Abigail Dixon Carries Jamaica’s Renewable Energy Vision To Shanghai

For 17-year-old Abigail Dixon, renewable energy represents both a pathway to Jamaica’s sustainable future and a personal calling – one rooted in curiosity, strengthened by training and now propelling her onto the international stage.

A native of Highgate, St. Mary, Abigail is a sixth form student at St. Mary Technical High School and one of Jamaica’s most promising young talents in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Her aptitude was evident after she placed second in the 2025 WorldSkills Jamaica National Skills Competition held last October at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, displaying her skills in renewable energy, with a focus on solar system installation.

The achievement earned her national recognition and selection to represent Jamaica at the National World Skills Competition in Shanghai, China, scheduled for September 22–27, 2026.

Abigail tells JIS News that her journey into renewable energy began unexpectedly. “I was initially placed in the electrical class, but my interest grew out of curiosity about how energy can be generated from natural sources like the sun, wind, and running water,” she informed.

“I became fascinated by the idea that we can produce electricity from renewable resources while protecting the environment, reducing climate change, and creating sustainable solutions for the future,” she noted.

Abigail believes renewable energy aligns directly with Jamaica’s long-term development goals under Vision 2030, while offering a viable path to reducing the country’s reliance on the national energy grid and lowering energy costs.

“We do not really want to consume from the grid as much and look at Jamaica with a lot of sun; why not do solar?” she questioned, noting that Jamaica is well positioned to benefit from renewable technologies.

Her skills have been strengthened by the establishment of the state-of-the-art Innovation Hub for Electrical and Renewable Energy at St. Mary Technical High School. The facility was created through a $20 million investment from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and officially opened on February 6.

“For the school, it helps us to become the premier TVET institution in Jamaica, and for the students, it enhances our hands-on skills and not just focus on theoretical knowledge,” Abigail told JIS News.

While solar energy remains a major focus, she is eager to explore other renewable technologies.

“When people talk about renewable energy, they mostly think about solar, but I am excited to learn about wind energy and hydroelectricity, like how do we get energy from the wind or from flowing water,” she shared.

In preparation for National World Skills, Abigail is undergoing intensive training at the National Tool and Engineering Institute (NTEI), under the guidance of instructor Ebona Richards.

An institution under the HEART/NSTA Trust, NTEI provides specialised training in engineering, welding and industrial skills, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning for youth aged 17 to 29.

Ms. Richards, a graduate of Mico University College and a former student of St. Mary Technical High School, not only serves as Abigail’s technical and vocational training educator, but also her mentor.

Together, they will travel to Shanghai to represent Jamaica on the world stage.

Abigail’s competence has not gone unnoticed. Speaking at the launch of the Innovation Hub, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, recalled her first encounter with the young innovator.

“I met her when we were doing the opening of the academic year some time ago,” she said, noting that Dixon guided her through a demonstration. “I said, wow, what a powerhouse,” she told JIS News.

“I’m not surprised…that she is at the top in this competition. She was knowledgeable, she was competent and I said, ‘this is what the future holds for every Jamaican child,” Dr. Troupe said.

As Abigail prepares to take her skills from Highgate to Shanghai, she remains focused not only on personal success, but on inspiring others.

She is also determined to challenge gender stereotypes in electrical and renewable energy.

“Those sectors aren’t just for males, even though they’re dominated by males,” she pointed out.

“Females can also do it. Look at me, girl power,” she said.

“This field also allows me to pave the way for other students, especially females, to see that they belong in electrical and renewable energy and that they can succeed,” Abigail said.