Nominations are now open for the 2022 National Medal for Science and Technology. The award acknowledges scientific achievements and encourages creativity and innovation. The nomination forms are available on the National Commission on Science and Technology’s (NCST) website at www.ncst.gov.jm. Executive Director of the Commission, Olive-Jean Burrowes, is inviting interested persons to submit nominations before the deadline of Monday, August...

The Government Electrical Regulator (GER) is looking to improve Jamaica’s global competitiveness index ranking within a year. Acting Chief Electrical Regulator of the GER, Seymour Walters, said the regulatory body, which began full operation in November 2021, has already started working towards this aim. He referenced the GER’s digital system as a major player in the efforts towards this thrust....

The National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) has renewed calls for the submission of applications for the National Innovation Competition. With a fast-approaching deadline of July 31, persons are being encouraged to express their interest in one of eight categories. These are education and popularisation of science, technology and innovation; agriculture, food and agro-processing; energy and energy efficiency; information...

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) is reporting steady progress in the study to develop coffee plant materials that are resistant to the leaf rust disease. Jamaica has recorded several outbreaks of the malady over the years, which have significantly impacted the coffee industry. Executive Director of the SRC, Dr. Charah Watson, informed JIS News that some coffee farmers have suffered...

The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) which will provide advice to the Government on matters relating to data protection and access to information, is now in the process of being operationalised. This follows the passage of the Data Protection Act, 2020, which makes provision for the establishment of the Office and the appointment of an Information Commissioner. Minister of...

The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology is reviving the National Medal and Innovation Awards to acknowledge scientific achievements and encourage creativity and innovation. “I wish to, therefore, make a call to all innovators, creative thinkers, entrepreneurs and scientists, to be in readiness to submit their innovative products for recognition and celebration,” said portfolio Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz. He was...

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) will continue to support the agricultural sector, with the aim of boosting Jamaica’s food security. The assurance comes as the agency works to increase its supply of disease-free plantlets for what it describes as economically important crops. These include pineapples, ginger, and Irish and sweet potatoes. Farmers can also add more plants to the list,...