Jamaica’s animal welfare programmes are set to receive a significant boost through the efforts of the Animal Welfare Advocacy Group (AWAG) a not-for-profit membership organization.

AWAG, which was launched recently at the Hope Zoo’s Serengeti facility, saw a gathering of a wide range of players in the animal health and welfare community . Dr. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson, founder of the organization, gave the inaugural address, and guest speaker Dr. Kevin Walker represented  the Hon Floyd Green Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. 

Dr. Walker lauded AWAG for convening key players such as the JSPCA, the Racing Commission, the Jamaica Veterinary Medicine Association. Jamaica Equine Veterinary Association, Montego Bay Animal Haven, Hope Zoo and a number of private animal welfare defenders to form a critical mass that speaks with one voice to the public and to Government agencies re legal reform public education, enforcement and community action. 

AWAG is an umbrella organization with a strong executive committee and sub-committees related to the different areas of expertise. Executive Committee Members include Dr. Paul Cadogan, Dr Sarah Eytle, Dr. Sophia Ramlal, Dr. Barbara Carby, Dr. Bri Schwapp, Mrs.Pamela Lawson, Mrs. Cindi Scholefeld, Mrs.Jessica Munitz, Mrs. Marie Baillie, Dr. Audrie McNab.

AWAG which was convened in 2022 has already had an impact in the animal welfare community. It has submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture proposed amendments to the Animal Cruelty Act which is now under review. It is initiating a programme of public education bringing together the Ministry of Agriculture and the JIS. A plan is now in place to work with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Police Training College to strengthen knowledge and skills related to animal welfare and the enforcement of animal laws.

The aim of AWAG is not to compete with existing organizations or to replicate programmes but to enhance existing programmes and strengthen the capacity of agencies to create new ones while focusing on advocacy its raison d’etre.

High on the AWAG agenda is the matter of the elimination of the practice of fake vets which is common particularly in rural areas. The frequent complaints from tourists about the poor state of animal welfare in Jamaica is a matter that requires urgent attention, so is the need for more pounds for stray animals, funding for spay and neuter programmes and more animal foster homes to deal with the surge in displaced domestic animals as apartment living becomes more prevalent. One overarching need is public education which requires collaboration between all stakeholders public and private.

Special guest at the launch was ‘Dr.’ Teddy Barks, Jamaica’s first therapy dog. Dr. Teddy works out of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital. He was raised and trained by Mr .Joey Brown. Curator of the Hope Zoo. 

^{Source: Jamaica Gleaner}

International Game Technology (IGT), collaborated with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) to host a two-day Drone Technology Camp, introducing students to the field of drone technology. The camp, held at the University of the West Indies Mona Geoinformatics Campus, welcomed students age five to 18 years old from six of IGT’s After School Advantage centres including Dunrobin Primary, St Michaels Primary, SOS Children’s Village, Stony Hill; Mustard Seed Communities Little Angels Learning Centre, Mary’s Child, Matthew 25:40 and Dare to Care Programme. Here Sergeant Carter (right), and a member of his team teach the students how to assemble one of the larger drones at the camp.

^{Source: Corporate Hands: The Jamaica Gleaner}

IGT Coding and Robotics Rock camp equips C’bean youth for new semester

International Game Technology (IGT), a global leader in gaming, completed its fourth annual IGT Coding and Robotics Rock Camp for Caribbean youth.

Now, participating students are back to school and energised for the new year, poised to become innovators and problem-solvers.

IGT partnered with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI) at the University of the West Indies to host the virtual camp, under the inspiring theme ‘Climate Action: Think It! Code It! Solve It’.

The camp, an extension of IGT’s global After School Advantage (ASA) programme, consisted of introductory (Level 1) and intermediate (Level 2) programmes. 

A total of 72 students from five Caribbean countries – Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago – participated in the virtual camp.

^{Source: LOOP News}

Debbie-Ann Green (second right), general manager, International Game Technology (IGT), presents care packages for young mothers to Nadia Williams (right), administrator at Mustard Seed Communities, Mary’s Child on February 27 in honour of International Women’s Day. IGT also presented packages to students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, while sharing messages of encouragement and inspiration. Mary’s Child is a residential facility established in 1992 for teenage mothers and their babies, providing them with training in life-enabling skills and educational opportunities. IGT has partnered with them since May 2016.

^{Source: Corporate Hands: The Jamaica Gleaner}