Jessie, a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, is being rolled out by the Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation so that information and services can be provided to eager members of the diaspora more readily.
The new platform is web-based and can be engaged via texts and voice notes on WhatsApp, as a convenient and 24-hour support mechanism. Jessie can also engage in about 16 languages including English and Creolese.
When launched for public use next week, Jessie should be able to engage persons on remigration, housing, investments, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and other document support, be it the banking sector, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) or the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Head of the Diaspora Unit, Rosalinda Rasul explained that it was necessary for the unit to invest in this venture since it is flooded with eager members of the diaspora seeking to get information or access services in Guyana.
So the platform is meant to help those persons quickly and efficiently as possible, backed by a database of information from various agencies and generative AI technology that allows persons to engage with Jessie as though it was a real person.
“We have gleaned what are the topical issues, what are the most frequently asked questions, and put this together,” Rasul explained at a launch event on Wednesday.
And if Jessie is unable to provide assistance or needs additional information, it would be able to engage a member of the unit.
Though Jessie’s functions are limited now, Rasul highlighted that expanded services will soon be available.
The AI solution was developed in partnership with local technology company, V75. And the company’s Founding Director Eldon Marks assured members of the public that Jessie is an advanced solution that is easy to use but very effective.
He explained that Jessie is not an ordinary chatbox but employs generative AI that allows persons to have very human-like conversations.
