# Caribbean and Central American AI and scientific cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/caribbean-and-central-american-ai-and-scientific-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-29T10:00:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Experts and government officials are advocating for increased adoption of artificial intelligence and scientific cooperation across the Caribbean and Central American regions.

In Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, specialists have urged leaders to utilize AI to enhance public safety, streamline services, and revolutionize education. Proposals include the use of low-cost, open-source tools such as multilingual voice-to-form platforms for crime reporting and specialized AI tutoring platforms designed for regional curricula and neurodivergent students. Emphasis has also been placed on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in youth to navigate an AI-driven landscape.

Expanding on this technological focus, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has proposed a regional strategy to strengthen scientific diplomacy. Vice Minister Genaro Rodríguez Martínez argued that individual nations lack the infrastructure to independently address challenges like climate change and digital transformation. He advocated for moving toward sustainable public policies, joint research projects, and increased investment in supercomputing and artificial intelligence to provide regional solutions.

Building on these efforts, the Dominican Republic is continuing to pursue regional scientific integration with Central American nations and Panama. This initiative seeks to pool resources to address shared challenges, including food security, climate change, and digital transformation, through joint research and technological infrastructure. To manage the rapid shifts in cognitive and intellectual labor caused by AI, experts are now advocating for the Dominican Republic to establish a dedicated government body, such as a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Governance, to proactively legislate and manage the technology.

## Claims

- The Dominican Republic special forces team won first place in the Fuerzas Comando 2026 international competition. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Dominican Ministry of Defense ceremony was led by Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Dominican Ministry of Defense awarded its members the Medal of Recognition for Merit. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Dominican soldiers received Military, Naval, and Air Merit Orders. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Colombia's Special Forces Group secured second place in the Fuerzas Comando 2026 competition. (single source)
- The Fuerzas Comando 2026 competition included elite units from 17 American countries. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Dominican Republic wins first Fuerzas Comando title in Paraguay

The Dominican Republic's Special Forces won first place for the first time at the Fuerzas Comando 2026 competition in Paraguay, while Colombia's elite units secured second place.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-proposes-regional-scientific-and-ai-cooperation-strategy

### 2026-08-24: Caribbean leaders urged to adopt AI for development and education

Caribbean experts urge the adoption of artificial intelligence in education and public services to boost regional development and prepare youth for an AI-driven workforce.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/caribbean-leaders-urged-to-adopt-ai-for-development-and-education

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Cite as: Caribbean and Central American AI and scientific cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/caribbean-and-central-american-ai-and-scientific-cooperation