Flanking Pastor Claudia Ferguson, chair of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee, are Jonathan Brown (left), Manning’s School board member, and Courtney Campbell, president & CEO of the VM Group.
THE historic Manning’s School in Westmoreland, which was ravaged by the October 28, 2025 Hurricane Melissa, will get a rebuilding boost for its wellness centre from this year’s National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB).
The 46th staging of the NLPB will focus on western Jamaica, with the historic Thomas Manning Building structure, which is believed to be the oldest-surviving part of the institution that was built in the early 20th century, being the focus.
“This year the VM Group and the NLPB have identified simultaneously the charity for sponsorship as the Manning’s School, and we are focusing again on the sick bay which requires significant rehabilitation,” said secretary for the NLPB Committee Reverend Wayneford McFarlane during media briefing on Wednesday.
Past chairman of the NLPB Committee, Reverend Sam McCook, said the project, which is valued at $2.8 million, will be undertaken in collaboration with the Manning’s School Past Students Association.“The project involves spending roughly $2.5 million on a modular structure, $300,000 on some ancillary aspects which they regard as a baseline. That is in excess of what we have traditionally done as a breakfast, and we indicated to the past students that we may not be able to fully fund that, but they welcomed the support and the efforts will be made to compliment what was done,” said McCook.
In the meantime, president and CEO of VM Group Courtney Campbell said its organisation stands in support of all the objectives and the virtues promoted by the NLPB.“We believe in the power of faith, we believe in the effectiveness of prayer, we believe in the importance of unity, and we believe, like many others, righteousness exalts a nation,” Campbell said.
Underscoring Melissa’s devastation to western parishes, the NLPB Committee announced on Wednesday that the annual National Week of Prayer for this year will be launched in that section of the island, with the first service being held at the First Church of the Open Bible in Montego Bay, St James.
The week of prayer will culminate on the morning of January 15 with the NLPB, which will be held under the theme ‘Caring for our neighbour’.
(L–R) Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills Youth and Information; Principal of The Mico University College, Dr. Asburn Pinnock; CEO of the Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels; and Digicel Foundation Chair, Joy Clark, cut the ribbon to officially open a Smart Lab at The Mico University College. The lab is the second of five being installed at teachers’ colleges across the island.
The Digicel Foundation has officially handed over two state-of-the-art Smart Labs to St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College and The Mico University College, marking another milestone in its mission to advance education through technology and innovation.
The Smart Labs, each outfitted with 24 laptops and a Mimio-compatible smart board, are part of the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that teacher training institutions are equipped with modern tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Speaking at the handover ceremony of the Smart Lab at St. Joseph’s Teachers College on Thursday, October 09, 2025, Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, said the investment reflects the Foundation’s dedication to building a more inclusive and technology-driven education system.
“Teachers are the backbone of our society. Every doctor, engineer or scientist begins with a teacher who believed in them. And today, in this digital age, we want to give our teachers the tools that will make their work more impactful and more efficient,” Daniels said. “This Smart Lab has been fully retrofitted and outfitted with advanced technology, including 24 laptops and an interactive Smart Board powered by Mimio Studio Educational software.”
At St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, the newly installed Smart Lab has already been embraced by faculty and students. Winsome Francis, Principal of St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, noting its alignment with the college’s mission to prepare 21st-century educators.
“This Smart Lab is a game-changer for our students,” said Francis. “It allows us to expose future teachers to the technology they will use in the classroom, helping them to innovate and connect with learners in new and exciting ways. We are thankful to the Digicel Foundation for making this possible.”
Meanwhile, at The Mico University College, the second of the two Smart Labs was officially handed over earlier this week. Dr. Asburn Pinnock, President of The Mico University College, said the lab will enhance teaching practice. “This Smart Lab embodies the intersection of education and technology that will now serve as a powerful hub of creativity, collaboration and digital literacy,” Dr. Pinnock stated. “The Lab will provide a dynamic space for teachers to explore innovative teaching methods and a training ground for lecturers to model technology integration and instruction.”
Representing the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary, commended the Foundation for its continued partnership and support of national education priorities. “We applaud the Digicel Foundation for understanding the mission and vision of transformation in education,” said Dr. Troupe. “This investment means that our teachers will be equipped with the skillset to prepare our young people for the global digital economy. As this lab comes available, I encourage our teachers to embrace the new learning opportunity.” The Smart Labs at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College and The Mico University College are the first two of five labs in teacher training colleges the Digicel Foundation will roll out this financial year as part of its STEM and digital literacy programme.
Digicel Foundation Board Director, Wayne Smith, engages with St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College Student Union President, Sariek Edwards (left), and Vice President, Alex Hepburn, inside the newly opened Smart Lab. The lab is the first of five being installed at teachers’ colleges across the island.
Students at the 2025 Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp examine robotics components and reference materials under the guidance of staff volunteers and Centre Supervisors, developing technical skills through collaborative learning.
Brightstar Lottery (“Brightstar”), successfully completed its fifth annual Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp with 100 Caribbean students graduating from the programme. Comprised of students from five Caribbean territories – Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago and the US Virgin Islands – the Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp proved that geography cannot limit Caribbean youth’s technological potential.
From July 14-25, students from Brightstar’s After School Advantage Centres immersed themselves in a cutting-edge curriculum developed with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (“MGI”) at The University of the West Indies. Under the theme “Coding Opens Doors”, participants didn’t just learn technology – they became creators, innovators, and digital architects of the Caribbean’s technological future.
“The digital literacy gap isn’t merely a technological challenge; it’s a matter of economic sovereignty for Caribbean nations,” said Shelly Ann Hee Chung, Brightstar’s Director, Antilles. “Through our Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp, we cultivated a generation of innovative thinkers who transformed from technology consumers to creators, establishing a foundation for sustainable digital economies across our islands.”
The Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp featured two distinct learning tracks. Level 1 students mastered web development fundamentals, learning HTML for content creation, CSS for design, and JavaScript for interactivity. Their capstone projects included personalised websites featuring Home and About Me pages, Coding Careers pages exploring technology opportunities, Coding Tools pages highlighting development resources, and Contact Us pages – all inspired by the camp’s “Coding Opens Doors” theme.
Level 2 participants advanced into artificial intelligence (“AI”) and robotics, exploring AI applications, creating machine learning models using Google Teachable Machines, and building functional robots using VEX robotics platforms. Students engaged with cutting-edge technologies, including Robotic Process Automation and participated in VR.VEX virtual reality activities.
“In the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, early exposure to computational thinking proves as fundamental as traditional literacy,” said Debbie Green, General Manager, Brightstar Jamaica. “Our multi-island approach to the Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp demonstrates our commitment to democratizing access to these critical skills, ensuring that geographical constraints don’t limit any child’s opportunity to participate in the digital future.”
The programme’s success was measured not only in technical skills acquired but in the transformation of student perspectives on technology careers. Participants discovered how coding opens doors to industries ranging from healthcare and finance to entertainment and environmental conservation, directly addressing the Caribbean’s need for homegrown technology talent.
Throughout the camp, students worked in virtual breakout rooms, fostering collaboration across territories while building individual expertise. The programme’s hands-on approach yielded extraordinary results. Students created working web calculators, interactive image carousels, and AI models addressing everything from hurricane preparedness to sustainable tourism. Their final presentations demonstrated not just technical proficiency but creative problem-solving that directly addressed Caribbean realities.
“By designing content that’s accessible to students regardless of their technical background, we are helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators who can use mapping, software engineering, data analysis, and geospatial thinking to solve real-world problems in their communities,” said Luke Buchanan, Executive Director, MGI.
The 2025 Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp’s success arrives at a crucial moment. As Caribbean governments prioritise digital transformation and seek homegrown technology talent, Brightstar’s investment in youth development provides exactly the skilled workforce these ambitions require.
This fifth annual achievement positions Brightstar as more than a technology company – it’s a catalyst for Caribbean excellence, proving that strategic investment in youth education yields transformational results that can benefit entire regions for generations to come.
Students collaborate on coding projects during the 2025 Brightstar Coding and Robotics Rock!, developing essential digital skills via interactive technology education.
For decades, the Caribbean has watched its brightest talents migrate to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, pursuing opportunities that seemed unattainable at home. However, a quiet revolution is unfolding across our islands, one that is transforming the story of Caribbean youth and their future prospects. Brightstar Lottery’s fifth annual Brightstar Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp, which took place from July 14 to 25, 2025, is more than just a technology education programme—it’s a strategic investment in increasing brain gain in our region.
A student adjusts a humanoid robot during the fifth-annual Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar. The hands-on curriculum, developed in partnership with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI), is part of a STEM initiative aimed at fostering innovation and technological literacy among Jamaican youth
The concept of “brain gain” has become increasingly relevant as Caribbean nations recognise that retaining educated talent is crucial for sustainable development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on economic incentives, Brightstar’s innovative camp tackles the root cause: the perception that meaningful technology careers do not exist in the Caribbean. “We’re not just teaching students to code; we’re showing them that the Caribbean can be a launchpad for global innovation,” explains Debbie Green, General Manager of Brightstar Jamaica. “When young people see that they can build cutting-edge robotics projects right here in Jamaica, work with international partners like the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, and collaborate with peers across the Caribbean, they begin to envision a future where staying home means staying ahead.”
This year’s camp brought together over 40 students from five Caribbean locations—Jamaica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. The programme’s theme, “Coding Opens Doors,” took on greater significance when viewed through the lens of regional development. These doors do not only lead to individual opportunities; they open pathways to transforming entire economies.
The multi-island approach is especially crucial. Instead of creating isolated pockets of expertise, the programme fosters a connected network of young innovators who view themselves as part of a larger Caribbean tech ecosystem. This interconnectedness is essential for brain gain, as it shows that remaining in the Caribbean does not mean working in isolation. Amarez Huggins Delashley, from the camp’s 2024 cohort, notes: “The camp helped me to solve problems more easily: this made me think logically and solve complex problems. For example, solving a Rubik’s Cube, putting together a complex puzzle, etc. The Robotics Camp taught me multiple shortcuts, which are now helping me to easily access and use computers.” The economic implications are profound. Traditional Caribbean industries—tourism, agriculture, and financial services—are increasingly reliant on technology. Young people trained in coding and robotics are not
just prepared for hypothetical future jobs; they are enabled to innovate within existing industries and to develop entirely new ones.
“We’re witnessing the emergence of a generation that sees technology as a tool for Caribbean empowerment, not escape. These students are learning that they can build international-standard solutions while addressing uniquely Caribbean challenges. That’s the foundation of sustainable brain gain,” says Green. The camp’s collaboration with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute enhances academic rigour and local relevance in the curriculum. Students are not merely acquiring generic programming skills; they are investigating how technology can tackle Caribbean-specific issues, such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable tourism.
“Our partnership with Brightstar represents a critical shift in how we approach technology education in the Caribbean. By providing coding and robotics training in real Caribbean scenarios, from hurricane tracking, general software development and coastal monitoring to environmental stewardship, at MGI we help students see that some of the most exciting technological opportunities exist right here at home. These young innovators are not just learning to code; they are learning to build solutions for the Caribbean and beyond.”
Fun fact: students from other islands are already envisioning projects that could assist with oil spill clean-up—something that is very important for our environment here. The programme’s success is measured not only by the technical skills gained but also by the changed perspectives about the Caribbean’s potential. Participants leave with more than just coding knowledge; they carry a vision of the Caribbean as a place where innovation thrives and where young talent is nurtured.
The broader After School Advantage programme, which operates 38 centres across the English-speaking Caribbean, provides the infrastructure for this transformation. These centres ensure that the camp’s impact extends well beyond two weeks, establishing year-round communities of learning and innovation.
Programmes like Brightstar’s camp offer a path forward that does not require choosing between progress and place. By investing in technology education that is both world-class and locally relevant, Brightstar is not just training programmers—they are cultivating the architects of our region’s digital future. The true measure of success for initiatives like this will not be reflected in graduation statistics or job placement rates, but in the young Caribbean professionals who, in ten years’ time, will be leading technology companies, developing innovative solutions, and mentoring the next generation—all while calling the Caribbean home.
Students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation’s Mandeville Centre participate in one of the Level II sessions during the 2025 Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar
How coding initiatives encourage educated youth to stay local
A student adjusts a humanoid robot during the fifth annual Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar. The hands-on curriculum, developed in partnership with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, is part of a STEM initiative aimed at fostering innovation and technological literacy among Jamaican youth.
FOR decades, the Caribbean has watched its brightest talents migrate to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, pursuing opportunities that seemed unattainable at home. However, a quiet revolution is unfolding across our islands, one that is transforming the story of Caribbean youth and their future prospects.
Brightstar Lottery’s fifth annual Brightstar Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp, which took place from July 14 to 25, 2025, is more than just a technology education programme — it’s a strategic investment in increasing brain gain in our region.The concept of “brain gain” has become increasingly relevant as Caribbean nations recognise that retaining educated talent is crucial for sustainable development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on economic incentives, Brightstar’s innovative camp tackles the root cause: the perception that meaningful technology careers do not exist in the Caribbean.
“We’re not just teaching students to code — we’re showing them that the Caribbean can be a launchpad for global innovation,” explains Debbie Green, general manager of Brightstar Jamaica. “When young people see that they can build cutting edge robotics projects right here in Jamaica, work with international partners like the Mona Geoinformatics Institute, and collaborate with peers across the Caribbean, they begin to envision a future where staying home means staying ahead.”This year’s camp brought together over 40 students from five Caribbean locations — Jamaica, St Kitts, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. The programme’s theme, ‘Coding Opens Doors’, took on greater significance when viewed through the lens of regional development. These doors do not only lead to individual opportunities — they open pathways to transforming entire economies.
The multi-island approach is especially crucial. Instead of creating isolated pockets of expertise, the programme fosters a connected network of young innovators who view themselves as part of a larger Caribbean tech ecosystem. This interconnectedness is essential for brain gain as it shows that remaining in the Caribbean does not mean working in isolation.Amarez Huggins Delashley, from the camp’s 2024 cohort, notes, “The camp helped me to solve problems more easily; this made me think logically and solve complex problems. For example, solving a Rubik’s cube, putting together a complex puzzle, etc, the robotics camp taught me multiple shortcuts which are now helping me to easily access and use computers.”
The economic implications are profound. Traditional Caribbean industries — tourism, agriculture, and financial services — are increasingly reliant on technology. Young people trained in coding and robotics are not just prepared for hypothetical future jobs, they are enabled to innovate within existing industries and to develop entirely new ones.“We’re witnessing the emergence of a generation that sees technology as a tool for Caribbean empowerment, not escape. These students are learning that they can build international-standard solutions while addressing uniquely Caribbean challenges. That’s the foundation of sustainable brain gain,” says Green.
The camp’s collaboration with the Mona Geoinformatics Institute enhances academic rigour and local relevance in the curriculum. Students are not merely acquiring generic programming skills, they are investigating how technology can tackle Caribbean-specific issues such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable tourism.
“Our partnership with Brightstar represents a critical shift in how we approach technology education in the Caribbean. By providing coding and robotics training in real Caribbean scenarios — from hurricane tracking, general software development and coastal monitoring to environmental stewardship — at MGI we help students see that some of the most exciting technological opportunities exist right here at home. These young innovators are not just learning to code, they are learning to build solutions for the Caribbean and beyond.”
Fun fact: Students from other islands are already envisioning projects that could assist with oil spill clean-up — something that is very important for our environment here.The programme’s success is measured not only by the technical skills gained but also by the changed perspectives about the Caribbean’s potential. Participants leave with more than just coding knowledge, they carry a vision of the Caribbean as a place where innovation thrives and where young talent is nurtured.
The broader After School Advantage programme, which operates 38 centres across the English-speaking Caribbean, provides the infrastructure for this transformation. These centres ensure that the camp’s impact extends well beyond two weeks, establishing year-round communities of learning and innovation.
Programmes like Brightstar’s camp offer a path forward that does not require choosing between progress and place. By investing in technology education that is both world-class and locally relevant, Brightstar is not just training programmers — they are cultivating the architects of our region’s digital future.
The true measure of success for initiatives like this will not be reflected in graduation statistics or job placement rates, but in the young Caribbean professionals who, in 10 years’ time, will be leading technology companies, developing innovative solutions, and mentoring the next generation — all while calling the Caribbean home.
Students at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation’s Mandeville branch participate in one of the level II sessions during the 2025 Coding and Robotics Rock! Camp presented by Brightstar..
Architect recommends flexible, adaptable spaces that foster critical thinking skills
Ravi Sittol, principal and founder of Sittol Architects and Associates, speaking at last Friday’s event staged by the National Education Trust (NET) at the Overseas Examination Commission to raise awareness of the new building standards code for schools in Jamaica. (Joseph Wellington)
A local architect has proposed that new school buildings be designed into flexible and adaptable spaces that foster critical thinking skills.
Ravi Sittol, founder and principal of Sittol Architects and Associates, made the recommendation in a presentation on Friday to raise awareness of the new building standards code for schools in Jamaica.The event, titled ‘Engage 360: The New Building Standards for Schools’, was hosted by the National Education Trust (NET) at the the Overseas Examination Commission in Kingston.
“We are speaking about integrative technology, inclusive design, comfort and well-being. Modern education increasingly moves beyond traditional teaching methods. Teaching methods are changing and we need to adapt, embracing more flexible, informal and collaborative learning spaces,” Sittol argued.“Learning is no longer confined to the classroom. Instead, it occurs across a variety of settings, encouraging exploration, creativity and connection. Learning…happens along the corridors, outside in the green areas where children are playing. They could be in the corridor where there is a breakout space,” Sittol suggested.
Pointing out that newer building models feature more adaptable furniture that can be changed to suit different lecture styles and settings, Sittol stated that in outdoor areas the setting does not have to be typical with a jungle gym and swing sets.He said the new building standards recommend “different materials and textures” so learning can happen in different locations.
Another design parameter highlighted by Sittol is the facilitation of future expansions at schools.
“You may plan for 500 students and as population increases and communities develop, you need to have modular designs, service distribution, structural consideration, master planning, vertical planning and growth, phase in plans and interim land views. The design of educational facilities must anticipate and accommodate future growth.
“Strategic planning during the initial design phase can ensure that buildings are capable of expansion, adaptation or reconfiguration without requiring major infrastructural alterations. These flexibilities support long-term cost efficiency, sustainability and responsiveness to changing academic demands,” he said.
Sittol also raised the issue of climate resilience, saying that newer buildings must be designed in a way to minimise economic loss and costly repairs during times of extreme weather.
“As Jamaica and the world confront the increasing impacts of global climate change, including rising air and sea temperatures and more intense hurricanes, there is a critical need to establish resilient building standards. Schools, especially in Jamaica which often serve as emergency shelters, must be designed to ensure the safety and protection of occupants during and after such events,” Sittol stated.
Lenard Lawrence of Transcendence Construction Limited gives a progress update on the new smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre to Kristalle Chin (centre), general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+, and Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels during a site visit.
DIGICEL Foundation has taken another step in its mission to create a digitally inclusive Jamaica with the start of construction of a state-of-the-art smart lab at NAZ Children’s Centre in Montego Bay, St James.
The lab, co-funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is designed to support students with special needs and is one of several being rolled out islandwide to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
“Every child deserves access to technology and the future it brings,” said Charmaine Daniels, CEO of Digicel Foundation.
“As a foundation, we are prioritising the communities that are often overlooked, because we believe digital inclusion is a right,” added Daniels.The smart lab at NAZ will be equipped with laptops, tablets, a MIMIO-compatible smart board, a printer, and assistive software tailored to children with diverse learning needs.“This smart lab will allow our children to learn and explore more, especially children on the spectrum. The lab will give them an opportunity to use technology in a guided way,” said Alixann Narcisse-Campbell, principal and director of NAZ Children’s Centre.
“For years we have dreamed of a space like this. We’re grateful to the Digicel Foundation for making it a reality and for valuing the unique potential of every child,” added Narcisse-Campbell.
The establishment of the NAZ Children’s Centre Smart Lab coincides with Digicel’s wider infrastructure development in Montego Bay, where the company is laying underground fibre to support the growing demand for reliable high-speed Internet in western Jamaica.
“Digicel’s fibre expansion is a game-changer, especially for students and teachers at NAZ who’ll now enjoy a seamless online experience,” said Kristalle Chin, Digicel’s general manager, consumer – mobile and Digicel+.
“With our fibre now reaching Montego Bay, we’re empowering digital spaces such as the foundation’s smart labs and boosting digital access across western Jamaica,” added Chin.
CCRP founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin (second left) applauds after a symbolic cake-cutting, supported by cheers from distinguished guest Lady Rheima Hall (second right) and board directors Vilma McDonald (left) and Patricia Reid-Waugh.
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) continued its year-long celebration for 15 years of dedicated service to Jamaica’s senior community with a vibrant Springtime Social and commemorative cake-cutting ceremony on May 22 at The Stella Maris Church Hall in Kingston. The milestone celebration, sponsored by Morgan White International insurance group, drew 75 members and distinguished guests including former Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall and Lady Rheima Hall, former Miss Jamaica World Joan McDonald, and board directors Patricia Reid-Waugh and Vilma McDonald. CCRP founder and Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin, alongside newly appointed General Manager Angela Patterson, led the festivities while highlighting the organisation’s remarkable growth and impact. “CCRP focuses on the empowerment and upliftment of Jamaica’s seniors. We now have over 12,000 members and we are grateful for our scores of discount partners and health insurance benefits underwritten by Sagicor and Morgan White,” said Lowrie-Chin during her welcome. She also expressed gratitude to the special select committee of the Senate for the opportunity to present recommendations for elderly care and protection legislation, noting that “this will safeguard every elder, both present and future.” The event featured a colourful hat parade, uplifting music, and delicious fare, creating an atmosphere of joy and community among attendees. All hat wearers received prizes. The audience rocked to selections from DJ Hubie Chin and applauded beautiful songs by Eberle Dawes and Sandra Crawford and poetry from Jennifer Williams. CCRP will continue marking this significant milestone throughout 2025 with additional events and initiatives that honour the organisation’s journey of advocacy, community building, and empowerment for Jamaica’s elderly population. The organisation’s 15-year legacy demonstrates its commitment to ensuring seniors live with dignity, access essential services through extensive discount partnerships, and benefit from comprehensive health insurance coverage. The CCRP is Jamaica’s leading advocacy organisation for seniors, founded in 2010 by Lowrie-Chin. With over 12,000 members served through chapters in central, north-east, western, and south-east Jamaica, CCRP provides health insurance benefits, access to more than 100 discount partners, and actively advocates for legislative protections for Jamaica’s elderly population. The organisation continues to champion the empowerment and upliftment of seniors across the island.
Young students from the IGT After School Advantage Centre at Dunrobin Primary School eagerly gather around a drone and meteorological equipment, engaging in hands-on learning about technology, weather forecasting, and environmental science at The UWI Faculty of Science and Technology’s Science Festival.
“Inever thought I could be a scientist until today,” whispered an awestruck student as she programmed a robot for the first time at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Science Festival. Her experience, alongside 49 other students from underserved communities, was made possible through International Game Technology’s (IGT) strategic investment in Caribbean educational technology (EdTech). The company strategically chose March 14 — Albert Einstein’s birthday and worldwide Science Education Day — for the students’ attendance, adding symbolic weight to an already transformative experience.
“EdTech is revolutionising education, and IGT is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. Sponsoring ASA students for The UWI Science Festival is part of our broader mission to integrate technology into learning and create sustainable pathways for success,” said Debbie Green, general manager of IGT Jamaica.
After School Advantage (ASA) is the company’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing youth with access to technology at digital learning centres in communities where IGT operates. The programme ensures students have access to participate in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) educational opportunities while developing the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow. Since 2011, IGT and its subsidiaries have opened 40 ASA computer labs across the English-speaking Caribbean. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its global communities, IGT aims to continually enhance the technological awareness of students and prepare them to contribute to the social and infrastructural development of the Caribbean.
The UWI Science Festival serves as a platform for students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and scientific concepts through interactive experiences. Professor Tannecia Stephenson, deputy dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and lead on the Science Festival, emphasised the impact of IGT’s support.“IGT’s support enables more students, particularly in underserved schools, to participate in the Science Festival’s immersive STEM experiences. Through experiments, tours, and expert talks, students gain exposure to science applications and career paths. This investment nurtures future innovators poised to create solutions for global and regional challenges,” she said.
The festival is aligned with The UWI’s strategic approach to education and innovation.“The UWI’s Triple A strategy — Access, Alignment, and Agility — guides its approach to STEM education and innovation. The festival highlights research, industry partnerships, and technologies, engaging students from Jamaica and the Caribbean. This aligns with initiatives like the BOOST Scholarship programme for science teachers in underserved schools and the ‘FiWi Science’ initiative, which celebrates Jamaica’s scientific culture and legacy,” Professor Stephenson explained.
IGT’s sponsorship enables students from diverse backgrounds to access educational experiences that might otherwise be beyond their reach. By exposing them to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, the company is playing a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of the Caribbean.
“By exposing students to emerging technologies and scientific advancements, we are nurturing a generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers who will drive the Caribbean’s technological evolution,” Green added.
Through this partnership, IGT and The UWI are not only enhancing students’ technical skills but alsofostering an entrepreneurial mindset that will be essential for success in an increasingly digital economy. The initiative exemplifies how private sector involvement in education can accelerate the adoption of EdTech solutions and create opportunities for sustainable development across the region.
International Game Technology (IGT) Jamaica General Manager Debbie Green lifts a young student from the IGT After School Advantage Centre at Dunrobin Primary School for a closer look through a powerful telescope during the festival. Surrounded by his fellow students, this hands-on experience nurtures students’ love for astronomy and inspires the next generation to explore the wonders of the universe.
On Sunday, 20th April the seniors advocacy organization CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons) will celebrate our 15th Anniversary. After the 30th Anniversary of our company, PROComm in 2009, I considered who had helped me along my journey and realized they were seniors including my Mother Maisie Lowrie who was our first investor and supported us throughout the years. In gratitude, I decided that I would start an organization to advocate for our underserved seniors.
Our initial collaborators were my husband Hubie Chin, Ambassador Aloun Assamba who donated all the legal work, registering the organization and preparing our Articles of Incorporation; J. Lester Spaulding, late Chair of the RJR Gleaner Group who set up our accounting system, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, our Honorary Director and Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, our Honorary Chair. We thank our Patron Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen for hosting our first media event at which the late Hon Oliver Clarke registered to be our first member – now we are over 12,000 members strong.
We are blessed with excellent Board Directors: Vilma McDonald, Director Emerita Ambassador Aloun Assamba, Patricia Reid-Waugh, Marlene Street Forrest, Dr Owen James, Dennis Jones, Sethuraman Kumaraswamy, Warren McDonald, Peter Mais and Donovan Wignal. We recently appointed Angela Patterson as our General Manager, supported by the PROComm Team.
CCRP’s voluntary regional convenors are Patricia Blackwood – Central Jamaica; Dr Norma Taylor – Western Jamaica; and Pixley Irons, Northeast Jamaica. Our Caring Committee Chair is Moveta Munroe; former chairs are Irene Walter and Verla Seymour. The Committee comprises our parish representatives, who assist in our outreach to the needy elderly. Our excursions planned by Charmaine Harrison are hugely popular – they help our members in the words of our motto to live ‘Life to the Fullest’.
We thank our over 100 discount partners and top sponsors JNGI, National Baking, BPM Financial, Juici Jamaica, Supreme Ventures, Cari-Med Group, Sandals Group, Sterling Asset Management, WIHCON, Sagicor, Gallagher Insurance Brokers, managers of CCRP health plans and Morgan White Insurance.
We congratulate Senator Floyd Morris and Senator Sherene Golding-Campbell for taking the Motion for Legislation for the Care and Protection of the Elderly to an active Special Select Committee of Parliament which has been holding hearings on the matter. CCRP has made a comprehensive submission to the Committee, and we are optimistic that this Legislation will soon become a reality.
Jamaica Highlights 