign media hype.
I’ve seen this pattern before. Remember 3D movies and those clunky 3D glasses? Global buzz didn’t translate to any lasting momentum here, or anywhere, really, even though local videographers jumped on the hype, sounding the alarm that never was.
The Analogue Hurdle
AI feels magical, but it isn’t magical; AI feeds off data. But in Trinidad, our data is often locked behind a ‘come back Tuesday’ or a handwritten ledger. You can’t prompt an LLM to find a file that’s currently holding up a short leg on a desk in a government building.
There are large local companies that prefer doing things the analogue way. For example, rather than send an email, some heads prefer printed material.
Another clear proof of our analogue nature is the fact that malls are closing down in America due to the digital revolution called online shopping; In Trinidad, we’re building new malls.
Sleep easy.
While the world rushes headlong into AI hysteria, Trinidad doesn’t need to panic.
AI is bigger, yes, but Trinidad’s cultural rhythm is slower to adopt. We’re still predominantly an analogue nation. So, unless Facebook turns into an AI-first platform, and everyone suddenly puts their data online, for now, I recommend: don’t lose any sleep over AI for a local market.