Ever wonder how our country code matching a tech acronym became anything more than a coincidence? Well, three recent interviews helped bring the meaning of AI to the home of AI. With thanks to Keithstone Greaves and Honourable Minister Jose Vanterpool on 27 June 2025, and to Zuleka Fraser and Dexter Gumbs on 2 July 2025, their discussions were insightful.[1-3]
The Foundation…
That said, there would be no “home of AI” but for Vincent Cate, who originally proposed and secured the “AI” top-level domain (TLD), donated it to the People of Anguilla, and managed it thereafter. Cate could have retained ownership, like the “.UK” TLD, privately held since 1996.[4] But he didn’t.
Revenues from Cate’s gift have averted financial disaster from a fiscal rampage. Whereas the last administration increased government spending from $215million to $355million. Per year. (Not including the airport or other projects.) And then, they contracted foreigners to manage the AI domain.[5,6]
As a refresher, the AI acronym for our postal code and web domain also refers to the field of Artificial Intelligence. Registration fees for websites using the “AI Domain” grew from $14.3million in 2020 to $20.8million by 2022. Then, with popular AI applications accelerating demand, 2023 revenues rose to $86.8million, and $132million was forecast in this year’s budget.[5] So how is 2025 going?
Year-to-date AI Domain Revenues
In his interview, Honourable Minister Vanterpool reported AI Domain results through May. He also confirmed that the offshore domain management contractor was given a 10% commission up to the first $50million (US) per year, which then increases to 13% thereafter. [1] As below:
2025 AI Revenue ($ Million EC)Commissions ($ Million EC) Revenue after Commissions
January $10.3 $1.03 $ 9.27
February 17.0 1.70 15.30
March* 21.7 2.17 19.53
April 20.6 2.06 18.54
May 21.6 2.16 19.44
YTD $91.2 $9.12 $82.08
*March included exceptional auction levels above routine renewals and purchases.
Hon. Minister Vanterpool added that when he met the contractors, they said revenues would “stabilise” at $21-24million per month. That could total ~$238-259million by December, but the contractor would take $27-30million in commission, leaving ~$211-230million. Thus, if the last administration had “curbed spending” as promised, AI domain revenues could have not only funded GST relief but also cut many other taxes from our high cost of living by now. [1,5]
Bringing AI Home from the Cloud…
As an accomplished digital entrepreneur, Mr. Dexter Gumbs shared his vision to build artificial intelligence skills for our people as analysts and programmers, AI architects and engineers, and as PhD “cloud consultants” in Anguilla. How? He began by describing online courses that have built upon the AWS (Amazon Web Services) foundational model for AI and machine learning, as one approach.[2]
Mr. Gumbs has been working with our Department of Education to offer an 8-week summer program for high school students as an introduction to AI applications. The course includes building simple models, learning how to “train” AI, ensure compliance with established standards, and develop generative applications with hands-on labs. He is also offering 10 scholarships for Anguillian students. [2]
Mr. Gumbs’ interview provided additional insights into AI utility for many repetitive and time-consuming jobs. One example was to “train” AI to scan video from CCTVs, which could be done in moments by a machine rather than hours or days for human investigators. He also noted that various sectors are likewise applying AI solutions in other legal, medical and real estate applications.[2]
…While Making a Global Name for Our Namesake
In their interview, Ms. Zuleka Fraser and her son, Zamar David, discussed how the Anguilla Robotics Association (ARA) has been welcoming Anguillians into the digital revolution since 2023. With topics spanning education, tourism, finance, the public sector, criminal justice, research and governance, Ms. Fraser noted that ARA members attended two recent UWI AI conferences in Antigua. First, as “students from Anguilla” last year – and the Anguillian contingent helped lead various sessions of this year’s event. Ms. Fraser asked rhetorically, “How can you have a conference with our namesake and not invite us?!” She also shared a vision for equipping our youth and community with AI skills.
With ARA members advancing from programming robots and drones with Java coding to AI applications with Python, they have represented the club and Anguilla from Singapore to Athens – and this year will go to Panama for global robotics competitions as OECS member/guests. Such activities and anticipated conferences are shaping a dynamic future for the ARA and Anguilla.
If you hurry…The ARA is also hosting a Summer Camp from July 21–August 1 for ages 5–18. In collaboration with the Department of Youth & Culture and the Ministry of Education, the camp will offer sessions in coding, AI skills, and robotics from 9am-3pm at the ALHCS Campus Q Cafeteria. The 2-week camp fee is $100, with 5 scholarships for underserved children.[7]
It’s Time to Bring AI Home to the Home of AI!
Many were demoralised in October 2024, when the last administration expatriated decades of successful AI domain management by signing a 5-year contract with a foreign company. The people were told it was “…about building capacity and equipping Anguillians with the knowledge and skills to manage and grow the .ai domains sustainably…[and ensure that] Anguillians will gain the skills and experience necessary to not only maintain the domain, but also to innovate and lead in the digital space.”[6]
In his interview, Hon. Minister Vanterpool also said the contractors told him they are “not a marketing company” and understood “training” as limited to ultimately transferring management to DITES technicians. He remarked that revenues have grown “as expected” before the contract, yet the contractor told him not to expect further growth, with revenues merely “stabilising”.[1] Why? Some industry observers notably see AI registrations as, “showing no signs of slowing, with continuous growth in domains incorporating the ‘ai’ acronym in their extensions.”[8]
So. If a few techs at that foreign company are just keeping automated programs and servers running, how can we justify millions for commissions, like ~$150million (EC), or ~$60million (US) over 5 years?
The AI domain is something Anguillians started, in a sphere Anguillians are outpacing, and that Anguillians need for GST relief – after the last administration’s extortionate spending. In short, the foreign contractor appears to be taking tens of millions of dollars yet adding no value to our most precious national asset! It is time to bring AI home to the home of AI.
Repeal GST – and pass a balanced budget bill. Now.
This article reflects issues raised on July 5, 2021, at the House Select Committee on GST Public Hearing. [1] https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ES1pKrMVF/; [2] https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19YC4HMdTZ/; [3] https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Rj41sXxDc/ ; [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nominet_UK;[5] GoA Budgets 2000-2025; [6] https://anguillafocus.com/us-company-signs-five-year-deal-to-manage-anguillas-ai-domains/; [7] Notes from Ms. Fraser and camp registration link: https://forms.gle/f4k37YKJkD2tBgSJ6 (also on ARA and DYC Facebook pages); [8] https://www.openprovider.com/blog/rise-of-ai-domain-tlds.
