... Most important investment – educating children

TO ENSURE its place in the modern economy, Jamaica must, provide an education for its young, Edie Weiner declared. “That is the single most important investment Jamaica could be making.

“If you want to deal with your corruption problem, your crime problem, your community blight ... anything, educate your kids.”

She pointed out that the nature of education itself would change, as there are more effective ways to learn than completing a set programme at a university. She said that students could learn faster and more enjoyably through gameplay than through formal study.

For companies, she suggested that they consider establishing advisory boards made up of 15-19 year olds who could provide information about the changes now under way in the society. She said, “They provide a picture of those who will make up your marketplace and workforce.”

Earl Jarrett, chief executive officer of the Jamaica National Group, thanked Weiner for “giving us a global scan of the world.

“Jamaica had struggled to find the right path to economic growth and its place in the world,” Jarrett said, adding that her contribution could help, “Jamaica to plot its way forward”.

Dr Dana Morris Dixon, business development and research executive at the Jamaica National Group, who organised the event, thanked Weiner for “her brilliant and thought-provoking presentation”.