Study shows AI could put 60,000 Jamaican jobs at risk

A study by economist Dr. Paul Golding suggests that the introduction of artificial intelligence could put about 60,000 jobs in Jamaica at risk. 

The study, which uses the International Labour Organization's methodology, indicates that positions most vulnerable include data entry clerks, call centre agents, secretaries and bank tellers.

Dr. Golding says between 112,000 men and 144,000 women in Jamaica are employed in areas that could be affected by artificial intelligence, with women likely to be disproportionately affected.

He says about 22 per cent of Jamaica's workforce is exposed to AI-related changes and that some jobs could eventually be eliminated as technology becomes more widely adopted.

Dr. Golding notes, however, that there is a difference between job elimination and job augmentation, with augmentation occurring when artificial intelligence is used to improve efficiency and enhance the work being done rather than replace workers.

The study also found that some sectors and occupations requiring higher levels of complexity and specialized skills are likely to be more resilient as AI adoption increases.