By The Most Hon. PJ Patterson, ON, OCC, KC., Statesman-In-Residence
April 12, 2025
In the course of human civilisation, there have been distinctive catalytic epochs. The recurrent changes in the stream of knowledge are currently reflected by the transition from the atomic age to one that is technology driven. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is now giving way to the Fifth, with a new focus on sustainable environment and the ascendancy of Artificial Intelligence (5 I.R). We are witnessing the manifestations of climate change, global pandemics, mounting geopolitical tensions, the evident emasculation of antiquated international institutions, paradoxical migration convulsions and the resurrection of protectionism.At a time of Global turbulence and catastrophic uncertainties, The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy asserts the urgent imperative for the Leaders of Africa and the Caribbean to forge and pursue a bold, and exciting adventure, with fixity of purpose. It is the only way to achieve global economic market power and secure inclusive prosperity for all our people. That political will must be buttressed by the full engagement of academe, regional institutions, business, trade unions, creative artistes and civil society in order to realise our full potential.
“We dare not wait patiently for the developed and powerful in accordance with their national interests to prevent our entry into the halls and corridors that determine our economic well-being, human flourishing and civic progress,” The Institute’s Statesman-In-Residence, Most Honourable PJ Patterson and former Prime Minister of Jamaica has stated.
One month ago, the 2nd Annual Symposium of the Institute in February 2025 entitled,“Educational Transformation in Africa and The Caribbean: Centring African Heritage and Identity” concluded once again what we already knew: “Education is the critical key.”
It has to be catapulted as the most formidable weapon in our arsenal for progress in a world where we have been for ages victims of human savagery and exploitation of our natural resources. The Institute is convinced that the present crises oblige us to make these the best of times and no longer the worst.
As we build on the rich heritage of our pioneering advances in mathematics, medicine, architecture and philosophy, we must not shirk the challenge to empower this and future generations with the tools to navigate and shape the global technological landscape.
Indeed, we have no choice in order to live. We are compelled to seize the unique moment to pivot in building an economy that is innovative and accelerates the flow of our knowledge-intensive skills. Our jobs must include high value-added outputs and the use of our natural resources as equity investment in global initiatives. We who belong to Global Africa must spur our own AI development and digital transformation for our own growth and shared prosperity.
The PJ Patterson Institute is fully engaged in finalising the design and implementation of a pilot study for an AI Hub to advance education, research, technological innovation, and new industrial development in Africa and the Caribbean. This initiative, in collaboration with Afreximbank will be formally launched by early June.
“As we strive to restore our ancestral cords and fulfil the dreams of our Pan-African Legends, The PJ Patterson Institute adds its voice of advocacy to propel the creation and operation of a dynamic, confident and culturally rich Global Africa. We must seize the opportunity without delay.
That symbiotic partnership is one deliberately designed by us as free people of sovereign nations, based on voluntary choices to reflect the exercise of our political relationships that affect our collective economic fortunes. It will be grounded on the
recognition of our capacities, endowments, overlaps and comparative advantages. It will reflect our determination to occupy and enjoy our rightful place on the single planet where all humankind must equitably share and inhabit together in its stewardship to dwell in peace and prosperity,” concluded The Statesman-In-Residence. P.J. Patterson.
