Cornwall College Old Boys launch drone pilot training programme for students

WESTERN BUREAU:

Seven high schools in St James are slated to benefit from a training programme which will see their students learning how to pilot drones with tutelage from the security forces.The initiative, courtesy of the Cornwall College Old Boys Association’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter was launched on Monday at the Cornwall College’s chapel building in Montego Bay.The exercise saw students from schools, including Cornwall College, Maldon High School, and Mt Alvernia High School, in awe as members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force [JCF] and the Jamaica Defence Force [JDF] gave a demonstration of drone technology.

Other schools to benefit from the programme include Spot Valley High School, Montego Bay High School, St James High School, and Herbert Morrison Technical High School.

Across the seven schools, 20 students will participate in the programme during its initial stages.

Markyel Evans, a grade 11 business student at Cornwall College who was among those to witness the drone demonstration, remarked:

“I feel like it is a great opportunity for young people such as myself to find a career in that path – flying drones in various military organisations. I found it interesting enough, and I would be looking forward to trying to fly a drone in the future.”

The sentiment was shared by Maliah Mighty, a student of Mt Alvernia High and a member of that school’s cadets’ corps. She advocated the training programme as a viable avenue for students looking to join the security forces later in life.

“Today [Monday] was a very fun and educational experience, and I have learned more about drones and what they can be used for, relating to all careers. I hope that, later on, I will be able to use that knowledge in the future for good,” said Mighty. “As cadets, we are just officers in training, and I think this programme is a big thing for us, especially in those careers. So this will benefit us.”

The drone pilot training programme, which is a collaboration between the Sandals Foundation and the security forces, was conceptualised in February 2023, in order to address the need for trained drone pilots in western Jamaica. The programme is intended to provide students who are on the verge of leaving school with employment options within organisations such as the JCF, the JDF, and the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

UPLIFT COMMUNITIES, JAMAICA

Michael Williams, president of the Cornwall College Old Boys Association’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter, stressed that the programme will uplift the communities where the young participants reside, and by extension the rest of Jamaica.

“This is educating Jamaica, that’s what we’re doing. We are dipping into that resource that is untapped. I just want to express my sincere appreciation to all those who have contributed to the success of this initiative, as your dedication, your passion, and your support have made this possible today,” said Williams.

“Let us continue to work together to inspire kids and the next generation to make a meaningful difference in their lives and their communities. We’re empowering not just the kids, but the community, one flight at a time. Our drones don’t just fly, they uplift,” Williams added.

Senior Superintendent of Police Eron Samuels, the commanding officer for the St James Police Division, noted that the drone pilot training programme will also serve as a mentorship programme for students during the training period’s duration.

“The drone training will not be the only thing we will impart. We will also use it as a mentorship programme, because the JDF officers, the JCF officers, and the fire brigade will be mentoring the youngsters, teaching them about fire safety, plus discipline will always be part of our mantra. One of the most important things we have to look on is how we will be able to transition these youngsters from the life of school into careers elsewhere,” said Samuels.

“This programme is one that I believe will change the landscape of not just the schools in St James, but across the entire country. Drones uplift, and there are many job opportunities that can arise out of the drone technology,” Samuels pointed out.