By Serena Grant
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (JIS) – The government is progressing with plans to construct six Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools and one Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy.
Deputy prime minister and minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, says arrangements to build the STEAM school, being cited in Montego Bay, are “proceeding.” The land is acquired and the budget is in place from the ministry of finance [and the public service]. By the end of the year the ministry of education [and Youth] can give a timeframe on it,” he stated.
Regarding construction of the STEM Schools, Dr Chang advised that “we will be opening the first one in Portmore [St Catherine] very soon,” speaking at the University of Technology (UTech) Western Campus’ recent STEM Summer camp launch at the institution’s campus in Montego Bay, St James.
The camp, being held in western Jamaica for the first time, will see some 100 youth from communities in Hanover, Trelawny and St James engaging in several STEM-related activities.
For his part, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) president, Oral Heaven, said Jamaica has been declared a ‘STEM island’, adding that the camp serves as a testament to the country’s growing prominence in the global STEM landscape.
“This designation opens the door for so many things, through multinational STEM investments [and] real money for our people, positioning Jamaica as a hub of innovation and technological advancement,” he outlined.
Dr Chang pointed out that there is “a legacy of STEM activity” in the west, noting that the Government is committed to expanding opportunities in the sector.
“It is imperative, therefore, that we attract some of these investments to Montego Bay”, adding that, “we must focus on the positives and potential solutions that STEM can offer.”
The STEM Summer Camp will be held in two phases for junior and senior participants under the theme: ‘Think, Collaborate and Innovate to Grow and Be Resilient’.
Junior participants will attend from July 8-19, and the older youth between July 15 and 26.
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