Mathematics Key to National Development – Senator Morris Dixon

Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has underscored the critical role of mathematics to national development, noting that it is key to building a more innovative, competitive and resilient society.

Delivering the keynote address at The Mico University College Mathematics Expo at the institution’s Marescaux Road location in St. Andrew on Tuesday (March 31), she said that the country’s progress depends heavily on strengthening mathematics education.

She argued that achieving national goals would be impossible without placing the subject at the centre of learning and innovation.

Highlighting the pervasive role of mathematics, she said that the subject underpins everyday activities and multiple sectors, including finance, agriculture, engineering, healthcare and technology.

“Mathematics is everywhere,” she said, pointing to its importance in managing money, designing infrastructure, delivering medical care and driving entrepreneurship.

Even in the digital age, Minister Morris Dixon said that strong numeracy skills are increasingly vital in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

She noted that AI systems rely on mathematical principles such as statistics, probability, calculus and linear algebra, noting that those proficient in mathematics will be better positioned to succeed in the future economy.

“Your goal is to build the next generation of technology,” she told the students, adding that confidence in mathematics is key to unlocking opportunities in fields such as coding, engineering and data analysis.

The Minister commended The Mico University College, particularly the Mathematics Department, for organising the expo and advancing the teaching of the subject.

She said that the event, under the theme ‘Mathematics For All: Building Communities, Confidence and Creativity’, is more than a school-based activity, positioning it as a “national development event” aligned with Jamaica’s broader growth agenda.

Addressing the widespread fear of mathematics, which, she noted, continues to hinder many learners, she said that too often students view mathematics as something to endure rather than master, a perception reinforced by adults who project their own anxieties about the subject onto the younger generations.

She emphasised the need to transform how mathematics is taught and experienced, advocating for approaches that make the subject accessible, relevant and engaging.

The Minister said that mathematics education must move beyond abstract concepts to practical application, allowing students to develop reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making skills essential for life, work and active citizenship.

She commended mathematics teachers for their pivotal role in shaping disciplined, analytical thinkers, acknowledging their efforts to overcome students’ fear of the subject.

Senator Morris Dixon urged continued emphasis on engaging teaching methods, meaningful integration of technology and stronger links between classroom learning and real-world application.

She encouraged students to persevere through challenges, reminding them that mistakes are part of the learning process, and expressed hope that the expo would inspire greater appreciation for mathematics and its transformative potential in Jamaica’s future.