MESSAGE BY THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA

MESSAGE BY THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA
COMMONWEALTH DAY, 8 MARCH 2010

Today, Jamaica joins other Member Countries in celebrating Commonwealth Day under the theme "Science, Technology and Society".

The important role of science and technology in sustainable development has been underscored by successive meetings of Commonwealth Heads of Government. Most recently, at the 2009 Commonwealth Heads Meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago last November, Heads focused their attention on science, technology and innovation and on bridging the digital divide by promoting strategic partnerships, building ICT capacity and helping Member Countries to access new resources, in recognition of the significant role that ICT can play in achieving economic and social transformation.
Science, technology and innovation have spurred tremendous global growth and expansion of the world economy, particularly since the second half of the last century. No area or sector has been left untouched. Energy, agriculture, medicine and health, engineering and industry have all benefitted from scientific and technological advances, contributing to the social and economic well-being of people. Information and communication technology has not only brought the world closer together, it has also transformed the way we live, providing mind-boggling possibilities for creating and maintaining personal and business linkages. There is no denying that in today's world, it is the ability to create and exploit knowledge that facilitates wealth creation and provides competitive advantages.

The focus on science and technology must, therefore, be a key strategy for Jamaica if we are to transform our society and embark on a path of sustainable growth and development. Beginning with the promulgation of the first science and technology policy in 1960, Jamaica has indeed recognised the importance of science and technology to national development. The creation of the Scientific Research Council in 1960, and subsequently the National Commission on Science and Technology in 1993, have stimulated and advanced scientific and technological activities in a variety of areas.

Unfortunately, due primarily to resource constraints, we have not been able to successfully build a foundation for long-term, sustained economic growth through the application of science and technology.

Notwithstanding the shortcomings, there have nevertheless been some notable achievements. One recalls with pride, for example, the pioneering work of Dr the Honourable Thomas Lecky whose scientific research revolutionised the Jamaican dairy industry and improved the lives of countless small farmers. The launch in March 2009 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries' Centre of Excellence represents another important advancement since the Centre will act as the nexus for regional and international cooperation on agriculture and will be the repository of collated information to ensure the development of the agricultural sector.

A critical area in which science and technology can advance our development is in respect of climate change. This is particularly important for small, island developing states like Jamaica that are vulnerable to extreme changes in weather events. Through a continued focus on scientific research we can find new and innovative ways of responding to this challenge and acquiring green technologies, including by harnessing renewable and cheaper sources of energy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. To this end, the Government's Energy Policy has as one of its main goals increasing the incorporation of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro power from the current level of 6 per cent of the overall energy mix to 10 per cent by 2010 and 15 per cent by 2020.

We must seize the opportunity to ensure that science and technology gains the prominence it deserves and becomes a major platform for advancing our development objectives. It is for this reason that the application of science, technology and innovation now forms a core part of the government's vision for the creation of wealth, economic development and improving the daily quality of life of all Jamaicans. The current National Policy on Science and Technology, which will be accompanied by a national Science and Technology Strategy, will form the umbrella under which specific policies and implementation plans for the major sectors will be developed. These include energy, water, agriculture and agro-industry, education, biotechnology and information and communication technology. Vision 2030, which is intended to enable Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030, seeks to deepen this approach and to bring renewed focus on more practical and productive uses of science and technology at the national level. The progress to be made, however, will be dependent on the level of partnership between the public sector, private sector and educational institutions.

The future of science and technology holds exciting possibilities. The constant innovations in these fields generate optimism about finding solutions to some of the current challenges that pose a grave threat to the sustainability of mankind. Jamaica must take advantage of the opportunities offered by technological and scientific advancements to facilitate our own long-term transition to a knowledge and innovation based society, if we are to transform our country for the benefit of this and future generations of Jamaicans.