Impact of science on Jamaica

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less” (Marie Curie).

JAMAICA IS known for producing brilliant internationally renowned scientists that have had a global impact. Scientists are using their knowledge and applying it to impact societal, economical and global change. The willingness of our own Jamaican scientists – such as Dr Marcia Roye, the first Jamaican to have received the L’Oreal-UNESCO International Fellowship; Prof Paula Tenant, first person in the Caribbean to develop a bioengineered plant product; and Dr Lawrence Williams, extraordinary anti-cancer drug discoverer – is exceptional, just to name a few impactful living Jamaican legends.

Science holds the key to the progress and development of Jamaica and has impacted several lives through (1) wealth creation – several entrepreneurs, micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (MSME); (2) improved the quality of life– through scientific research in health, agriculture among others; (3) increased real economic growth and transformation in our society. The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) has been playing an instrumental role in the development of the science and technology sectors in Jamaica, along with agencies such as the Scientific Research Council (SRC), the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), the International Centre for Nuclear Science (ICENS), and our universities. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) recognises the impact that science and technology have had on the Jamaican economy over the last few decades and is committed to stimulating and improving its growth.

The Government is therefore committed to deepening the use of science, and in this regard has approved for tabling in Parliament, as a White Paper, the National Science, Technology and Innovation (NST&I) Policy. The NST&I Goals as set out in the policy include:

Goal 1: A Dynamic and Responsive National System of Innovation

Goal 2: A Culture of Innovation

Goal 3: A Development Agenda Advanced by ST&I

Goal 4: An Excellent Research and Development Capability

Goal 5: An Enabling ST&I Policy Environment

It is important to note that Goal 4 in the policy is aimed at emphasising science at all levels in the educational system and reorienting the entire society towards scientific thinking in order to develop new scientific-based technologies and adapt existing ones to improve our societal well-being and our research and development capability.

DR CHENIELLE DELAHAYE-MCKENZIE, Science Programme Manager

Science Division Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET)