The first of a two-day virtual public consultation on the National Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Green Paper was held on Thursday (June 25). The consultation, hosted by the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST), sought to engage citizens on questions surrounding national development within the field of science, technology and innovation. This seeks to advance Jamaica’s economic, social...

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, has commended the National Commercial Bank (NCB) for helping to build the innovative capacity of citizens amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, through the recent hackathon, dubbed ‘Hack-celerate’. The three-day competition saw more than 400 entries, where 18 shortlisted local teams pitched practical, innovative and digital businesses solutions, to combat the effects...

The Registrar General’s Department (RGD) is working to increase the number of clients accessing its online services from 40 per cent to 60 per cent. The move comes as the Department looks to strategically shift and enhance the number of services available to Jamaicans on its online platform. Chief Executive Officer at the RGD, Charlton McFarlane, who spoke to JIS...

The Data Protection Act, 2020, which seeks to safeguard the privacy and personal information of Jamaicans, was passed in the Senate on Friday (June 12). The Bill, which was approved without amendments in the Lower House on May 19, was greenlit by the Senators with three amendments. Leader of Government Business, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, in closing the debate...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, says 40,000 tablet computers will shortly be distributed to needy students across the island. Speaking recently at Digicel headquarters, downtown Kingston, Mr. Terrelonge said under the partnership involving his Ministry and e-Learning Jamaica Limited, an additional 60,000 tablets are “being sourced” to ensure that children have...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, has lauded the Digicel Foundation for responding to the education needs of students during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, particularly those with disabilities. “Digicel has partnered with the Government, across several Ministries, to ensure that despite the difficulties presented by the coronavirus, our youths remain connected and...

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to upgrade and strengthen the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. “As a Ministry, we are taking the bold steps to strengthen our ICT infrastructure to ensure that Jamaica enters the digital future with modern legislation and that all our citizens will have access to...