THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IN JAMAICA

Daniel Villavicencio & Lluvia Ponce

Historical Perspective
Jamaica in its colonial background, was among the earliest developing countries to craft a scientific
law to guide the use of S&T for the exploitation of domestic natural resources (the island was among
the first in the American hemisphere to gain electricity, build a railway and to use research results to
boost sugar cane production).

Like many other resource-rich countries, Jamaica has underperformed economically over the long
term. For three decades, robust and sustained economic growth has been elusive. Per capita incomes
have stagnated and this has undercut broader developmental progress, contributed to the emigration
of skilled Jamaicans1. To a certain extent, the difference between actual income and the expected
levels of consumption and investment have been financed by growing debt levels and more recently
by remittances (In March of 2006, public debt was 132 percent of the GDP).

Jamaicas first S&T Policy was promulgated in 1960. This policy was very ambitious, and eventually
proved that the Scientific Researh Council would be unable to discharge the assigned array of duties,
which included research and development, information collection and dissemination, coordination,
popularization and research support. The important national function to coordination never took place.

The second S&T Policy was established in 1990 to ensure national S&T coordination and
management by creating the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST). The efforts of
the Commission subsequently demonstrated the long overdue central importance and necessity of
national S&T advice, integration and management functions. However, it operated within the ambit of
the old SRC law, without formal legal status and adequate personnel and funding.

1
Jamaica has a long tradition of emigration but the economic stagnation and worsening crime situation have stimulated
greater levels of emigration.
Other laws, related to Science and Technology Activities are:
Standards Act 57 (1968)
Petroleum Act (1979)
Agricultural Development Corporation Act (1952)
Water Resources Act (1995)
Coffee Industry Regulations Act (1970)
Cocoa Industry Control Act (1970)
Educational Act (1995)

1. Current S&T Policy

The third policy (since late nineties, until now) seeks to correct the impediments of the previous
policies, by strengthening the role of innovation and the proper funding of S&T activities to stimulate
diversification of agriculture, revival of manufacturing and expansion of services; promoting greater
private sector participation in S&T development and application; reducing poverty and unemployment.
It also seeks to create greater abilities and capacities to compete in global trade, protecting the
islands delicately balanced ecology and biodiversity; and developing and maintaining scientific skills
critical for implementing the policy.

This policy is considered a platform for assertive execution, and consequently, will be accompanied by
a national S&T strategy, and 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, S&T education, biotechnology, information and communication technology policies and
plans.

Although Jamaica has made efforts to develop its educative system (under a S&T perspective), it has
been difficult to translate domestic scientific results into technologies, products and services, because
of insufficient capital goods, funding, implementation machinery, engineering and entrepreneurship
capacities.

Science and Technology Policy have two separate missions. The first is to improve science,
technology and engineering, and the second one is to ensure that S&T are used as tools to fulfil
society needs.

To advance coordination in the S&T sector, the NCST will be strengthened to enable it to coordinate,
integrate and support national activities. The Jamaican Government must also take steps to make the
circumstances attractive for engendering a closer working relationship between the public and the
private sector (by the attraction of foreign direct investments, partnership, trade shows and global
discussions) and between academia (strengthening the formation of skilled and educated workforce)
and production.

The islands export oriented strategy must be reinforced by policies to boost learning, acquire new
skills, and improve access to information and extension services to retool and deploy the most
advanced technologies to gain and maintain competitive positions.

The emphasis on this S&T policy is guided by the priorities laid out in the National Industrial Policy that
includes strategic clusters such as information technology and telecommunications, agriculture and
agro-processing, tourism and entertainment. In order to accomplish it, Jamaica must gather accurate
information on what S&T skills, institutions, organizations and projects, exist. Also is necessary to
establish performance criteria and standards to monitor and evaluate domestic S&T and engineering
activities.

The governments medium-term Socioeconomic Policy focuses on a stable macroeconomic

environment, a reduction of public debt, faster private sector development through improved
competitiveness, and consolidation of social gains. In 2003 it was recognized the need for assistance
in implementing recommended macroeconomic policy and structural reforms, and to build social
consensus on national policy. The Country Strategy incorporates the Private Sector Development
Strategy, which delineates avenues of assistance from the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), Private
Sector Department (PRI) and Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC).

Human resource accumulation will be fostered through investment in education, with government
goals including strengthening early childhood education, increasing access to secondary and tertiary
education, and improving science education. The key outcome goal for education is an education
which facilitates life-long learning and acquisition of social and life skills for all (Task Force on
Educational Reform, Report of 2004).

Besides this, the NCST has articulated a utopian Vision for Jamaica up to 2015 as a prosperous and
dynamic country which upholds the fulfilment of human rights, dignity for all Jamaicans and builds
continual social progress based on shared values and principles of partnership. Minds are transformed
and extraordinary results are produced in this the most caring and secure country in the Americas,
where individuals fulfil their potential, are in control of their destiny, take responsibility for their lives
and work always for the larger good

Likewise, the NCST has developed a 2015 vision for S&T consistent with the national vision: in 2015,
Science and technology is being used to maximize the potential of Jamaicas human resources. There
is widespread Science and Technology education and a culture of Science and Technology for
national development and sustainable natural resource utilization. This has resulted in sustainable
agriculture and food security, wealth, and a better quality of life for Jamaicans. Even when both
visions are desirable, the viability to accomplish them is very limited, because of their ambition.

1.1 The Information Technology Project (INTEC)

This Project was initiated in April 2000, in support of the National Strategic Plan for Information
Technology. The Plan puts information and communication technologies (ITC) at the centre of
Jamaicas economic development, as a dynamic industry and as support for the development of other
sectors of the economy.

INTEC is a three-year Project, with the aim to establish the framework for the knowledge-based
society within the plan for long-term economic development. It proposed to create jobs and promoted
scholarships, training and life long learning of human resources, while encouraging the access to
technology, through funds from the Government of Jamaica.

To this end, the INTEC Project pretended to build out S&T infrastructure to absorb the creation of jobs,
and develop research and development activities. Nevertheless, this program has generated very poor
results in job creation and infrastructure creation.
2. National Research and Innovation System
We can present the Institutions accomplishing the missions related to the Research and Innovation
System, as follows.

The mission of the Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce (MITEC) is to develop
competitiveness, through assuring energetic security at minimum cost, stimulate national and
international trade in order to reach the technology frontier, promote fair competence and trade,
undertake scientific research and use the its results for economic development.

This Minister is structured in divisions like Policy, Planning and Research, Information and
Documentation, Energy, Technology, Commerce, Human Resources Training and Finance.

The MITEC also develops projects oriented to TICs, promotion of Foreign Direct Investment,
Development Programs, Small and Medium enterprises, National Strategic Plan and Information
Technologies Planning. (see http://www.mct.gov.jm)

The Ministry of Education and Culture will play the leading role and its mission is "to provide a system
which secures quality education and training for all persons in Jamaica and achieves effective
integration of educational and cultural resources in order to optimize individual and national
development". Its objectives are to devise and support initiatives striving towards literacy for all in
order to extend personal opportunities and contribute to national development; to secure teaching and
learning opportunities that will optimize access, equity and relevance throughout the education
system; to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of staff in all aspects of the service in order to
ensure continuous improvement in performance; and to enhance student learning by the greater use
of information and communication technology as preparation for life in the national and global
communities. (see www.moec.gov.jm)

The National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) was established in 1993 and is a
broad-based, cross-sectoral and national advisory body to the government, on policies and strategies
relating to science and technology. This commission is chaired by the Prime Minister of Jamaica.
(www.ncst.gov.jm)

The mission of the NCST is to improve the quality of life of all Jamaicans through the application of
S&T for social and economic development. It has to provide S&T policy advice to decision makers,
and also to coordinate, monitor and evaluate S & T policy. The Commission is in charge of the
allocation of resources to the scientific community

As a coordinating organization, NCST's success is measured by the collective performance of the S&T
sector. Its main objectives are: to improve the utilization of S&T for competitive and profitable
businesses; to make S&T efforts for national development more efficient, environmentally sustainable;
to develop local S&T competence and capability; to ensure that the population understands the
importance of S&T; and to broadly disseminate knowledge and information on S&T.

The NCST coordinates bimonthly meetings with Jamaicas Research and Development (R&D)
Institutions. These meetings facilitate dialogue among academicians, public and private sector of S&T
Institutions to solve problems, to share information on programs and to develop collaborative
programs for national development.

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) was created in 1960. It is Jamaicas principal public agency,
responsible for the fostering and coordination of scientific research and the promotion of its
application. Most of the Councils projects support the growth and development of the agro-industrial
through research, adaptation of available technologies, creation of new and appropriate technologies
and the provision of training and technical assistance. (www.src-jamaica.org)

The SRC is an agency of the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology. The Scientific
Research Council is the only institution with a mandate by law to collect, collate and review
information concerning scientific research schemes or programmes relevant to the development of the
resources of Jamaica (and) to establish and maintain a scientific information centre for collection and
dissemination of scientific and technical information".

This Council undertakes projects and offer technological services related to Biotechnology,
Microbiology, Natural Resources Development, Popularization of Science and Technology, Regional
Energy Information, Food Technology and Wastewater management. The SRC also has publications
and reports to present its results.

Central Information Technology Office (CITO) has been created to coordinate the implementation of
the Plan, to advise on policy issues and to create domestic and international partnership with the
public and private sectors. CITO reports directly to
the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Technology and through it, to the Cabinets
Sub-Committee for ICT. As an authority on information technologies, CITO will serve as the focal point
for implementing the Strategic Plan of the Country (which delineates the S&T policy for Jamaica).

As it has been seen, the previous organizations outline the basis of the National Research and
Innovation System in Jamaica. The next figure shows the basic structure of the research system of
Jamaica.

Figure 1: National Research System

Government of
Jamaica

Minister of Industry,
Commerce and
Technology

Central
Scientific Information
Research Council Technology Office
National
(co-ordination) (co-ordination)
Commission on
Science and
Technology

Centres of
Research

Academia
Industry
3. Science and Technology Effort
Since 2001, Jamaica has tried to increase the expenditure in Research and Development activities.
Nevertheless, for 2004 this effort only represents 0.3% of its GDP. While the expenditure in S&T
activities only represent the 2% of its GDP (see next table).

Table 1: Jamaicas expenditure on R&D and S&T activities as percentage of

its GDP

2001 2002 2003 2004

R&D/GDP 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3

S&T activities/GDP 1 1.4 2 2

Source: National Commission on Science and Technology Report (2005)

The highest government investment in R&D activities resides with research institutions (over 49% of
the total expenditure). However, the bulk of expenditure of these organizations was concentrated on
salaries, being over 50% according to information of the National Commission on Science and
Technology.

Table 2: Percentage of the sectoral public sector S&T expenditure on R&D

2001 2002 2003 2004

Public sector

R&D total 4.6 6.9 13 11.2

Research institutions

R&D total 31.7 30.9 47.9 49.4

Higher education

R&D total 8.7 11.7 8.7 5.8

Source: National Commission on Science and Technology Report (2005)

Government investment in R&D in universities is woefully inadequate (reaching only 5.8% from the
total resources, determined to R&D activities). Most of the research activities of these institutions are
supported by overseas of local funding agencies and governments contributions. Nevertheless, the
resources of these institutions to develop research are insufficient, affecting the impact and relevance
of scientific activities.
4. Research Outputs
The data collected on the number of refereed S&T publications, since 2000 to 2005 from the three
Jamaicas major universities, show very limited results on the research undertaken in this institutions.

The University of West Indies is the largest producer of refereed publications among Jamaicas
institutions involved in S&T research activities. The number of refereed publications from the Faculty
of Pure and Applied Sciences (including disciplines like Chemistry, Life Sciences, Physics, Computer
Sciences, Mathematics, Geography and Geology) and the Department of Basic Medical Sciences
(including Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology), registered an increase from 58 in the
2000/2001 academic year, to 120 for 2003/2004. Nevertheless, for 2004/2005, the number of
publications dropped to 87.

Table 3: Number of refereed publication in S&T form major universities

2000/2001 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005

UWI 58 84 111 120 87

UTECH 0 0 0 0 12

NCU 0 0 1 4 3

Source: National Commission on Science and Technology Report (2005)

UWI: The University of the West Indies (MONA)
UTECH: University of Technology
NCU: Northern Caribbean University

With the upgrade to university status of the University of Technology in 1995 and the Northern
Caribbean University in 1999, a shift in research orientation of these institutions began to evolve.
These institutions are now increasing infrastructural and human resource capabilities to strengthen
scientific activities and the publishing of research work is just beginning. The number of refereed S&T
publications for UTECH and NCU totalling 12 and 8 respectively, up to the 2004/2005 academic year.
Beyond these efforts, the table above shows that the number and continuity of the publishing effort in
Jamaica, is under most of the Latin American countries behaviour.

5. S&T Human Resources

Jamaica has few higher education institutions. The most relevant are:
The University of the West Indies (MONA) (UWI)
University of Technology (UTECH)
Northern Caribbean University (NCU)
College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE)

According to data offered by the National Commission on Science and Technology, and considering
graduated students and awards received by the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences and the
Department of Basic Medical Sciences of the UWI, the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences and the
School of Computing and Engineering of UTECH, the College of Natural and Applied Sciences of NCU
and the Faculties of Science and Agriculture of CASE; it is possible to establish a clear deficit on
human resources specialized in science and technology. The next table offer the number of
certificates undergraduate and postgraduate degrees offered by the main Jamaican Universities and
Colleges in Science and Technology, from 2000 to 2005.

Table 4: Number of undergraduate and postgraduate awarded by Jamaican Universities

and Colleges in S&T

1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05

Bachelor in Science

UWI 253 252 244 241 212 325

UTECH 240 196 217 252 344 373

NCU 37 59 58 51 93 104

CASE 0 0 0 0 18 35

Master in Science

UWI 24 21 42 44 51 47

NCU 0 0 0 2 1 2

Master in Philosophy

UWI 6 10 12 14 15 20

UTECH 0 0 1 1 1 2

NCU 0 0 0 0 6 8

PhD

UWI 9 3 5 10 5 18

Source: National Commission on Science and Technology Report (2005)

The total number of bachelors degrees in S&T disciplines by the four institutions ranged
from a low of 507 in 1999/2000 to a high of 1167 for the last year. During the period, the number of
masters level degrees granted in pure and applied sciences, ranged from a low of 30 in 1999/2000 to
a high of 79 in 20004/2005. Graduates on Ph.D. in S&T were produced only by the UWI. The Ph.D.
granted was related to pure and applied sciences, and basic medical sciences.

Fifty Ph.D. graduates in S&T were produced over this 6-years period, which clearly shows the lack, not
only in funding resources to develop S&T activities, but also in the number of the human resources
specialized in this field. Regarding engineering studies, there has been a clear decrease in the
number of certificates in this period (from 116 in 1999/2000 to 8 in 2004/2005), and in this 6-year
period only 1 PhD degree in engineering was granted (according to information taken from the
National Commission on Science and Technology).

Technology developments worldwide, offer to Jamaica opportunities to improve its educational

system, integrating this innovations into the academic environment. Because of this, the Caribbean
Institute of Technology in Montego Bay was created (oriented to training), also as an effort to install
computer labs in schools and train teachers in computer applications of the classroom, the Jamaica
2000 and EdTech 20/20 programs where created through the Information Technology Advisory
Council, the E-Business Advisory Committee and the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Information
Technology.

5.1 R&D Performers

The main institutions in Jamaica performing R&D activities and their fields, include:
1. Ministry of Agricultural with R&D in Agriculture in Development Corporation, CARDI,
Fisheries, Forestry, Rural Physical Planning Division, R&D BODLES, RADA, Veterinary
Division, College of Agriculture and Science Education (CASE
2. Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Technology, previously detailed.
3. Ministry of Health. Chemistry, National Public Health Lab., Vector Control Unit,
Environmental Control Division
4. Ministry of Mining and Energy. Geology & Mines Division, Jamaica Bauxite Institute,
Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica
5. Ministry of Water Housing. National Meteorological Service, Water Resources Authority,
National Irrigation Authority, N.W.C. Quality Assurance Labs.
6. University of the West Indies. Faculty of Medical Science, Faculty of Pure & Applied
Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics & Computer, Geology & Geography,
Physics, Zoology, Earthquake Unit, Biotechnology Centre, Caribbean Food & Nutrition
Institute, Centre for Marine Sciences, International Centre for Environmental & Nuclear
Sciences, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Tropical Metabolism Research Unit,
U.W.I.C.E.D.
7. University of Technology. International Centre for Environment & Nuclear Science
(ICENS)
8. College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE). It is a multidisciplinary institution,
providing education and training of the highest quality in agriculture and sciences, in
Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

In addition, there is a group of Research and Development Centres, some of them offering
technological services. In the next table, we show a list of the main Centres, Institutes and Councils
with a scientific profile.

Table 1: Research and Development Centres

Institute Mission and Objectives

Anti Dumping and Subsidies
Commission www.jadsc.gov.jm
This Commission administers the provisions of the Customs Duties
(Dumping and Subsidies) Act and the Safeguard Act, under the legal
framework of the Acts and the WTO Anti-dumping Agreement,
Subsidies Agreement and Safeguards Agreement. The Commission is
poised to become a regional Centre of Excellence, which will assist
CARICOM and the region to foster the development of international
trade expertise and a regional trade remedies body, ultimately
reducing costs to the local and regional governments, and even to
local businesses, for international consultants in trade remedies.

Bureau of Standards www.jbs.jm This office offer consulting services and international standards for
specific industries (among others for the automotive industry). It also
undertakes research and projects about quality issues and
specification of standards.
Table 1 Continued
Institute
Central Information Technology Office
(CITO) www.cito.gov.jm
Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC)
www.consumeraffairsjamaica.gov.jm
Fair Trading Commission www.jftc.com
Created in 1993.
Food Storage and Prevention of
Infestation Division (FSPID)
www.fspid.gov.jm
Jamaica Intellectual Property Office
www.jipo.gov.jm
Established on 2001 and acquires its
status as a statutory Corporation in
2002.
Registrar of Companies (Office of the)
www.orcjamaica.com
Trade Board www.tradeboard.gov.jm
Table 1 Continued
Mission and Objectives
CITO is a public company established by Cabinet. It is intended to be
an enabler for the Government in defining, implementing, monitoring,
sourcing; and continuously improving, Public Sector ICT Services that
create quality and efficiency in a cost effective manner. CITO reports
directly to the Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology and,
through him, to the Sub-Committee of Cabinet responsible for
Information and Communications Technology.
It is dedicated to leading change in the society towards a population of
knowledgeable, vigilant, assertive and discriminating consumers. The
CAC disseminates information about itself, its services and other
pressing issues via the print & electronic media and using new and
emerging technologies. Besides this, the CAC develops research,
surveys and publications.
Provides for the maintenance and encouragement of competition in the
performance of trade & business and in the supply of services in
Jamaica. It also ensures the existence of incentives for product
innovation and development. The work of the FTC is critical to the
achievement of these objectives.
The FSPID is an organization of the Ministry of Commerce, Science
and Technology of Jamaica, and its mission is to provide technical and
regulatory services to ensure the safety of food/feed entering
commerce through sound scientific principles in a timely and
professional manner. This division offers services of disinfestations,
and laboratory services throw Units of Entomology, Rodent Biology
and Control, Microbiology, Pesticide Residue and Mycotoxin and
Postharvest Technology. Besides this, the division offers training and
information.
This office provides a focal point for the administration of both
Industrial Property and Copyright and Related Rights, in order for it to
fulfil its bilateral and multilateral obligations in the field of Intellectual
Property. Since its inception, JIPO has undertaken several activities to
enhance the development and protection of intellectual property rights
in Jamaica, which in turn have aimed at enhancing and facilitating
business competitiveness.
The Office initially formed part of the Registrar Generals Department
was established as a separate Department in 1975 under the ancient
Ministry of Marketing and Commerce, now the Ministry of Industry,
Commerce & Technology.
The Mission is to enable the legal creation and operation of
businesses and the protection of intellectual property in order to
promote trade, commerce and wealth creation. This office has the
responsibility for the day-to-day administration of Companies,
Trademarks, Industrial Designs, Industrial and Provident Societies,
Business Names and Recording of Patents.
Its mission is to stimulate a modern commercial environment by
managing relevant government regulations, providing facilitatory
services to the private sector and other clients to promote exportations,
providing effective interface between our clients and government and
supporting an E-commerce environment through the utilization of
specialized human resources.
Institute
Creative Production and Training
Centre www.creativetvjamaica.com
It began operations in April 1984, under
the Companies Act.
Forestry Department
www.forestry.gov.jm/home.htm
The Institute of Jamaica
www.intituteofjamaica.org.jm
Was established in 1879.
Jamaica Business Development Centre
www.jbdc.net/
Planning Institute of Jamaica
www.pioj.gov.jm
Jamaica Information Service
www.jis.gov.jm
Jamaica Promotions Corporation
(JAMPRO) www.investjamaica.com
Management Institute for National
Development www.mind.edu.jm
Mission and Objectives
It is a publicly owned multimedia facility in the heart of Kingston,
Jamaica, West Indies. It is an extensively equipped television
production house with a skilled and professional team of writers,
producers, directors, videographers and technical crew capable of
producing content for close-circuit usage or for high quality broadcast
programming. It is also an accredited training institution in media skills
and via CTV, a cable content provider.
Its mission is to develop and to protect the natural resources of the
island. This department has international program to improve the
management and conservation of forests and tree crops.
This institute has become into the most significant cultural, artistic, and
scientific organization in Jamaica. There are 6 divisions of the Institute
of Jamaica: The Natural History Division (established in 1891), The
National Gallery of Jamaica (established in 1892), The African
Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (established in
1972), The Museums Division, and two Junior Centres established in
1941 and 1996 respectively.
The JBDC has been established as one of the premier business
support organizations in Jamaica. Provides business and technical
support services across the spectrum, from guiding business start-ups
to a wide range of consultancy advice for established businesses. The
JBDC initiative is a cooperative arrangement among Government
Agencies and the private sector, associations, academic and research
communities.
Its objectives are to initiate and to coordinate the development of
plans, programs and policies for the economic, financial social, cultural
and physical development of Jamaica, undertaking research on
national development issues, providing technical support to Cabinet,
undertaking consultant activities for Government entities, managing
external cooperation agreements and programs, interfacing with
funding agencies and maintaining a national socio-economic library.
This institute develops projects and publications related with
cooperation and development.
The mission of the JIS is to inform and educate the public about
Governments policies and programs to increase awareness,
understanding and support for these policies and programs.
JAMPRO is Jamaicas trade and investment facilitation agency. Its
mission is to initiate and to coordinate the development of plans,
programs and policies for economic and financial development of
Jamaica. JAMPRO provides services, which includes conducting
research on national development issues and provision of technical
support.
This is a tertiary level training institution, and it is Jamaicas main
public sector management training organization. Its mission is to
provide the highest quality training and consultancy to enhance the
efficient and effective delivery of services to their clients.
Table 1 Continued
Institute
Micro Investment Development Agency
www.jamaica-mida.com/
Established in 1991.
Ministry of Agriculture www.moa.gov.jm
Ministry of Health www.moh.gov.jm
International Centre for Environmental
and Nuclear Sciences www.icens.org
National Environment & Planning
Agency www.nrca.org
Began operations in 2001
Caribbean Institute of Technology
www.caribbeantech.org
Established in 1998.
Besides the previous, there are some other institutions offering S&T services with a more limited
scope, like:
Banana Board
Citrus Growers Association
Cocoa Industry Board
Coconut Industry Board
Coffee Industry Board
Forensic Laboratories
Sugar Industry Research Institute
Natural Resources Conservation Authority
Mission and Objectives
Its mission is to provide a focused approach to the development of the
micro enterprise sector by providing or seeing to the critical inputs
necessary for the growth and sustainability of the sector.
Its mission is to advance the development of a modern, efficient and
competitive agricultural sector that promotes National Food Security,
export expansion and the growth of Agro-Industries. This Ministry
develops projects and support services, and fruit tree crops, among
others.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is the pre-eminent Government
organization mandated to care for the nations health. The
Ministry, together with its Regional Health Authorities (RHAs),
Agencies and related organizations make up the public health system
and are responsible for health care delivery across the island.
The ICENS is a multi-disciplinary research centre located on the Mona
Campus of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Its aims are to
conduct multi-disciplinary research (oriented in geochemical mapping
and agriculture and environment) related to the environment, to help
provide solutions to developmental problems and to contribute to the
growth and retention of specialized human resources.
NEPA represents a merger between the Natural Resources
Conservation Authority (NRCA), the Town Planning Department (TPD)
and the Land Development and Utilization Commission (LDUC). The
aim of the merger is to integrate environmental, planning and
sustainable development policies and programs and to improve
customer service. Its mission is to promote Sustainable Development
by ensuring protection of the environment and orderly development in
Jamaica through highly motivated staff performing at the highest
standard.
The CIT is an Educational Institution specializing in information
technology training. It has an international collaborative venture
spanning three countries, involving various partners. The CIT offer a
range of full-time, part-time Information Technology programmes and
short courses that cater to Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals
from all lifestyles.
 ICWI Science Learning Centre
Malvern Science Centre
Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica
Jamaica Society of Scientist Technologists
Jamaica Computer Society Education Foundation
Jamaica Computer Society
Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation
Jamaica Society of Agricultural Scientists

6. Information providers
Statistical Institute of Jamaica (www.statinja.com) was established under the Statistics (Amendment)
Act 1984 on April 9, 1984. The Institute has all the powers formerly vested in the Department of
Statistics and previously the Bureau of Statistics (which came into existence in 1946) along with other
powers. The main functions of the Institute are:
To collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information in relation to
commercial, industrial, social, economic and general activities and condition of the
people,
To collaborate with public agencies in the collection, compilation and publication of
statistical information including information derived from the activities of
such agencies,
To take any census in Jamaica
To promote and develop integrated social and economic statistics pertaining to Jamaica,
and
To co-ordinate programs for the integration of such statistics.

This institute offers statistics in demography, employment, labour force, trade, national accounts,
production, consumer price index and environment. However, this institute does not offer any statistics
related to Science and Technology. It is the National Commission on Science and Technology that
offers some statistics related to S&T issues.

7. Funding
Most S&T activities in Jamaica are undertaken by the NCST. The Commission presently receives a
subvention from the Office of the Prime Minister. The National Founding for the Development of
Science and Technology (NFDST) was established to assist in funding the activities and projects of
the NCST and other science and technology stakeholders.

The Technology Investment Fund is a special fund established to finance investment in commercial
activities related to substantial technological improvements and which would not qualify for funding
using the existing criteria of commercial and development banks. It also provides funding for research
and development activities to enhance competitiveness and/or complement productivity in existing
commercial enterprises.
8. Monitoring
The NCST plans to monitor the progress of Science and Technology Policy as follows:
Quarterly meetings of the Commission at which the Secretariat will report on
achievements of targets and progress on the implementation of major tasks.
Annual report to be tabled in Parliament that will focus on achievement
of targets.
A planning retreat of Commissioners and Secretariat will be held in October of each year
to develop and agree on targets and strategies for the following year.

To this end, the NCST is developing indicators of S&T, to evaluate the technological level in firms and
research institutes, patenting level, exportations, development of sustainable technologies, and
formation of human resources in S&T fields, among others.

9. Conclusion
Jamaica has a weak tradition of assimilation and implementation of technology. This was evident in
the two science policies promulgated since the renaissance of the application of S&T or socio-
economic development in the 1960s. The first policy was largely weak in implementation because of
its over-ambitiousness and because few resources were allocated to its implementations, as well as,
the fact that there was nobody in charge to oversee and promote its execution.

The creation of the NCST was the most visible attempt to give effect to the islands S&T ambitions.
This institution has accomplished some of the aims, with limited resources, and has realized certain
aspects of the second policy, such as biotechnological capacity building, coordination of R&D, filling of
S&T gaps and promotion of liberalization in the telecommunications sector. The NCST will therefore
be supported to select, promote and facilitate the accomplishment of cross-institutional and inter-
disciplinary work of major national importance to demonstrate the effectiveness of S&T for local
socioeconomic development. In order to accomplish this, funding for R&D should be a national priority.

In addition, it is crucial to redefine and to develop the education system in order to promote the
formation of specialized human resources oriented to S&T fields. Currently, the efforts undertaken in
this direction are almost inexistent.