st newsletter oct dec 2013 final 3
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S&T Newsletter for October to December 2013TRANSCRIPT
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
1 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
A Q u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e S c i e n t i f i c R e s e a r c h C o u n c i l , J a m a i c aA Q u a r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e S c i e n t i f i c R e s e a r c h C o u n c i l , J a m a i c a
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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IN THIS ISSUE:IN THIS ISSUE:
1 | Agro-Industry
3 | Awards/Competitions
4 | Business Development
8 | Energy
10 | Environment (The)
14 | Health Issues
16 | Innovation
16 | Mining Industry
17 | Science (General)
18 | Science Education
18 | Science (Research)
19 | Scientists
20 | Sports
20 | Technology
21 | Workshops/Seminars
VOL.1, ISSUE # 3
Making Science & Technolog y work for youMaking Science & Technolog y work for you
This Newsletter highlights
news, events and activities in
Science & Technology (S&T)
and related subjects which have
taken place primarily in Jamaica
over the last three months.
Process Technician at the SRC explains to students the operation
of the SRC’s wastewater treatment system at the SRC Opportu-nity Fair 2013.
AGRO-INDUSTRY
Bringing youthful innovation to farming
As a child, Rohan Roberts hated getting his hands dirty, but today the 22-year-
old could very well be considered the poster boy for the evolving agriculture
sector, which, among other things, is pushing towards getting more young
people to contribute to Jamaica’s food security. The third-generation farmer has
done well for himself and his mind is [...]
2
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
CARIBBEAN S&T EVENTS CARIBBEAN S&T EVENTS
FOR OCTOBERFOR OCTOBER--DECEMBER DECEMBER
20132013
Oct 1-Oct2>>13th Annual Caribbean Energy Conference
Oct 4>>National Tree Planting Day
Oct 5>>National Wood & Water Day
Oct 7>>World Habitat Day
Oct 9>>International Day for Disaster Reduction
Oct 9-Oct11>>Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum 2013
Oct 16>>World Food Day
Oct 18-Oct 20>>Natural Dyeing Work-shop
Oct 27-Nov2>>Fire Safety Awareness Week
Oct 29>> “Fuel sources: what is the optimal mix for Jamaica’s economic growth?”
Oct 31>>Public Forum on Renewable Energy
Oct 31>>JAMLIN Seminar
Nov 1-Nov 30>>Science & Technology Month
Nov 8>>World Town Planning Day
Nov 11>>International Mountain Day
Nov 13>>GIS Day
Nov 14>>STIN Workshop
Nov 14>> Awards Ceremony Short-wood Teachers’ College
Nov 16>> Trench Town Trade and Investment Fair
Nov 19>>Public Lecture on the Sci-ence Behind Doping and Nutrition in Sports
Nov 26-27>>Workshop on making Body Wash
Nov 28>>Opportunity Fair 2013
(Cover image: Opportunity Quest event 2012)
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Dairy sector targets student market
Jamaica’s dairy sector has taken aim at the school
-feeding programme as a major market for
growing milk consumption. Having been thrown
a life-line in the form of a US$70,000 grant from
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations (FAO) earlier this year to develop
a five-year strategic plan, Hugh Graham says the
creation of [...]
Jamaican gardeners sowing new seeds – Red Maize, Cho Cho, Cal-
laloo, Dasheen and Eddoe are just a few
A master gardener whose farming methods have
produced tropical vegetables and tubers usually
grown in places like Jamaica on British soil is
hoping to repeat his success doing the reverse in
the Caribbean. Jamaican-born Robbie Samuda,
59, also known as the Rockstone Gardener’, is
involved in a food-growing project at the
Harmony Gardens in Tottenham. The [...]
Farmers’ market aims to strengthen agriculture’s links to tourism
The first of seven agro-tourism farmers’
markets planned for Negril was held last
Wednesday at Norman Manley Sea Park in that
resort town in Westmoreland, kicking off an
initiative aimed at strengthening links between the
tourism industry and the local agriculture sector.
According to the organisers, the markets, which
are being staged at a cost of [...]
Cocoa production up
The Cocoa Industry Board (CIB) is reporting an
increase of more than 100 per cent in the
production of cocoa for the 2011/2012 crop year.
Some 476.5 metric tonnes of cocoa, valued at
$150.6 million, were produced during that crop
year, as against the 2010/2011 crop year, which
recorded 216.5 metric tonnes.[...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
3 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
Increased demand for Coffee, but production shrinks
The local coffee industry will miss out on gains from projected increases in
demand from international markets, despite the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s
latest report that output of the commodity has increased by 143.8 per cent for the
quarter to June. However, production has been significantly reduced because of,
among other factors, diseases affecting the plants. “The production [...]
Farm Up Jamaica to grow organic foods, save money
Farm Up Jamaica, a bold and innovative agricultural private-sector programme
designed to significantly boost the organic production of selected crops in
Jamaica was launched last Thursday evening at the Kimberly Hotel in New
York City. Farm Up Jamaica is the brainchild of New York-based businessman
and entrepreneur Neil Curtis. The initiative aims to assist farmers in [...]
AWARDS/COMPETITIONS
3 Ardenne students representing Ja at Junior Achievement competition
Three students from Ardenne High School have been selected to represent
Jamaica at the annual Junior Achievement Americas Company of the Year
Entrepreneurship Competition to be held in Cancun, Mexico, between
December 9 and 12. The three are Dawin Morna, Nicholas Kee and Hughian
Bernard. This is the third year that students from Ardenne will represent [...]
Public invited to nominate persons for Prime Minister Youth Awards for Excellence
The public is invited to nominate outstanding young persons for the Prime Minister’s National Youth
Awards For Excellence. These awards are bestowed on young Jamaicans between 15 and 24 years of age,
who have excelled in the categories of academics, agriculture, the arts and culture, entrepreneurship,
journalism, leadership, sports, youth in service, international achievement and youth [...]
4
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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St Thomas students top Handwashing Day poster competition
Two St Thomas students emerged winners of the Poster and Song Competition
put on by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) in observance of
Global Handwashing Day. Akeil Harris from Bath Primary and Junior High
School won in the poster category, while Sidra Grant of Port Morant Primary and
Junior High School took the song [...]
Innovators take the spotlight for NCB’s Nation Builder Awards
The diversity and innovation of Jamaica’s small and medium business sector is
mirrored in this year’s selection of nominees for National Commercial Bank
Jamaica Limited’s (NCB) premier rewards programme for Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs), the Nation Builder Awards. This year, the independent
panel of judges selected seven nominees representing a variety of new and
emerging [...]
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
IDB, Compete Caribbean fund doing business reform programme
The Inter-American Deve-lopment Bank (IDB) and Compete Caribbean have
provided funding of US$653,000 (J$69.2 million) to undertake reform aimed at
improving business competitiveness in Jamaica under an ongoing technical
assistance programme. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Anthony
Hylton told a press conference in Kingston last week that funding from Compete
Caribbean and the IDB have [...]
Cargo Handlers gets into petrol
Cargo Handlers Limited (CHL) will acquire a petrol tanker company aimed at
diversifying its cargo operations and nearly doubling revenue to $300 million. The
acquisition of Bulk Liquid Carrier Petroleum Limited, which is owned by busi-
nessman Chester Chung, will result in the transfer of contracts with gas marketing
firms Total, Rubis and Cool along with 14 [...]
Be in the knowBe in the knowBe in the know w ith w hat ’s happening
in Science, Science, TechnologyTechnology and InnovationInnovation!
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
5 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit
‘Big ideas’ put on display at JBDC open day To most people, the bark of a
banana tree is useless. But the Jamaica Business Development Corporation
(JBDC) is not most people. What farmers discard as waste or invariably use as
mulch, it uses to make paper. That paper is then used to make jewellery, clocks,
lampshades, bags, [...]
JAMFA to create venture fund
Jamaica Micro Finance Association (JAMFA) is creating a venture capital fund to be backed partially
by its ten members, according to Executive Director Raymond Gabbidon. JAMFA wants to create a
venture fund of J$600 million to J$700 million for ploughing into entities which need capital to grow,
said Gabbidon. However, the group says it is concerned that
JMMB creates investment start-up
Jamaica Money Market Brokers Limited (JMMB) has created an investment subsidiary, which will
open for business in Port-of-Spain in January. JMMB Investments Trinidad & Tobago (JMMBITT)
marks the group’s return to the securities market in that country following the disposal of its half of
Caribbean Money Market Brokers (CMMB) five years ago. JMMBITT will offer “a different [...]
PetroCaribe Development Fund to intensify renewable investment in 2014
Petrocaribe Development Fund aims to increase its financing of clean energy projects in 2014 as part of
the national goal to reduce the island’s reliance on fossil fuels. The fund wants to include biogas and
solar projects led by state enterprises to its mainly wind portfolio, chief executive of the fund Wesley
Hughes told the Observer [...]
Events for Science and Technology Month went well
The SRC staged a number of events during the Month of November which is celebrated as Science,
Technology and Innovation Month each year. The Month opened on October 31 with a Proclamation
ceremony at Kings House, under the theme “Science and Technology – the Gateway to Economic resto-
ration”.
Governor General, SIR Patrick Allen, Officially opening Science and [...]
Be in the knowBe in the knowBe in the know w ith w hat ’s happening
in Science, Science, TechnologyTechnology and InnovationInnovation!
6
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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Biotech R&D Institute third anniversary
300 women business owners complete training programme
Three hundred Jamaican women business owners have completed a three-year
training programme aimed at strengthening and promoting entrepreneurship
among females in Jamaica. The programme was organised by the Women
Business Owners (Ja) Limited (WBO), with financial support from the Inter
American Development Bank (IDB). Speaking at a closing ceremony held
recently at the WBO office, IDB country [...]
Access, Belize firm win Citi microfinance award
Jamaican firm Access Financial Services was one of two companies that
received top honours for excellence in microfinance at the 2nd Annual Citi
Microentrepreneurship Awards ceremony last week. The other company was
La Inmaculada Credit Union of Belize. Access and La Inmaculada took home
US$5,000 ($522,000) each, respectively, for product innovation and transpar-
ency. The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards [...]
Branson urges gov’t to offer loans to young entrepreneurs – three receive US Dollar loans to
boost business
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson,
is urging the government to provide business loans to young entrepreneurs in
Jamaica to spur economic growth and job creation. He was speaking on
Sunday following celebratory activities to mark the second anniversary of the
Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean in Montego Bay, [...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
7 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
Visit our Caribbean Energy Information Platforms todayVisit our Caribbean Energy Information Platforms todayVisit our Caribbean Energy Information Platforms today!!!
Red Stripe creates raspberry beer for young drinkers
Red Stripe has introduced a fruit-flavoured beer to the local market, called Red
Stripe Burst, aimed at young drinkers. The raspberry-flavoured drink was rolled
out to Red Stripe Jamaica shareholders on Friday, ahead of a national campaign
which is to start later this month. The beer has been designed as a “recruitment-
driven” product, primarily for 18 to [...]
What will make venture capital work in Jamaica?
The success of any venture is determined by the willingness of the participants to
co-operate toward a good end. Venture Capitalism (VC) is not new to Jamaica,
but for many reasons, among which reside the perception of intense greed among
providers of capital, and lack of accountability and appreciation of the risks
involved in investing in [...]
Data is the real asset of business
Data is the most valuable asset to any business, according to Daniel Rossignol,
Director of Global Alliances and Partnerships at Geminare Incorporated. As
businesses grow, the more business intelligence they generate, whether it is cus-
tomer information, supplier information or accounting data, he declared during
his presentation at a round table discussion on “Managing Information and Data
[...]
Diaspora reaches out to young inner-city entrepreneurs
Members of the Jamaican diaspora have been given the chance to engage with young entrepreneurs from
inner cities through yesterday’s launch of the Diaspora Youth Connect (DYC) project.
The DYC launch, which took place at the offices of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, represents a
collaborative effort among the Jamaica Diaspora Institute, Cuso International, and the [...]
8
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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Marley Coffee buys new company, relocates to Denver
Jammin Java Corp, which trades as Marley Coffee, has spent the last few months
moving headquarters, negotiating the purchase of a beverage distribution sub-
sidiary and securing an advertising agreement with the Denver Broncos. On
August 1, the company said it signed a letter of intent to acquire the assets of
Black Rock Beverage Services (BRB), a [...]
Fuel Farm to boost traffic at Ian Fleming
Jamaica Aircraft Refuelling Services (JARS) has developed a fuel farm to store
aviation gas and jet fuel at the Ian Fleming International Airport.
JARS General Manager Luther Williams said the fuel farm owned by his
company will be up and running by end-September. The St Mary facility,
Williams said, will allow fuelling of small planes with aviation [...]
Sagicor structures venture capital financing for new medical company
Sagicor Investments Jamaica Limited and NCB Capital Markets have taken
equity stakes in a start-up medical diagnostics company under a J$147 million
financing deal structured by Sagicor Investments. Under the financing
arrangement – a mix of ordinary shares and convertible mezzanine financing —
Sagicor and NCB Capital Markets initially held 43 per cent of Elite Diagnostic
[...]
ENERGY
Four gov’t buildings to get energy efficient air conditioning systems
Cabinet has approved a contract for air conditioning systems for four
Government buildings, as the administration intensifies measures to improve
energy efficiency in the public sector. This involves the design, supply and retro-
fitting of efficient air conditioning solutions for the Jamaica Information Service
(JIS), Kingston Public Hospital, the Donald Sangster Building at the Sangster
International Airport, [...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
9 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
Solar-powered business centre for Grants Pen
A development company specializing in energy-efficient projects has
invested $40 million in a solar-powered commercial centre in the often
volatile Grant’s Pen, St Andrew area. Construction workers contracted to
Global Designs and Builders are putting the finishing touches on the
17,000 square-foot facility located at the intersection of Fagan Avenue and
Grant’s Pen Road. The business centre, [...]
Report: Money available for renewable energy, but Gov’t policy lacking
The Worldwatch Institute on Wednesday launched its groundbreaking
Sustainable Energy Roadmap for Jamaica, a look at the measures that the
Jamaican Government can take to transition its electricity sector to one
that is socially, environmentally and financially sustainable. The report
Jamaica Sustainable Energy Roadmap: Pathways to an Affordable,
Reliable, Low-Emission Electricity System [...]
AISK saves big with solar
Just over three months since installing a photovoltaic (PV) system at the
institution, American International School of Kingston (AISK) is reporting
accumulated savings of approximately US$15,000 as at October 9. The
system boasts 400 250-watt solar panels covering 7,000 square feet, and
five Schneider-Electric 20-kilowatt grid-tie inverters which convert DC to
AC power. The project made [...]
Energy World provides OUR evidence 360MW bid bond in hand
The Gleaner understands that Energy World International (EWI) has provided the Office of
Utilities Regulation (OUR) with evidence it has secured US$7.4-million to cover the required bid
bond for the 360-megawatt project. However, sources say the funds are with a financial institution
located in Hong Kong, with which Jamaican financial entities have never done business.
The OUR reportedly [...]
Phase out energy subsidies
The International Monetary Fund chief is urging governments to phase out
energy subsidies as a key step to address climate change. Christine Lagarde
said Tuesday that such subsidies, particularly for fossil fuels, only
encourage the use of more energy and disproportionately benefit wealthier
individuals, who can afford to use more energy, instead of the poor.
Lagarde said [...]
10
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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Geothermal energy project sites narrowed to six
The 12 sites originally identified as potential geothermal energy sources have
been narrowed to six as the feasibility studies unfold. Geologist Krishna
Vaswani and partners in the project announced in January, aim to produce
electricity from heat trapped underground, for the first time in Jamaica.
Construction of the 15mw geothermal plant has a “likely” start date of [...]
OUR to retender for 37MW of renewable capacity
The first round of qualified bids to supply 115 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources fell
short by one-third. The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) said on Wednesday that it will be
returning to the market with a request for bids to supply the outstanding 37 megawatts of ‘firm
capacity’.“We are not clear on the time line,” [...]
Taiwan financing new energy project in St Lucia
The St Lucia government says Taiwan is funding a project to reduce energy consumption in the public
sector through the installation of energy-efficient lighting in public buildings. One component of the
Sustainable Energy project is the replacement of the costly incandescent lights with light-emitting
diode (LED) lighting. Head of the Energy, Science and Technology Unit in the Ministry [...]
China funding street-light project in Dominica
Dominica is implementing a US$34-million solar street-light from China, Public Works Minister
Rayburn Blackmore has said. He said the 33-month project would involve installation of 4,851 solar
street lights across the country, and that Beijing would be providing 2,500 of those lights. “The prime
minister has been able to use his good office to [...]
Wigton 24MW windfarm to be commissioned mid-2015
Wigton Windfarm expects to commission an additional 24 megawatt (MW) bank of wind generators by
August 2015. Yesterday, it said that it had already submitted its one per cent bid bond to the Office of
Utilities Regulation (OUR), having been chosen as one of three preferred bidders selected for the
supply of 115 MW electricity generating capacity [...]
ENVIRONMENT
NEPA hosts workshops for new waste regs
High on the laundry list of issues facing industry players at the recent series of workshops to sensitize
owners and operators of plants that generate, store, treat and/or discharge effluent into the environment,
was the leap in licensing and registration fees from $10,000 to $75,000 in some cases. According to the
Natural Resources Conservation (Wastewater and [...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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World Bank issues climate change warning to Caribbean
The World Bank has warned that a rise in sea level could have “catastrophic effects” for the Caribbean
and would affect the poorest and most vulnerable in the region. A new study by the Washington-based
financial institution has urged Caribbean nations to link risk management with social, economic and
environmental initiatives in [...]
Guyana to ban plastic foam containers
Guyana says it is forbidding imports of plastic foam containers, starting in June. That amounts to a
virtual ban since there are no domestic producers. Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud says
importers have a seven-month grace period to switch to alternative containers, such as cardboard.
Guyana has been considering a ban for several years because plastic foam [...]
Global Warming trends a clarion call to Caribbean leaders
With A more than two-degree rise in global temperatures, and given current
and projected greenhouse gas emissions, Caribbean leaders have been
encouraged to pull out the stops to have developed countries take their climate
obligations seriously. “One opportunity would be at the July meeting of
CARICOM. [It is a chance] for leaders to really get this [...]
‘Vocal group’ representing Caribbean at Warsaw climate talks
The 19th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 9th session of
the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto
Protocol began here on Monday with the Caribbean having a relatively [...]
Portmore gets €60,000 for climate-change project
THE PARTNERSHIP between the German city of Hagen and the municipality
of Portmore has yielded funding to the tune of €60,000 for the first in a series
of climate-change projects they propose to undertake together. Dr Conrad
Douglas, chairman of Jamaica’s Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC)
which is facilitating the collaboration, said this first project is [...]
12
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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Developing countries urged to unite as UN climate talks get going
As the United Nations climate change talks begin here this week, developing
countries, big and small, have been urged to band together to safeguard their
collective interests, including secure financing for adaptation. “Developed
countries have managed to get us, as developing countries, to behave as crabs
in a barrel so that they can do what they [...]
Rainwater harvesting to become mandatory for housing projects
It will soon be mandatory for all housing developments to have provisions facilitating rainwater
harvesting whether or not they are connected to a central water supply system. Water, Land,
Environment and Climate Change Minister Robert Pickersgill, who made the disclosure on Friday,
said that the National Rainwater Harvesting Policy is currently being strengthened to facilitate [...]
Insects making eco-friendly buzz in Dutch kitchens
Cecile’s latest batch of students watched attentively as she launched into the
last step of the dish — swirling grasshoppers around in a frying pan before
setting them on the cous cous. In their bid to find an environmentally-friendly
alternative to meat, Richard, 41, Mariet, 53, and Seppo, 43, are looking to [...]
Focus on water November 8
Jamaica will on Friday, November 8 join the rest of the international
community in observing World Town Planning Day (WTPD), which will
focus on expanding access to, and encouraging more efficient use of potable
water. The day, which will be observed under the theme: ‘Water: Too much,
too little, Unusable or in the wrong place’, is [...]
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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Climate change said taking toll on Negril beaches
The urgency with which Jamaica needs to address climate change was made
evident at last week’s Government of Jamaica/Adaptation Fund Programme
National Stakeholders’ Consultation after it was revealed that at least one
metre of Negril’s coastline was eroding yearly, making the beaches smaller.
Stakeholders in the project titled, “Enhancing the Resilience of the Agricultural
Sectors and [...]
Disasters impacting more people who lack technology
In 2012, 139 million people were affected globally by natural disasters, the
lowest figure for the last decade, however, Jan Gelfand, head of programmes
and operations, Americas zone of the International Federation of the Red
Cross, said that people with the least access to technology are the most
vulnerable to disasters. “Although the overall number of [...]
New project to analyse climate impact on Caribbean coasts
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
has collaborated with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the
Environment, and the University of Cantabria to launch a database to facilitate
analysis of the impact of climate change on Caribbean coasts.
ECLAC said regional countries could improve coastal planning and develop
preventive measures to [...]
LIME Foundation adopts part of forest reserve
The LIME Foundation has undertaken a major initiative with the Forestry
Department that will see the entity ‘adopting’ one hectare (two-and-a-half
acres) of Government Forest Reserve lands in the hills of St Andrew. The
LIME Foundation is sponsoring the initiative to the tune of approximately
$500,000. The LIME Foundation is the latest participant in the ‘Adopt-A-
Hillside’ Corporate [...]
14
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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New database to help region protect coastline from climate change
Countries in the Caribbean and Latin America could improve coastal
planning and develop preventive measures to adapt to the effects of climate
change using a database launched yesterday by the Spanish Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and the Environment, University of Cantabria and the
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
The database contains information [...]
Climate Change Division becomes a reality
The long awaited Climate Change Division should be up and running by
the end of next month, with the recruitment of key staff members now
completed, Dr Conrad Douglas, chairman of Jamaica’s Climate Change
Advisory Committee, told The Gleaner recently. “It [the establishment of
the division] is going very well now. We have concluded the interviews for
[...]
Waste not! – Farmers to use treated effluent in cane fields
Farm Up Jamaica, a bold and innovative agricultural private-sector
programme designed to significantly boost the organic production of
selected crops in Jamaica was launched last Thursday evening at the
Kimberly Hotel in New York City. Farm Up Jamaica is the brainchild of
New York-based businessman and entrepreneur Neil Curtis. The initiative
aims to assist farmers in [...]
HEALTH
Stem Cell Therapy: facts worth noting
There is always controversy in the word stem cells. After all, the research started with the use of
embryos, and there are many who still believe that stem cells only come from embryos.
Stem cells are actually in all tissue and are the basis of our repair and regeneration. There are many
forms of stem cells, [...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
15 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
Elderly exercisers have fewer broken bones after falls
Older adults who have a regular exercise routine are less likely to fall, but if they do, they’re also
less likely to get hurt, a new study suggests. Researchers found that older adults taking part in fall-
prevention exercise programmes were about 37 per cent less likely to be injured during a fall,
compared to non-exercising [...]
Stem Cell Therapy healing Jamaicans – the miracle of using your body to self-repair
Deeming it nothing short of a medical miracle, Dr Janice Simmonds-Fisher strongly believes stem
cell therapy should become a routine part of medical treatment in Jamaica. Operator of
BIO-regeneration Integrated Medical Center in Montego Bay, St James, which introduced stem cell
therapy to Jamaica a year ago, Simmonds-Fisher is now working on making that a reality.
“To [...]
Ten tips for treating Acne in teens
Mild acne can be treated with products containing ingredients like benzoyl
peroxide (2.5-5 per cent), sulphur and/or salicylic acid (0.5-2 per cent).
These may be irritating, so start with lower concentrations, and be careful
when combining products. It is best to choose gentle cleansers when using
other acne treatments. If tolerated, exfoliating (deep cleaning) cleansers
and [...]
Gut bacteria could help fight obesity
Different kinds of bacteria that live inside the gut can help spur obesity or
protect against it, say scientists at Washington University in St Louis, United
States, who transplanted intestinal germs from fat or lean people into mice
and watched the rodents change. And what they ate determined whether the
good germs could move in and [...]
Lifesavers – Cornwall Regional conducts first kidney transplants
Through what has been described as the highest form of altruism, three endstage renal failure
patients have had their life expectancies increased by several years. The three – Wayne Bernard,
who urinated for the first time in six years last Thursday; Shaneik Lawson, who no longer feels
drained as if she runs from Kingston to St [...]
16
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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INNOVATION
Microsoft seeks partners for Jamaican Innovation Centre
Microsoft wants to build private sector partnerships to establish a
Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) in Jamaica, says Marcelle Smart,
Microsoft Jamaica country manager. The US-based electronics and
computer software giant has already developed the necessary links with
the government, The University of the West Indies and Jamaica National
Building Society (JNBS), she said. The MIC, which [...]
Bringing youthful innovation to farming
As a child, Rohan Roberts hated getting his hands dirty, but today the 22-year-old could very well
be considered the poster boy for the evolving agriculture sector, which, among other things, is
pushing towards getting more young people to contribute to Jamaica’s food security.
The third-generation farmer has done well for himself and his mind is [...]
A system to manage innovations
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
MINING INDUSTRY
Limestone resources estimated at 150 billion tonnes – next challenge: monetising the min-
eral
By ramping up local production of limestone and its derivatives, Jamaica
could exploit lucrative overseas markets and generate inputs for local
feed, food and pharmaceutical production, according to new research.
The Limestone Assessment Study identified market opportunities in
CARICOM and the Americas which could earn Jamaica multimillions in
foreign exchange, according to a presentation of the [...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
17 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
Gypsum mining to restart – Carib Cement
Carib Cement says it will be restarting its gypsum-mining operations at
Halberstadt, Bull Bay, St Andrew, in the new year. Tony Haynes, managing
director of the cement-producing company, toldThe Gleaner yesterday that
the operations would be resumed subject to environmental approval.
“We are about 95 per cent. It seems we will resume mining,” Haynes said.
“We will put the [...]
SCIENCE (GENERAL)
India launches first mission to Mars
India on Tuesday launched its first spacecraft bound for Mars, a complex
mission that it hopes will demonstrate and advance technologies for space
travel.
Hundreds of people watched the rocket carrying the Mars spacecraft take off
from the east-coast island of Shriharikota and streak across the sky. Many
more across the country [...]
November proclaimed Science & Technology Month
The month of November was officially declared as Science and Technology
Month by His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen at king’s
House at a Proclamation Ceremony held at the King’s House on October 31,
2013. The ceremony was attended by the members of the scientific
community, the board and managers of Scientific Research [...]
Selenium a mighty mineral
I have often recommended that readers supplement their diet with the ACES – vitamin A, vitamin C,
vitamin E, and selenium and have talked a lot about the first three. But what about the fourth –
selenium? Selenium is a trace mineral that our bodies use to produce an important enzyme within our
cells called [...]
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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SCIENCE EDUCATION
The field of biomedical engineering
Engineering and biomedics may sound like an odd combination. However, biomedical
engineering – the design and creation of medical-care options, systems and facilities – is
increasingly happening both globally and locally. Medicine is using more and more technology
in diagnosing and fixing medical problems. Just like cars have spare parts, this technology is
now allowing [...]
Catholic college embarks on new math programme
The school, which moved into its new multimillion-dollar campus in
Williamsfield earlier this year, is one of the region’s most respected
tertiary institutions for the training of the nation’s teachers.
For years, Catholic College was one of a few institutions that offered
mathematics-focused courses that prepared students to become
competent specialists in the discipline. Minister of Education [...]
John Rollins success primary boosting literacy and numeracy
John Rollins Success Primary School in St James has, since its
inception in 2004, pioneered innovative ways of learning in order to
boost the literacy and numeracy of students. Under the leadership of
Principal Yvonne Miller-Wisdom, the school instituted a Reading
Marathon in 2005 and a Math Olympics in 2006. The initiatives have
grown to incorporate several [...]
SCIENCE RESEARCH
Stem Cell research is still in the experimental stage
Persons reading a recent article in The Gleaner regarding ‘Stem cell
therapy healing Jamaicans’ might have been led to believe that they
might currently be treated safely using stems cells taken from their own
bodies. This is not so! Worldwide, the work with stem cells is still
regarded as being in the ‘experimental stage’ and is not [...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
19 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
Lowe urges Gov’t to ‘remove the smoke from ganja’
Studies on cannabinoids (chemicals from ganja) show that they help to
improve moods, relieve anxiety, and address several other issues related
to mid-life crisis that affects men and women, says local research scientist
and entrepreneur, Dr Henry Lowe, “Tremendous potential exists for
research and development, to determine how medical ganja products can
be developed and used [...]
High time indeed to review marijuana policies
On September 17, the Bureau of the Heads of Government of the 15-
nation Caribbean Community (Caricom) discussed the decriminalisation
of marijuana and its production for medicinal purposes. The discussion
was prompted by the prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr
Ralph Gonsalves who, prior to the meeting, is reported to have said “it is
[...]
My role in the ganja issue
Dear Editor, Given that my name and that of the Scientific Research
Council (SRC) were mentioned by both distinguished gentlemen - Dr
Albert Lockhart and Dr Henry Lowe - perhaps I should begin by attempt-
ing to clarify a point. I am currently the acting executive director for the
Scientific Research Council (SRC), where I have been [...]
SCIENTISTS
Arnaldo Ventura appointed to CARICOM committee
Dr Arnoldo Ventura, professor at The Mico University College, has been
invited by the Prime Minister responsible for Science and Technology in
CARICOM, Dr Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, to serve on
the CARICOM Committee for Science, Technology and Innovation.
The first meeting of this committee will take place in Grenada in January
2014 and [...]
20
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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SPORTS
UTech to host public lecture on the science of doping, nutrition in sports
The University of Technology (UTech), as part of its mandate to engage
public debate and foster public awareness and education of important
national issues, will host a public lecture entitled “The Science Behind
Doping and Nutrition in Sports: Let the Nation Hear!” on Tuesday,
November 19, 2013 at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston. The
lecture [...]
TECHNOLOGY
Picture perfect – Jamaican animator goes Hollywood
When credits roll for the animated movie The Nut Job, Jamaican Wayne
Carnegie’s input as a surfacing artist will be on that list. Produced by Open
Road Films, The Nut Job opens in North America on January 17. It
features the voices of Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson, and
Katherine Heigl. The comedy revolves around a [...]
University of the West Indies computer science students launch restaurant app
Three computer science students from the University of the West Indies,
Mona, under the expertise and mentorship of JJ Geewax, a former engineer
with Invite Media, which was acquired by search engine giant Google in
2010, has developed an application designed for the purchasing of food
without the use of physical cash. Kevin Leyow, Jonathan Cooper [...]
Jamaica: growing to full broadband penetration
Achieving 100 per cent broadband penetration in Jamaica stands to yield
significant economic gains. Estimates show just eight per cent of the
population are presently using high-speed Internet service, while studies
suggest that for every 10 per cent increase in telecomunications and broad-
band penetration there is a 1.3 per cent boost to GDP. But the Government
may [...]
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
21 CALL: (876) 927-1771– 4 VISIT www.src.gov.jm
JuiceMan character here for children – Jamaican father introduces interactive tablet books,
mobile games and animated series
It’s not Dora The Explorer, but Johnathon Kelly is hoping his JuiceMan
brand will get to those lofty levels. JuiceMan was inspired by observing
his young son watching cartoons. “I was a little taken aback by the fact
that everything was North American,” he said. “We have Dora, we
have SpongeBob, but we don’t have any Jamaican character that actually
[...]
Taking SMS to school
Communication between home and school is crucial to the success of any educational model, but
the 21st century and its focus on technology have all but obliterated the days when a teacher would
write a note in a child’s book. That’s where Mark Trought and his School SMS messaging service
come in. Designed to strenghten the [...]
WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS
Parliament hosts business workshop for students
The Houses of Parliament were staging their Commonwealth Day 2013
Expo at the Knutsford Court Hotel in St Andrew. Kingston Technical,
Holy Trinity high schools, and Convent of Mercy Academy were a few of
the schools present at the expo, which took place under the theme
‘Opportunity Through Enterprise’. “As young people preparing yourselves
for productive and [...]
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION NEWS OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013
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CONTACT US:
Documentation Centre
Scientific Research Council
Hope Gardens, P.O. Box 350
Kingston 6, Jamaica W.I.
876-927-1771-4 (o)
876-977-1840 (f)
Visit src.gov.jm for more on
Science and Technology news in Jamaica.
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