Bartlett to open ODT Week Conference on June 23

Conference to spotlight the powerful alliance of Human and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable, Regenerative Transformation

Edmund Bartlett,  Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, will deliver the opening address at the Annual Organisation Development Transformation (ODT) Week Conference on Tuesday, June 23, at the Summit Kingston Hotel in Kingston.

The two-day conference, scheduled for June 23–24, is being hosted by the Caribbean Centre for Organisation Development Excellence Ltd. (CARI-CODE) in collaboration with the Caribbean Organisation Development Network (CODN). The event will bring together leading thinkers, executives, and transformation specialists from across the Caribbean and beyond to explore how organisations can harness the synergy between human insight and advanced technology to build more resilient and regenerative systems.

Minister Bartlett’s address comes at a critical time, against a backdrop of accelerating technological change, climate-related shocks, and ongoing regional recovery efforts—factors that directly impact Jamaica’s tourism industry, a major economic driver that contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Widely regarded as a visionary, results-oriented leader with a proactive and hands-on approach to building sustainable resilience within the tourism sector, Minister Bartlett is expected to offer valuable insights on how Social Intelligence (SI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can work together to drive regenerative and sustainable transformation across organisations and societies.

The landmark conference forms part of ODT Week, which was officially proclaimed in 2024 by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen. This year’s conference will focus on the theme:

“Human Hearts, Digital Minds: Harmonising Transformation – Bridging Social Intelligence (SI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Regenerative Sustainable Change.”

Now in its sixth year, the event continues to serve as a premier forum for advancing organisational development and transformational leadership throughout the Caribbean.

Global Thought Leaders to Share Insights

The conference will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, including:

Dr. Lindsay Godwin, PhD – Professor, practitioner, and “possibilitizer,” Dr. Godwin is a globally recognised authority on positive organisational change. She has partnered with organisations across six continents, including the United Nations and Fortune 500 companies. She is co-author, with Professor David Cooperrider, of Our Earthshot Moment: Net Positive OD for the Creation of a World of Full Spectrum Flourishing.

Dr. Kevin Brown – President of the University of Technology, Jamaica, and an accomplished leader with more than 18 years of experience in academia and the aerospace industry. His career includes serving as Technology Project Head for Civil Aerospace Technology and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce.

Ryan Matthew – Corporate Director, Human Resources, Sandals Resorts International. Matthews holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration and has completed executive and professional development programmes through the Disney Institute, Project Management Institute, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, Toastmasters International, and the Mona School of Business. He leads the Human Resources function across the Caribbean for Sandals Resorts International, supporting nearly 20,000 team members.

Through keynote presentations, storytelling, interactive learning labs, and case studies, participants will gain practical frameworks for integrating Social Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence into organisation development strategies that support long-term resilience, adaptability, and regenerative growth.

Responding to a World of Disruption

Founder, Chairman and CEO of CARI-CODE, Mrs. Ilsa H. duVerney, said the conference comes at a pivotal moment.

“We are living in a fast-paced era marked by relentless disruptions—technological acceleration, economic uncertainty, climate shocks, and social upheaval. As organisation development practitioners, our role is not simply to react but to lead, creating frameworks that move beyond quick fixes toward lasting resilience, recovery, and regeneration.”

Mrs. duVerney noted that the conference is especially timely following the announcement by the Prime Minister regarding the establishment of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) to accelerate rehabilitation efforts and support the country’s commitment to “build back better” in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Launch of the “Beyond Relief” Regenerative Initiative

A major highlight of the conference will be the introduction of the CARI-CODE Beyond Relief Project, a regenerative, medium-term initiative designed to support Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative draws inspiration from nature-based systems thinking and will focus on: Strengthening roots to ensure lasting growth; Creating conditions for renewal and recovery; Restoring organisational “soil” to support sustainable development and long-term resilience.