‘The future is here!’
Youths urged to embrace technology to create a future-ready and globally dominant Jamaica
Published:Saturday | November 9, 2024 | 12:08 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica’s youths are being urged to embrace technology with open minds and to fully utilise its resources and opportunities so that, within the next five years, they can contribute to the development of a future-ready and globally dominant country.
“The Government of Jamaica is deeply committed to positioning our country at the forefront of the technological revolution,” said Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport.
“We’re actively investing in telecommunications and technology to build a better future where no one is left behind.”
The minister was addressing the second annual staging of TeenTechJa, an annual technology conference, held at the Wolmer’s Boys’ School auditorium in Kingston, yesterday.
He noted that through various partnerships, the government is ensuring that the nation is fully equipped to meet the demands of the digital age while also ensuring a future where “all Jamaicans, no matter their location, have access to the benefits of modern technology”.
Vaz said that as the world evolves through the use and development of new technologies, new jobs are being created which will make some current roles obsolete. As such, he noted that Jamaicans, as a collective, “must nurture a culture of innovation”, motivating youngsters to think and act creatively.
“Transformative technologies are shaping our future,” he continued, pointing to, for example, the use of satellite direct-to-device connectivity “which represents a significant lead towards connecting the unconnected”.
“As we prepare for the next 25 years, it is important to reflect on the tremendous potential of technology to reshape our society,” the minister said.
“Just imagine, two decades from now, our youths could be living in a Jamaica where autonomous transportation systems seamlessly connect our cities. Where smart homes and businesses operate on fully renewable energy, and where every individual is digitally connected to services that enhance their quality of life. The future is not a distant dream, it is within our reach, and we are making strides to get there.”
DO THE NECESSARY WORK
TeenTechJa was this year held under the theme, ‘The Future is Here! We Are Ready!’ and featured access to various workshops, presentations and interactive activities designed to prepare young minds for the rapidly evolving technology industry.
This initiative was founded by Davia Bryan Campbell, chief executive officer of EduHub Company Limited.
In his remarks, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Dr Mark Smith, noted the importance of technology in society, stating that it is used to address the evolving needs and demands of the country.
“We must embrace education and education that is positioned to focus on technology and becomes a mechanism to ensure that our society, and our students, are ready for the fourth industrial revolution – a revolution that promises so much,” Smith said.
“But it’s not going to be able to lift this country from where we are economically if it is that you are not prepared to take on the mantle and do the work that is necessary.”
He encouraged the youngsters to construct for themselves a new reality – one for themselves and one that will impact the lives of their families and ultimately the wider community and nation.
“When we talk about transforming the landscape of Jamaica, we must understand that technology is going to be moving things forward whether or not we are ready for it,” the JTA president said.
He noted that a high level of transformation could be brought about in society with “an army of young people” who understood the value of technology and used it as a “productivity tool”.