Thirty Girls Explore AI and Tech Careers at Digital Skills Workshop 

By S.Browne. Updated 4:03 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

In recognition of International Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) hosted its annual digital skills workshop on Thursday, April 23, 2026, bringing together thirty female students from the Petit Bordel and Troumaca Secondary Schools to explore artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-related careers.

The event was held at the Petit Bordel Secondary School Information Technology Lab and ran from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. under this year’s theme, “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”

Presentations on the theme and various Information and Communication Technology (ICT) topics were delivered by the Consumer and Public Relations Manager at the NTRC, Ms. Rhea Lewis, and the Spectrum Manager at the NTRC, Ms. Nadine Hull. The Universal Service Fund Administrator at the NTRC, Ms. Shadeja Gordon, also shared an inspiring account of her professional journey.

Guest speakers included the Senator and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information, Lavern King, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Karib Pay, Mrs. Terrel Headley Joseph.

Senator and Minister of State King addressed the theme, highlighting the progress made in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in advancing digital transformation. Mrs. Headley Joseph shared her personal journey and provided insights into career opportunities within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Students participated in interactive, hands-on sessions, including basic programming exercises using Micro:bit devices. They also engaged in an ICT career challenge, where they role-played various ICT professions, gaining a deeper understanding of potential career paths.

International Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day is a global initiative aimed at encouraging more girls and young women to pursue careers in technology and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It focuses on equipping girls aged 12 to 24 with the digital skills and confidence needed to succeed in the ICT field.

Feedback from participants indicated that they gained valuable knowledge about ICT, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life, and the importance of developing applications to solve real-world problems.

The NTRC extended sincere thanks to the principals and staff of Petit Bordel Secondary School and Troumaca Secondary School for their continued collaboration, and to sponsors Rotaract Club Kingstown, C.K. Greaves and Company Limited, and 1st National Bank St. Lucia for their support in making this event a success.

END