World Bank at Utech, Jamaica

Axel van Trotsenburg (5th left), World Bank regional vice-president for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Professor Stephen Vaccianne (6th right) with students and executives of both entities at the University of Technology, Jamaica on Monday April 29, 2019, during the World Bank executive’s first official visit to Jamaica in this role.

He and other officials from the World Bank, engaged with students at the university’s animation lab, including beneficiaries of the World Bankfunded Youth Employment in Digital Animation Industries (YEDAI) project which supports animation. He commended Utech for the work it has done in this sector, which has resulted in students getting private sector animation projects and internship opportunities.

Van Trotsenburg later participated in a panel discussion with youth representatives, discussing how they see development in the country, challenges and opportunities, and their role in Jamaica’s path to economic and social development.

Panelists included Jermaine Cowan, Jamaica House Fellow, HOPE Programme; Ashleyann Foster, attorney-at-law; Kemesha Kelly, assistant lecturer, Department of Government, University of the West Indies; Tyrone Wilson, president and CEO, emedia Interactive Group; and Kabul Hutchinson, Utech Students’ Union

Council Representative. Media personality Debbie Bissoon was moderator.

Van Trotsenburg’s visit to Jamaica, which ended Wednesday, May 1, also saw him meeting with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Cabinet ministers, representatives of the private sector, and visiting several World Bank-funded projects.