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Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett says artificial intelligence should not be dismissed as Tobago seeks to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage.

TV6 News caught up with Ms. Hackett during the 39th annual Moriah Ole Time Wedding in Moriah, Tobago, where she shared her views on the role of AI in the island's cultural landscape.

Elizabeth Williams reports.
Transcript
00:00Do you think that AI can work to Tobago's benefit with respect to this festival?
00:07Well, I think everything has positives and negatives. I'm seeing a lot of positives in utilizing AI.
00:14I know, for instance, in the opening show, even for you to make a determination on the way you want
00:18your scent to look,
00:19you know, what you want your lines to sound like, and, you know, just trying to incorporate the technology.
00:24Tourism Secretary Zorisha Hackett says Tobago must find a balance as technology continues to evolve.
00:30Speaking to TV6 News at the Mariah Old Time Wedding, Ms. Hackett said,
00:35while artificial intelligence can support cultural development, it must be used responsibly and not at the expense of authenticity.
00:44She was responding to questions about the proposed AI centers and the growing conversation around the technology's role in society.
00:54It's the abuse of that that we have to, you know, be very mindful of and not taking away from
00:59the authenticity of this product.
01:01This product is a genuine, authentic Tobago, and we really don't want to, you know, water it down with too
01:07much of it,
01:08but there's some benefits to be had from it, and so I won't knock it,
01:12but let's try to, you know, be very mindful and measure if it will be utilizing AI.
01:16Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd, Cullen Cowan, says Tobago's cultural traditions remain protected
01:26as the island continues to celebrate and showcase its heritage.
01:31It continues to grow. As you see, everybody in the procession are young people.
01:35So young people are interested in the culture. They're playing their part.
01:40If you remember the opening night, the opening night gala,
01:44we had young people who were on stage and continue to really actually express the culture and the talent.
01:52So we are very much happy to see that the culture continues.
01:56Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
02:01We're very much happy to see that the children who ask.
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