National Council on Science and Technology to be Re-Established

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Hon. Phillip Paulwell has disclosed that the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) will again be playing a lead role in promoting and advancing science and technology in Jamaica.

Minister Paulwell who was addressing a group of scientists and technologists of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science at the University of the West Indies, Mona on March 8, told the gathering that the NCST would now have a secretariat established in the Ministry.   

Mr. Paulwell stated that following consultation with Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, a decision was taken to re-activate the NCST as part of the thrust to make science and technology a major driving force in the development of the country.

"Its main focus is to provide a policy platform for the country in areas such as Science and Technology adaptation.  Of course we are looking now at the representation and this University and this faculty will have a significant voice on that commission,” he explained.

The NCST was first established in 1993 as a broad-based national advisory body to the government on policies and strategies relating to science and technology.   The commission comprises representatives from public and private sector institutions, and academia whose decisions are implemented through steering committees, a secretariat, or through varying sub-committees.   Through its various programmes and activities the NCST intends to stimulate action in areas, which are significant to Jamaica’s national development.

Minister Paulwell also pointed out that while it was important for the re-establishment of the NCST, it was also critically important for the country to develop a greater cultural appreciation of the work of scientists, to get business enterprises to value the work of scientist, and have schools instil in students an early desire and interest in the sciences.

Dean of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Professor Ishenkumba Kahwa noted that the NCST was an optimistic policy instrument that could guide Jamaica’s investments and exploitation of the all too important science, technology and innovation sector. 

Professor Kahwa stated that the UWI had already begun the transformation of student thought, noting that interest in science and technology had experienced some level of growth. Student enrollments he stated have evolved from 880 in the 2000 /2001 academic year to nearly 2,500 now enrolled for the 2011/2012 academic year.  This improvement he noted is being facilitated through Saturday, evening laboratory sessions, and tutorials and lectures.

“We have been focusing on technology disciplines and their application to the national problems. We have introduced new and enhanced old programmes. New programmes include engineering, agriculture, information technology, agro-processing and postharvest technologies, enterprise risk management and more. We shall be expanding our programme in mathematical finance and transform our geography and geology programmes into household names for the construction and related industries,” he stated.

Professor Kahwa also disclosed that as of August 1, 2012, the faculty of Pure and Applied sciences will be renamed the Faculty of Science and Technology to reflect the University’s focus on fundamental science, technology and their engagement in innovation and support to the economy.  

By O. Rodger Hutchinson, JIS PRO