The Editor, Sir:With the advent of a new government, Jamaica needs to renew its thrust for science and technology (S&T), which has a direct relationship with productivity and increased standard of living for the people of Jamaica.
Innovations for development include:
Using infrastructure projects as opportunities for technological learning. Applying new technology and investing in higher education. Promotion of business activities in science, technology and productivity. Focusing on research in agriculture, environmental problems and public health, which are of significance to developing economies.
Public and private sectors have embarked on scientific thrusts in the past, but these have not borne fruit to significantly increase the country's economic potential. In 2007, there is opportunity for renewed thrust in S&T and productivity that will set the stage for prosperity.
Increase employment
A major focus of the new Government should be to increase the opportunities for employment, especially for the young, skilled and unskilled.
For example, the Government, in collaboration with the private sector, needs to embark on a development plan for the Kingston water-front. This should involve the building of shops, commercial businesses, restaurants and financial institutions. The development of the waterfront has been articulated beautifully by a former prime minister of Jamaica. This type of development will increase the economic potential of Kingston, create opportunities for tourism, and increase the employment opportunities. The government should draft polices that support and encourage continuity in businesses. They should pass regulations that protect native investors to ensure sustainability and viability of businesses.
In embarking on a renewed thrust in the expansion of S&T, Government needs to strengthen current research facilities by equipping them and broadening their capabilities. Research facilities need to be established in the western and central regions of Jamaica to support the population in those regions. The facilities should be established to facilitate investigative and brilliant minds who can conduct research, which would to give rise to new products and inventions.
These facilities should foster research in information technology, natural products, food technology and medical areas of diabetes, cancer and the human immune deficiency virus.
Economic expansion
The research institutions would be receptacles accommodating graduates of educational institutions in Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world. This new thrust will boost economic opportunities and set the stage for economic expansion there are economic challenges, increasing the financial support for science and technology will result in growth and development in agriculture, medicine, information technology, engineering and other vital areas.
Progress in S&T is evident in developed nations by the production of new software, vaccines, drugs, foods, methodologies and technological innovations. This thrust will set the stage in Jamaica for a productive future which has been hindered by ineffective and unproductive policies since Independence.
I am, etc.,
Dr. Paul Gyles
Dean, College of Natural and Applied Sciences
Northern Caribbean University
Mandeville
