Place greater focus on innovation - Wheatley

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Dr Andrew Wheatley has said that greater focus must be placed on innovation and science as those areas have great potential to deliver economic growth for Jamaicans.

The minister, who was addressing the 2016 National Medal for Science, Technology and Innovation Awards ceremony held on Wednesday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, said that when innovation and science are harnessed, there is growth without harm to the environment.

Several persons were recognised for their creativity in engineering, agriculture, education, food and agro-processing, energy, health and safety, as well as other areas.

Wheatley described the awards as the "pride of a nation", given as recognition of the value placed on scientific research.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS

"It is very important that we celebrate the achievements of our people as innovation holds tremendous possibilities for the sustainable development of this country," he said.

He noted that while innovations enable economic growth, they are also crucial underpinnings of all developed countries, and especially so for countries like Jamaica, which are in the developing mode.

"They have the potential to build capacity, increase employment opportunities, and boost the earning power of our citizens. They are also important in creating the necessary linkages and synergies that will significantly aid in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals," Wheatley said.