Girls from several secondary schools across western parishes came together to prove that innovation has no age or gender limit at the Girls in ICT Day AI and Climate Change Hackathon, where participants developed AI‑powered solutions aimed at tackling serious climate change challenges and improving hurricane preparedness in Jamaica.

The hackathon, organized by STEMSpark Solutions and sponsored by the Digicel
Foundation, formed part of the global observance of International Girls in ICT Day 2026,
celebrated under the theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”
The event brought together the girls for a hands‑on innovation experience focused on
artificial intelligence and climate resilience. Working in teams, the girls were challenged
to design AI solutions that address the impact of hurricanes before, during and after a
storm, from early warning systems and evacuation planning to emergency response
and post‑disaster recovery.

Top honours went to Pulse Rescue AI, an innovative, AI powered emergency response
solution built by six students from Montego Bay High School. The winning team
impressed judges with a practical and lifesaving concept: an instant location sharing
application that connects people in danger directly with emergency responders during
hurricanes and severe storms. Designed with Jamaica’s hurricane realities in mind,
Pulse Rescue AI enables rapid communication during emergencies, helping to close
critical gaps in response time when lives are most at risk.
For team member Gabrianna Smith, the experience was transformative on both a
technical and personal level.

“Listening to the speakers share their experiences as women in ICT helped me to
understand how a creative approach of a woman to a male dominated field cantransform if we work together. I am so grateful to have been a part of this experience.
This opportunity showed me that AI is not just a short cut tool, but something that can
actually develop our ideas into something innovative and intentional,” Smith shared.
Chair of the Digicel Foundation Board, Joy Clark, described the initiative as both timely
and deeply relevant.

“This initiative is especially meaningful as our communities continue to feel the effects of
climate change. By equipping girls with digital skills and exposing them to AI, we are
empowering them to become problem solvers and leaders who can help shape
solutions for Jamaica’s future,” Clark said.
The focus on climate resilience resonated strongly with participants, particularly as
parishes across western Jamaica are still recovering from the October 2025 passage of
Hurricane Melissa. Many teams developed ideas inspired directly by their personal
experiences during the storm.

Speaking on the impact of those lived experiences, Dianne Plummer, Engineer and
Director of STEMSpark Solutions, underscored why this year’s hackathon focused so
strongly on hurricanes and disaster response.

“Jamaica is still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, and with hurricane season just
months away, this felt like the right moment to put that experience to work. These girls
lived through it, they felt the fear, the disruption and the gaps in support firsthand. That
lived experience is powerful. It means they are not just hypothesising solutions; they are
designing answers to problems they have personally faced. My goal was to give them
the tools, the space and the confidence to turn that experience into innovation,”
Plummer said.

She added that the hackathon aligns directly with the global Girls in ICT Day theme,
reinforcing the importance of early exposure and inclusion.
“When girls are given the tools, guidance and space to innovate, they bring forward
solutions that are creative, practical, and impactful. This hackathon is about showing
them that they belong in these spaces.”

Beyond building technical skills, the hackathon aimed to strengthen digital literacy,
encourage creative problem solving and inspire participants to pursue careers in ICT.
Girls also benefited from motivational and career talks delivered by Digicel women in
technology and leadership, who shared their journeys and advice on navigating the tech
sector.

Denise Cagley-Jefferson has been appointed executive director of Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFTP Jamaica).

She brings more than 20 years’ experience in the international non-profit sector, with a record spanning donor engagement, programme leadership and organisational management. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening communities and advancing sustainable, people-centred development, the organisation said.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Cagley-Jefferson is a mission-driven executive whose career covers international development, non-profit leadership and humanitarian assistance. She has worked across programme management, donor relations and strategic planning in several regions, including the Caribbean, the United States, the Pacific and parts of Europe and the Middle East.

She previously served as executive director of the Blue Mountain Project, which seeks to remove barriers to education and basic services for students and families in rural communities. She has remained closely involved with the organisation as a board member, FFTP Jamaica said.

Cagley-Jefferson has also held leadership and advisory roles focused on sustainability, food systems and community empowerment. Her background includes work with service-based programmes such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps, as well as international humanitarian coordination.

Described by FFTP Jamaica as a collaborative and solutions-oriented leader, she is recognised for strategic thinking, accountability and a hands-on leadership style. “FFTP Jamaica is confident that this appointment will strengthen the organisation’s operational excellence, deepen donor and partner relationships, and further advance sustainable, mission-aligned programmes that support vulnerable communities across Jamaica,” the organisation said.

Thousands of Jamaicans have been
empowered with critical digital literacy and online safety skills through year one of
the Digicel Foundation’s Safer Internet Together (SIT) programme, a nationwide
initiative designed to promote safer and more responsible internet use for Jamaicans
of all ages.

The year‑long programme was officially launched on February 11, 2025, in
observance of Safer Internet Day. Since its inception, SIT has delivered important
and necessary conversations around online safety and digital literacy, reaching over
32,000 students across 150 schools, more than 2,000 senior citizens, and over 100
community members islandwide.

The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), in partnership with the Digicel Foundation, recently hosted a two-week virtual entrepreneurship seminar via Zoom designed to equip seniors with the skills and confidence to pursue business ventures and achieve greater financial independence.

The seminar opened with a presentation by Robert Scott, Jamaica’s first Certified International Trade Professional, who guided participants on leveraging social media for authority and client acquisition, translating corporate skills into entrepreneurial products, and strengthening export readiness and professional positioning. He also introduced the concept of “You LLC”, encouraging participants to think of themselves as their own corporate entity, a personal “limited liability company” where they manage their skills, brand, and opportunities as a business.

Miguel “Steppa” Williams, Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development at the Digicel Foundation, delivered remarks expressing appreciation for the opportunity to support the initiative and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to empowering seniors.

Facilitator Dr Kadamawe Knife of the University of the West Indies, Mona, led the interactive sessions focusing on feasibility analysis, implementation and management, and harvesting business ventures. Participants also explored digitisation, business development, and identifying market opportunities, and were introduced to support systems such as the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and other initiatives for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

A highlight of the seminar was a presentation by CCRP Board Director Patricia Reid Waugh, who shared how she built multiple income streams in retirement through her professional expertise and creative pursuits, demonstrating the viability of entrepreneurship at any age.

Participants developed and presented business ideas across sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and the creative industries, while receiving guidance on feasibility, market research, and strategic planning. Emphasis was also placed on resource planning, niche markets, digital tools, and collaboration with organisations such as the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).

CCRP Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin also highlighted the importance of empowering seniors and encouraged engagement in emerging business opportunities. “Age is no obstacle – many successful entrepreneurs started in their 60s and 70s,” stated Mrs Lowrie-Chin. She encouraged attendees to attend the briefing announced by Finance Minister Fayval Williams, as 20 per cent of Government contracts will now go to micro and small businesses.

The seminar forms part of CCRP’s ongoing mission to advance the silver economy by supporting active ageing, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. Participants will continue to receive mentorship through CCRP’s network.

As we listened to the Citations for Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman and Dr Christine Fray at the Annual Soroptimists of Jamaica Awards event we were moved by the achievements of these dedicated women.

Recipient of the prestigious Stella Gregory Award, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman serves as Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, holding the highest-ranked military position in the country and creating history as Jamaica’s first woman Chief of Defence Staff.

Wemyss Gorman has many firsts: the first female officer to serve at sea in the JDF, the first woman to attain the rank of Commander, the first and only woman in Jamaica to attain Flag Rank—’an honour reserved for those holding the rank of Rear Admiral or its equivalent and above’. She began her military studies at the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College, gained a master’s degree with distinction in National Security and Strategic Studies from The University of the West Indies, Mona, and later graduated from the United States Naval War College.

We learned from the Citation, “Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman [reflects] the highest standards of leadership, excellence, and strategic management. Her visionary leadership led to the establishment of the Caribbean Maritime Military Training Centre, through which hundreds of officers locally and regionally have become proficient in Military Maritime Operations.”

“Her influence extends beyond national borders,” it continues. “She serves as Jamaica’s representative to the International Seabed Authority, acts as a Maritime Boundary Negotiator, and is a leading voice in bilateral defence partnerships with major defence organizations in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada.”

In her reply the JDF Chief of Defence Staff remarked that “Courage is not confined to the battlefield,” as she noted that the legendary Ena Collymore-Woodstock returned to Jamaica after serving in World War II and became Jamaica’s first woman Resident Magistrate. She introduced the high-ranking women JDF members who cheered her at the Soroptimists event. They chanted along with her, her favourite advice: “I believe how you do anything, is how you do everything.”

“Whether we serve in uniform or in civic life, we are united by duty and resolve to leave our country and institutions stronger than we found them,” she declared.

Fellow honouree Dr Christine Fray, recipient of the Grace Allen Young Award believes “Every moment is researchable.” The Associate Professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Technology, Jamaica, has investigated Jamaica’s major health challenges: obesity, chronic noncommunicable diseases, sports nutrition, gender-based violence, and our resulting socio-economic conditions. Motivated by her research, she is a co-founder of the Jamaica Association for Professionals in Dietetics and Nutrition (JAPINAD), which upholds excellence in the practice of nutrition and dietetics.

Her citation notes, “She has co-authored pivotal studies examining the mental health impact of child abuse, the prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica, and the economic burden of chronic diseases. She has highlighted the troubling reality that child sexual abuse remains pervasive within Jamaican society, perpetuated by social and cultural norms that inhibit disclosure and normalize harm… Dr. Fray has dedicated significant scholarly effort toward prevention and systemic change.”

The citation noted that, “in collaboration with None in Three, a global research centre focused on the prevention of gender-based violence, she has supported innovative, evidence-based approaches. This includes the development of an educational anti-violence video game called “Gabby,” which is grounded in real-world research, and helps to raise awareness about child sexual abuse …”

In her reply to the gathering, Dr Fray admits to breaking down in tears after interviewing abused children. Their trauma can bring a lifetime of pain without early intervention.

Keynote speaker at the event Professor Opal Palmer Adisa made an uplifting presentation, celebrating Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett’s perspicacity on Jamaican women.

As we arrived at the Montego Bay Campus of the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD) last Thursday, we saw gatherings of students communicating soundlessly, with lively hands and expressions. This was the 67^th Annual General Meeting of the organization, founded in 1958 by Rev. Willis Ethridge and his wife, Mildred from Ontario, Canada. CCCD Chair Carol Robertson shared that the couple was joined by Paula Montgomery, the first Deaf American missionary, and they set up a school for the Deaf in Manchester with eight students.

Now CCCD has four campuses: in Kingston at Cassia Park Road, the over 100-acre Jamaica Deaf Village in Manchester, Knockpatrick – also in Manchester, and Granville, Montego Bay. There is a staff of 105, serving 140 students. Acting Executive Director John Meeks noted that with approximately 54,000 Deaf individuals in Jamaica, it was important that more deaf children be enrolled at the three teaching campuses, which offer boarding facilities.

The Montego Bay and Manchester campuses were hard hit by Hurricane Melissa. Thanks to CCCD USA led by Ben Buekema and volunteers, operations resumed within weeks. Meeks noted: increased enrolment, increased job and internship placement – 86% success rate; 4H participation and achievement, high rate of certification in skill training courses/areas; continuation of spiritual focus – students and staff lead devotional exercises.

The meeting welcomed the news that a Deaf Police Youth Club would be established at the Montego Bay campus, and there is already one senior student who hopes to become a Police Officer. Last year, Jamaica’s first deaf Justice of the Peace was commissioned.

The education of our deaf children cannot be over-emphasised. This column has related the life story of Jamaica-born Claudia Gordon who became the first black deaf attorney-at-law in the USA. She said there was a deaf woman in her Cascade district of St. Mary who was called ‘Dummy’ and her mother moved to New York to access deaf education.

We have written about the rise of DeafCan Coffee Company from the Cassia Park Campus, piloted by Blake Widmer. Their mentor, Kent Mogler observed that of the 45 full-time employees, only two are hearing, showing the potential of our deaf once they are educated and guided by strong faith.

Every single presentation at the AGM acknowledged the guidance Christian beliefs which undergird the work of the CCCD. Financial executive Claudia Morgan-Senior spoke of God’s providence which had pulled them through both hurricanes – Beryl and Melissa. Board Directors Robertson, Beukema, Mogler, Patti Stoudt, Lola Wright, Pastor Sheldon Burkett and Troy Chambers channel this faith in CCCD’s leadership.

The Jamaica Deaf Village (JDV) was established by CCCD in 1984 to “serve as a safe place where Deaf adults and their families could live in community, attend worship, and find meaningful employment.”  Their website notes, “The three school campuses continued to run smoothly, and graduated class after class — but the Deaf graduating from high school still struggled to find employment. Employers did not have the time or resources to devote to learning to communicate with the Deaf, and did not hire them.”

“No job means no money, and no money means that, despite their education and potential, the deaf graduates were unable to provide for their own basic needs. Many turned to desperate means to obtain food, clothing, and shelter.”

Now, with farming, sewing and other projects, the JDV is self-sustaining. There has been ongoing training in tractor operation and the raising of small ruminants, though there have been setbacks due to praedial larceny. A HEART NSTA Trust Incubator project for crop production and rabbit rearing is now in progress.

John Meeks noted, “Statistics state that 90% of all Deaf children have hearing parents. Of those hearing parents, 80% have a very limited sign vocabulary or never learn to sign at all. Sadly, a large percentage of Deaf children do not have access to ASL/JSL and have very poor language models at home and in some cases, at school.”

If you have a deaf child or know of any in your community, please visit the CCCD website at https://www.cccdjamaica.org/ to give them a chance to achieve their full potential.