Published in The Gleaner on Tuesday, July 21, 2022

Although she has not settled on a career path just yet, 16-year-old Joanna White* is using the IGT Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp to immerse herself deeper in the wide-ranging field of technology.

“It has taught me a lot so far, and I now know that robots can do advanced things,” she told The Gleaner shortly after the camp’s opening ceremony on Wednesday.

Joanna is one of the Jamaicans among 36 participants from seven Caribbean countries participating in the summer programme, which will focus on technological innovations capable of addressing social and environmental issues and fuelling sustainable growth within the region.

The camp is funded by International Game Technology (IGT), in collaboration with Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), and will be held over two weeks from July 20 to 29 and from August 15 to 26 under the theme ‘Youth Coding for a Sustainable Caribbean’.

The Jamaican participants were selected from the SOS Children’s Village in Stony Hill, St Andrew; Sunbeam Children’s Home in Old Harbour, St Catherine; the Spring Village Development Foundation; the Mustard Seed Communities; and the Women’s Centre of Jamaica.

IGT Caribbean Regional Director Brendan Hames said the camp aims to equip youth with marketable programming skills.

“There is a growing realisation among educators that teaching coding and robotics to children and youth will give them valuable skills for life and expose them to innovative uses of technology,” said Hames.

He explained that given the success of the 2021 camp, and to better achieve the objectives of this year’s programme, IGT and MGI have decided to deliver the training at two levels – the cohort from last year’s camp, along with newcomers who already have introductory knowledge in coding.

The will help the returnees to build on the fundamentals learnt last year, while the new cohort will be introduced to the basics of coding and robotics.

Lead tutor Kevin Johnson told The Gleaner that the participants will delve into artificial intelligence and web development, before moving on to practical assessments.

“They will be going through something called Google Teachable Machine. That is an artificial intelligence programme that will allow them to teach Google how to classify objects. For example, they will take pictures of trees, shrubs or flowers and show it to Google, and Google will learn from those images; and they can even use a webcam to scan the images in real time,” Johnson said.

Participants will also bolster their skills through the use of JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and HTML.

Johnson said that a refresher course was held with some students last week and they are now on par with the other participants.

“They have been grasping the information quickly. They have been interactive, and they have been asking questions,” the lead tutor said, adding that at the end of the summer camp, participants will sit theory and practical examinations.

Romaro Cross, a social worker at Sunbeam Children’s Home, said that six wards from the institution were chosen for the camp based on their interest in technology.

“They have been enthused by the sessions and they have been attentive,” he said, adding that they will access the remainder of the programme virtually.

Cross explained that their participation is likely to have a ripple effect by sparking interest in technology among the other wards, and possibly influencing them to want to join the programme.

“If they see one of these students create a web page or even a game, they are all going to want to join this. Boys, as we know, are game lovers, so if they at any point learn how to design their own game, I assure you that it will be something that they all look forward to,” Cross said.

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20220721/camp-challenges-children-use-tech-tackle-pressing-issues

https://www.linkedin.com/company/igt/

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 11, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” graduation class of 2022

My colleague Racquel Simpson was at last week’s Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” graduation to cheer on her sister Latanya Davis. She said it was the school’s largest-ever graduation, an impressive ceremony held on the lawns of Alpha Park.

Valedictorian Shevanise Carr reminded her peers of the theme ‘Kindling the Flame of Excellence’, and called on her schoolmates to be “modelled by faith”; practise “principled leadership”; and “serve without prejudice”. Guest speaker Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Jamaica Foundation, inspired the audience with her call to excellence. She reminded them, by quoting the late General Colin Powell, former United States Secretary of State, that, “There are no secrets to success, it is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failures.”

Congratulations to Principal Kali McMorris, her faculty and staff for tackling the challenges of the novel coronavirus pandemic and delivering a memorable ceremony.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 11, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Shinzo Abe

The world was shaken by news of the tragic death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Having been the longest-serving prime minister of Japan, he was the face of the country, engaging fellow world leaders and promoting global unity.

In its tribute the Caribbean Community (Caricom) described Abe as “a man who made great efforts to reshape his country and its place in the world”.

They noted, “Mr Abe is well remembered in our community as in 2014 he became the first prime minister of Japan to visit the region and meet with our Heads of Government, taking to a new level the political engagement between Caricom and Japan.”

“It was during that visit that the prime minister signalled Japan’s support in recognising the vulnerability of small island and low-lying coastal developing states (SIDS) … during the summit in Port of Spain [he] reset Caricom-Japan relations by outlining his country’s three-pillar policy towards the community. These are co-operation towards sustainable development, including overcoming vulnerabilities particular to small island states; deepening and expanding bonds founded on exchanges and friendship; and co-operation in addressing challenges in the international community.”

At Friday’s sitting of the Senate, government and Opposition representatives paid tribute to Abe’s distinguished journey. President of the Senate Tom Tavares Finson described him as a friend of Jamaica who touched the lives of Jamaican leaders. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said, “Japan has been a true friend to Jamaica and, indeed, Prime Minister Abe was. Japan is one of our largest bilateral grant-funding donors. It is a matter of significant appreciation and demonstration of friendship that goes beyond sports and music into these substantive economic areas of support… Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will rest strong in our memories.”

Opposition Senator Dr Floyd Morris noted, “We have established diplomatic relations with Japan from 1964 and they have been extremely good friends of Jamaica… His work and the work of his country has impacted Jamaica, and we, on this side of the Opposition, want to extend our profound regret and sadness at his passing.”

They recalled that Jamaica welcomed Abe on a State visit in September 2015, and his respect for our country heralded his people’s embrace of our culture and significant investment through the Marubeni Group of Companies and the Ueshima Coffee Company.

We extend deep sympathy to the people of Japan as they grieve his passing. May his great soul rest in peace.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 11, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

By 2050 one quarter of the Caribbean and Latin American population will be over 65 years old, the age of retirement..

Ah, my young and fabulous friends, it is wonderful that you can enjoy those expensive fashions and parties now, but, even as I write, the stress on our National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is increasing and inflation is ravaging pensions.

In a forum held last week by the Central Bank of Barbados and chaired by David Ellis we discussed sobering statistics. By 2050 one quarter of the Caribbean and Latin American population will be over 65 years old, the age of retirement. It will be even worse for Jamaica. Panellist Diane Quarless, director of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean noted that 39 per cent of Jamaicans will reach retirement age by then.

If you add 25 years to your current age, it may be a wake-up call for how many years you have left to make meaningful plans for your retirement. Panellist at the forum, Professor Emeritus Karl Theodore, noted that, “With the shrinking of the labour force, there is a threat to our capacity to generate income as well as a second threat, the pressure on health systems.” He said that after retirement people have more health issues requiring costly treatments.

Marilyn Rice-Bowen of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) noted that they are promoting the concept of “ageing in place” and asking for support for families who care for their elders. She says such an exercise can benefit three generations. This plan is well supported by our own Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer. I shared that our Ministry of Health and Wellness had been promoting healthy ageing and raising awareness of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lower respiratory disease.

Derek Osborne, partner and senior actuary at LifeWorks, Bahamas, believes that “the crisis is here”. He said that, if there is no change, pension schemes will be depleted in 15 to 20 years and governments may have to make “smaller promises or greater contribution”.

We saw that move in Jamaica last week when Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Nigel Clarke announced a $550 million subvention for low-income pensioners.

Another worrying observation by Diane Quarless is that 40 per cent of young people, up to 25 years old, in the region are unemployed. Imagine then that retired people with their meagre resources could become the prey of these hapless youth. It is a clarion call for us in Jamaica who have seen sickening reports of older folks under attack by younger relatives.

Skills training and employment are a must to protect our society.

I remember giving a talk to young folks at S Corner in downtown Kingston when the Horizon Adult Remand Centre prison was announced. “But Miss,” said a member of the audience, “why the Government building prison? Why they not building factory and giving us work?”

In a recent Jamaica Observer article, Brianna Palmer noted Dr Clarke’s observation that, of a working population of just under 1.3 million, less than half are enrolled in the NIS. An estimated 11.6 per cent of Jamaicans are covered in the private pension industry. However, these generous private sector pensions have a high level of taxation.

Our Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) seniors organisation has been appealing to the Government to give greater tax relief to pensioners. CCRP directors Warren McDonald and Patricia Reid-Waugh have noted that Jamaica’s annual tax-free threshold is US$9,810, while it is US$12,426 in Trinidad and Tobago and US$12,500 in Barbados.

The measures we are calling for, including legislation for elderly care and protection, should be supported by Jamaicans of all ages for the benefit of our beloved elders, but also for ourselves. Our day will come

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 4, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 4, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Here’s wishing our US family and friends a happy Fourth of July. It is a special one for us in Jamaica as for the first time we have a Jamaican-born US Ambassador, Noah Nickolas “Nick” Perry. Greetings to him and the staff at the US Embassy.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 4, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Our pastor, Rev Dr Howard Thompson is not one to speak about his accomplishments. However, it is remarkable that when he presented his master’s thesis at The University of the West Indies, he was advised that with a few more substantial chapters he may be recommended for an upgrade for a doctoral degree in theology. Not only was he successful, but he also received the doctorate with high commendation.

Recently, Father Howie, who was born a Hindu and previously pursued a career in banking, celebrated his 24th anniversary of priesthood. His memorable homilies have gone far and wide as his online presence grew during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Now people of various denominations look forward to his daily online prayers.

Father Howie initiated and successfully led Roman Catholic evangelisation walks to broker peace and solidarity by visiting over 500 homes during the eruption of violence in the Red Hills Road area when he was pastor at St Richard’s Church.

He is patron of the Stella Maris Foundation, serves on archdiocesan councils, and lectures at St Michael’s Seminary and at the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI).

His even temper becomes a tad passionate when the West Indies cricket team is in competition. We wish him many more inspiring years of service.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 4, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Ltd (SVREL) has announced the naming of a new racing event at Caymanas Park in honour of Clovis Metcalfe, chair of both the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission and the Jamaica Racing Commission. This is in acknowledgement of Metcalfe’s role in the development of racing as a partner in Ham Stables, owners and breeders of racehorses since the 70s.

Jamaica Observer reporter Ruddy Allen quoted Metcalfe in a recent report: “I followed in the footsteps of Howard Hamilton who, just a month ago, was accorded such honour … it is my hope that the trend will continue, and going forward we will see farriers, grooms, jockeys, trainers, owners, outstanding stakeholders, and other individuals that they may be accorded that same honour.”

Metcalfe, retired managing director of CIBC-FCIBJ, and his wife Hermine, former lecturer in pharmacy at University of Technology, Jamaica, are both recipients of national honours for their service in various spheres of Jamaican life. Heartiest congratulations to them both.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 4, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Just like shooting deaths, we are becoming dangerously inured to fatal road crashes. We are now barely affected by the sight of motor vehicles crumpled beyond recognition and firefighters working to free the hapless victims.

Up to last Friday, over 230 lives were lost on our roads, an increase over the same period last year. The level of indiscipline on our roads makes us wary of moving off when we get the green as chances are there are several coming at us on the red. We see second and third lanes being formed, mostly by taxi drivers, pushing oncoming traffic on to the sidewalk. There is still no safe time for pedestrians to cross the busy intersection of Hope, Trafalgar, and Waterloo roads, even though several schools are in the surrounding areas.

Dr Lucien Jones, convenor of the National Road Safety Council, has noted, “Our big problem is that over 80 per cent of bikers are not wearing helmets. Many road users also are not buckled up, are driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding. A deadly cocktail of eminently preventable causes of crashes and death.” Until the updated Road Traffic Act is implemented and people start feeling their carelessness in their pockets, the fatalities will keep climbing.

Excerpt from The Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, July 4, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

As we scan our social media pages and see the arrows shooting back and forth between the political tribalists, we wonder: How does this affect potential investors’ impressions of Jamaica?

While our athletes train from morning to night to produce world-leading results, others are just producing discord with their bitter posts. For us to reinforce our strong democracy, we can criticise without being disrespectful.

In the meanwhile, there are brilliant Jamaicans in both the public and private sector who are flying our flag high despite the constant griping. Last week I had the chance to visit such individuals, leaving the meetings with renewed hope.

First, we met with Senator Leslie Campbell, state minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade who has been engaging our Jamaican Diaspora in concert with our outstanding Ambassador Audrey Marks. We were impressed by the courteous staff and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Kingston Harbour offered by their new headquarters. This location should reinforce our commitment to environmental protection as it sits on the very edge of the Kingston Waterfront.

We visited Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro), sharing thoughts with President Diane Edwards who has been engaging international investors at the World Freezone Organization (World FZO) Conference and Jamaicans abroad at the Jamaica Diaspora Conference last month. This comes on the heels of Jampro receiving the Best Use of Partnership Award from the World Trade Promotion Organizations for supporting micro, small and medium enterprises to overcome export challenges. The popular Site Selection magazine has also declared Jamaica “the logistics Capital of the Caribbean”.

We also met with American Chamber of Commerce Jamaica Jamaica (AMCHAM) President Ann-Dawn Young Sang and CEO Jodi-Ann Quarrie. They were upbeat on US-Jamaica partnerships, acknowledging our challenges but confident that we can seize the many new opportunities that are coming our way. In a discussion with Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) vice-presidents Jacqueline Sharp and Adrian Stokes, who is also chair of the PSOJ Economic Committee, we realised the commitment of these high-level volunteers who run successful businesses, even as they engage on Jamaica’s development demands. Led by President Keith Duncan and CEO Imega Breeze-McNab, the PSOJ has dedicated sub-committees that have directly impacted government policy and give practical guidance. Indeed, anyone can go the PSOJ website for a free download of the Jamaica Corporate Governance Code.

Even if we do not occupy positions of power, we can follow these examples and project positivity for Jamaica. The news headlines are bad enough, the crime level is distressing but we can only move forward if we build on what is good in Jamaica. In the words of Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, “There is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica.”