r. Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technolology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.), emphasized the importance of collaboration among tertiary institutions and increased financial investment in STEM research and education by CARICOM governments to transform the Caribbean into a “technological powerhouse.” Speaking at the second biennial Frontiers of Research in Caribbean Science and Technology (FORECAST) 2024 Conference, held from August 14-16 at UTech, Ja’s Papine Campus, Dr. Brown asserted that technological development should be a “regional activity.” He stated, “If we share our resources, talent, cognitive skills, and natural resources, we could be unstoppable.” He commended partnering institutions, including UTech, Jamaica, The University of the West Indies (Mona, Cave Hill, St. Augustine, and Trinidad and Tobago campuses), The University of Trinidad and Tobago, and The University of Guyana, for hosting the conference, which aimed to explore opportunities for advancing science and technology innovation for national and regional development. The STEM-focused conference brought together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers in a hybrid format to address social and economic challenges in the region. It featured 30 oral presentations, 14 poster presentations, 5 plenary sessions, 4 workshops, an expert panel discussion, and he 3rd Grand Innovation Challenge (GIC), where six student teams pitched scalable solutions to critical issues facing the region. Key topics included climate change, health innovations, food security, cyber technologies, and the role of artificial intelligence in research and data protection. Dr. Brown acknowledged the Caribbean’s achievements in tourism but insisted that the region must also excel in technology. “We must be known for tourism, agriculture, reggae music, athletics, and science and technology. That has to be the next pivot point,” he stated. He called for government support in positioning the region for sustainable development through STEM, urging collaboration to secure funding and resources for technological advancement. He stressed the government’s role in ensuring that universities are well-resourced for STEM research and education. “If we have that commitment, the Caribbean will be known as a technological powerhouse,” he declared, also highlighting the potential contributions of alumni in the diaspora. Minister of Education and Youth, the Honourable Fayval Williams, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness. She praised the partnering universities for their shared vision of leveraging science and technology for sustainable development, stating that innovative, research-driven solutions are necessary to address the Caribbean’s challenges. She noted the government’s commitment to supporting research and urged universities to collaborate on interconnected issues. UTech, Ja President Advocates for Collaborative STEM Initiatives at FORECAST 2024 Conference (L-R) Sharing a photo moment after the opening ceremony for the Frontiers of Research in Caribbean Science and Technology (FORECAST) 2024 Conference are: Co-Chair FORECAST organizing committee, Dr. Curtis Busby-Earle, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computing, The University of the West Indies, Mona along with Chair, Dr. Marcia Blair-Thomas, Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Sport, University of Technology Jamaica, Professor Samson Omoregie, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport, UTech, Ja., Hounourable Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Ja., Professor Marvin Reid, Deputy Principal, UWI, Mona and Professor Michael Taylor, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, UWI, Mona. The event was held from August 14-16, 2024, inside Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Ja Papine Campus. D 6 July - September 2024 | VOICES Quarterly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica
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