Williams urges more women to become engineers

MINISTER OF Science, Energy and Technology Fayval Williams is encouraging more women to join the field of engineering.

“I believe our women have much to contribute to the growth of this country, and the field of engineering is no exception,” she said.

Williams made the call in a speech delivered by Director of Project Management and Administration in the ministry, Horace Buckley, at the launch of the Mona Engineering Society at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus in St Andrew last week Thursday.

Williams underscored the pivotal role played by engineers in society, noting that they are responsible for a number of major developments.

“From bridges to roads, automobiles to airplanes, buildings to computers and software, engineering cuts across all sectors,” she said.

Williams added that the assistance by engineering professionals in fields such as research and medicine is well documented.

TRAINING GROUND

“As engineers, you serve a crucial role in the development of our society, and the ideas that you come up with today can drive our development agenda even further,” she noted.

Williams commended the engineering students at the Mona campus for coming together to establish the society.

“A society such as this is instrumental in the university environment, as it serves as a training ground for student engineers to practise and hone their craft in preparation for the world outside of the halls of learning,” she noted.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Alando Terrelonge, in his greetings, also emphasised the important role played by engineers in society and commended the students for taking up the initiative to launch the Mona Engineering Society.

“You will play a role in Jamaica and also in determining the future and the sustainability of our country,” he said.

Meanwhile, President of the Mona Engineering Society Jachin Mullings, said the group was established to being students together from the various engineering fields.

He encouraged the members to ensure that there is unity among engineering students and that they look out for, and support, each other.