Minister Wheatley Commends SRC’s Contribution to National Development

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, has expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Scientific Research Council (SRC) to contribute to Jamaica’s national development.

“We have seen significant improvement in the facility and the quality of work that is being done here at the Scientific Research Council,” Dr. Wheatley said following a tour of the SRC’s headquarters in St. Andrew on Tuesday (September 15).

The tour provided the Minister with an update on the Council’s research, testing, production and incubation capabilities, while facilitating discourse on its contribution to food security, consumer safety, industry competitiveness and entrepreneurship.

It also showcased the renovated Analytical Services Laboratory, which was upgraded through a $60-million investment, as well as the SRC’s expanded testing capabilities enabled by new infrastructure and equipment.

Following the tour, Dr. Wheatley commended the SRC’s Executive Director, Board Chairman and staff for the work being undertaken.

“I believe we need to do more to let Jamaicans know where we are and what we are doing and the quality of work that we are currently doing here at the SRC, not only to provide analytical services but to assist Jamaicans, especially those with innovative ideas, to test and bring their solutions… their products to the market,” the Minister stated.

He said he was pleased with the work being undertaken, noting that the SRC embodies the Government’s commitment to ensuring that science, technology and innovation deliver tangible benefits for citizens and entrepreneurs.

Dr. Wheatley further noted that the Government will ensure the Council continues to drive research and development as it advances the ‘House of Innovation’ strategy.

The ‘House of Innovation’ is Jamaica’s 10-year strategic plan for advancing scientific research and innovation to support national development, while targeting key priorities such as food security, climate resilience and digital transformation.

“[The strategy] starts with human capacity. It starts not only with the scientists here but the children in our schools growing up with an appreciation of science and technology… to be able to compete, to continue to be innovators, to continue to create new products, ideas, and mechanisms that not only benefit Jamaicans but impact the world,” Dr. Wheatley outlined.

The Minister cited the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SRC and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) to implement the Nurturing Early Scientific Thinking (NEST) Programme as one of the initiatives being pursued under the strategy.

“We are making a concerted effort to expose our children, especially at the early age of two years, to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We have to ensure that our children coming up appreciate technology, appreciate the sciences… and the SRC is leading that thrust on behalf of the Government through the partnership with the ECC,” he stated.

In her remarks, SRC Executive Director, Dr. Charah Watson, highlighted the importance of the agency’s work in supporting national development.

“Our scientists, technologists, and technical team work with a wide cross-section of persons, from entrepreneurs to manufacturers to farmers, schools, researchers, public sector entities, and in communities,” she outlined.

Dr. Watson noted that the Council’s work spans product research and development; food and personal care formulation; analytical testing and nutritional analysis; tissue culture and biotechnology; as well as wastewater treatment and environmental solutions.

She stated that the SRC also supports technology transfer, science education, and innovation support.

“An important part of our mandate is supporting Jamaica’s productive sector. Many micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) begin with an idea but require scientific and technical support to convert that idea into standardised, safe, and commercially viable products. The SRC plays a critical role in helping those businesses move from concept to market,” the Executive Director explained.

She noted, however, that there is still room for growth and development within the Council.

“We see where, with appropriate policy support, partnership, infrastructure, and investment in R&D (research and development), the SRC can become that pillar to guide Jamaica into the future,” Dr. Watson added.

In his remarks, Board Chairman, Robert Lawrence, noted that the SRC remains focused on advancing applied research, supporting industry, and driving national development through innovation.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that science and innovation remain central pillars of national development,” he affirmed, while noting that the Minister’s visit signals the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s scientific, technology, and innovative ecosystem.