The University of Technology, Jamaica was the site of an exciting, well-planned, well-attended two-day workshop on January 17–18th, 2024, organized by IEEE Jamaica Section, with the theme, “Towards Expanding Access to Quality Engineering Science Excellence Opportunities in Jamaica.”
Over 300 participants of all ages and with varied educational and professional backgrounds-K-12, college undergrad and graduate students, university professors, industry professionals, and government officials were treated to lectures, presentations, panel discussions, tabletop displays, and general socializing with IEEE leaders that included: Sophie Muirhead IEEE Executive Director, Fred Schindler VP Technical Activities, Eric Grigorian and Bala Prasanna region directors, IEEE Jamaica section chair and senior lecturer at University of Technology Engr. Christopher Udeagha (P.E), Marie Hunter, Terence Martinez, Nancy Ostin, and Ashley Moore. The speakers also included University of Technology President, Dr Kevin Brown, and The Honorable Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth and a representative for the Minister of Science, Jamaica.
Under the industrial forum panel entitled, “Engineering Science in Jamaica Today,” the speakers were Shonari Bullock, experienced Telecommunications Engineering Leader, formerly with Digicel Jamaica LTD, Mazahurlt Davis, Director, Network Services–Flow Jamaica, Andre Palmer, Director of Strategic Client Engagement, Symptai Consulting, Jamaica, and Olajide Olowoyeye Senior Consultant at Microsoft Azure for Operators. Moderated by IEEE Jamaica Section Chair, Engr.Christopher Udeagha (P.E). Each speaker was given five to ten minutes to make a presentation. The objectives and services provided by each company were discussed, and accomplishments that encompass STEM/STEAM/SIWES and student internship outreach and public visibility campaigns were discussed. Among all questions to migrate from IPV4 to IPV6 were addressed.
Most importantly the idea was conveyed that MOVE is an all-volunteer-driven program helping each community during times of need and helping in ordinary times through education outreach efforts thereby making a huge impact; the humanitarian message appealed to participants.
IEEE MOVE banner and several MOVE-related swag items were a big attraction too, for the hundreds who stopped by at the table.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams shares a photo opportunity with members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) team, during Wednesday’s (January 17) opening session of the IEEE workshop, held at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), in St. Andrew. Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, says efforts will be made to strengthen industry linkages to retain engineering graduates in Jamaica. “I know that a gap exists currently. We need to have stronger links and stronger linkages in the industry in Jamaica. I don’t think we are exploiting that enough; having those conversations with companies, having them know the skill set of the graduates who are coming out,” Mrs. Williams said.
The industrial forum on, “Engineering Science in Jamaica Today,” includes discovering the thriving world of engineering Science in Jamaica. The industrial experts explained why it is beneficial to keep homegrown talent here at home. This session offered an inspiring look at professionals who chose to pursue their careers in Jamaica. And what opportunities lie ahead in the Caribbean for the next generation of electrical engineers, Computer Scientists, and technologists.
The island country of Jamaica, located in the Caribbean Sea, is often described as a “country of sun and water” due to its tropical climate, abundant sunshine, and beautiful coastal areas. Locals and tourists are drawn to Jamaica’s breathtaking landscapes, which range from pristine beaches to lush mountains.
In addition to its captivating beauty, Jamaica, like many other countries, is susceptible to various natural calamities due to its geographical location and topography. It faces challenges related to hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding and landslides, volcanic activity, tsunamis, and other natural disasters.
To address these natural calamities, Jamaica has established disaster management and response mechanisms. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster response efforts, providing early warnings, and implementing preparedness measures. Additionally, public awareness campaigns aim to educate the population on how to respond to various disasters and reduce their vulnerability.
In this setting, an invitation to establish IEEE MOVE-Jamaica under the IEEE MOVE international program was enthusiastically received.
Professor Halden Morris, a well-known and deeply respected IEEE Life Senior Member, no stranger to IEEE MOVE leadership, has volunteered to build a team of 10 to 12 local IEEE members who would make the core of IEEE MOVE- Jamaica.
In the not-too-distant future, we IEEE Members and volunteers with the mission of, “Advancing Technology for Humanity,” can also look forward to being a part of Jamaica’s motto, “Out of Many, One People.”
Most importantly the idea was conveyed that MOVE is an all-volunteer-driven program helping each community during times of need and helping in ordinary times through education outreach efforts thereby making a huge impact; the humanitarian message appealed to participants.
IEEE MOVE banner and several MOVE-related swag items were a big attraction too, for the hundreds who stopped by the booth as shown above.