The Government remains committed to providing opportunities for young Jamaicans to be exposed to quality Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang echoed this sentiment yesterday (June 25) while delivering greetings at the press launch for the University of Technology (UTECH), Jamaica Western Campus STEM Summer Camp in Montego Bay.
The Security Minister shared that at the policy level, the Government is committed to expanding opportunities in STEM and this is evident by current and impending investments.
“The move to get into STEM is crucial and the budget has been allocated to construct six STEM Schools and as well as a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) school,” Minister Chang shared.
He noted that the procurement process has begun with the first STEM school to be constructed in Portmore and another in Montego Bay.
The Ministry of National Security through its crime prevention initiatives have incorporated STEM offerings to vulnerable communities and schools in keeping in tandem with the move towards the fourth industrial age.
As the Ministry continues to invest in the young population to address the country’s crime rate, the Security Minister echoed a sentiment that starting at the primary school level is key to achieving positive results that will impact the country.
He stated that with this there is a “guarantee that by investing in the younger population starting at the primary level, they will contribute to the advancement and further development of Jamaica at a faster rate”.
The Government continues to invest in technology-enabled processes to create a more efficient and agile public sector focused on service delivery.
The Ministry of National Security through the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) leverages technology through camera systems, real-time surveillance, and enhanced border security management with e-passports, airport kiosks, and eGates.
With these investments, the UTECH Jamaica Western STEM Summer camp and similar initiatives are necessary to provide the young population with exposure to the STEM fields, while reinforcing the linkage of these fields with the various sectors in Jamaica.
The camp, which is set to run from July 8 to 26, emerged as an initiative to serve the St. James community in a way that aligns with the University and the transformation of an emerging digital economy. The initiative will serve secondary students across St. James.
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