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15,000 Youth To Benefit From US$20 Million Digital And Animation Project

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KINGSTON, Sept. 10 (JIS):
BY: ALECIA SMITH-EDWARDS
Some 15,000 young Jamaicans are to benefit from employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the digital and animation industries under a US$20 million five-year project being undertaken by the Government.
Dubbed ‘Youth Employment in Digital and Animation Industries’ the project will target youngsters age 15 to 30 years in both urban and rural areas.

The funds are being provided by the World Bank, under a loan facility for which an agreement was signed with the Government of Jamaica on September 8, during a ceremony held at the downtown Kingston offices of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

Being implemented by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (MSTEM), the project seeks to build the skills of animators; establish training programmes; improve employability in the global online labour market; and fund a technology incubator called ‘Start Up Jamaica’, which will provide critical support to young technology entrepreneurs to bring ideas to market.
It involves collaboration among a number of ministries and agencies and private sector companies.

Animation Training
The animation component will include training of animators and the strengthening of existing programmes at selected institutions as well as support the establishment of a training programme to be delivered by the HEART Trust/NTA.

State Minister for MSTEM, Hon. Julian Robinson, told JIS News that the emphasis on training is important as the only issue preventing further growth of Jamaican animation companies is the availability of skilled personnel.

“So, we are going to be ramping up our training in animation, targeting not just the established institutions, but we want to get down to the grassroots. You have a lot of talented young Jamaicans, who have not necessarily been exposed to animation before, but who have the skills, who have the aptitude. We want to put them through a programme that will equip them to deliver animation content, and for many of them to become their own entrepreneurs,” he said.
Online Job Market

Under the online job component, young people will be able seek employment opportunities across the globe, utilising the Community Access Points (CAPS) established by MSTEM across the island, and at the HEART Trust/NTA centres in Manchester, Montego Bay, Papine and at the Garmex Academy on Marcus Garvey Drive.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, stated that the online market presents a unique opportunity for young Jamaicans, many of whom have high school diplomas and college degrees.

He said that through the virtual economy, the youth can access employment opportunities globally, “a solution that is attractive for small island states where the size of the local market hinders growth and job creation”.
Start Up Jamaica

A major part of the funding will go towards ‘Startup Jamaica,’ a Government initiative aimed at providing technical support to local entrepreneurs and innovators in the area of technology.

‘Start-up Jamaica’ is a public/private partnership for economic growth and development, which aims to help Jamaica’s innovators and entrepreneurs grow their business ideas into a product, thus increasing employment and access to foreign exchange.

The project will also focus on: ‘Skills and Capacity to Enhance Employability and Entrepreneurship’; Early Stage Investment for Tech Start-ups; Support to Science, Technology and Innovation; and Project Administration.
Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, in his remarks, stated that the project will provide an opportunity to “unleash the innovative and entrepreneurial talents of Jamaicans”.

“We have demonstrated time and time again… that we have first rate talent in animation and in the digital skills that will enable us to move up the value chain as far as participation in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the digital economy is concerned,” he stated.
Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, Fabio Pittaluga said the project is “innovative not just for Jamaica but for us as an institution,” and has huge opportunities for the development of the digital economy in Jamaica.

“There is a huge capital of talented, capable creative young people, who can be a force of transformation for the economy, the digital world and the online virtual economy. The digital media could really be some of the means by which that raw talent can be harnessed and provide economic growth opportunities, foreign exchange opportunities and jobs for Jamaica,” he stated.

The ‘Youth Employment in Digital and Animation Industries’ project involves collaboration with the Ministries of Finance and Planning; Industry, Investment and Commerce; Education; Youth and Culture; the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ); Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), and the Office of the Prime Minister.
Private sector stakeholders, including JNBS, Lime, and Oasis500, will provide capital to finance start-ups, as well as non-monetary support.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

GBPA LAUNCHES TECH EDGE 2.0 – INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR BAHAMIANS

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.

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Government

Elisann Delancy Appointed Deputy Director of Education

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 March 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Elisann Delancy as the new Deputy Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Ms. Delancy began her career as a Graduate Teacher at the Marjorie Basden High School, where she quickly made a significant impact on her students and the community. She progressed through various positions, including Assistant Curriculum Development Officer and Curriculum Development Officer. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in shaping local and regional literacy and numeracy programs, serving as the Turks and Caicos Islands Focal Point for the CARICOM, CDB, and OECS LET’s REAP Initiative.

Ms. Delancy holds: a Teacher’s Diploma (Honours) from Mico University College; a Bachelor of Education in Technical and Vocational Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Master of Education in Curriculum Development with Distinction from the University of the West Indies. Her award-winning research on the “Impact of Teacher Quality on Students Performance” in the Turks and Caicos Islands has garnered recognition and has been published, further demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field of education.

In addition to her academic credentials, Ms. Delancy has honed her leadership and management skills through various professional development opportunities, including Organisational Leadership from Harvard Business School and Contemporary Project Management from UWI Cave Hill. She is also a Level 4 Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Assessor and an active member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Currently, she is pursuing Public Financial Management qualifications through ACCA, London, to enhance her knowledge in this critical area.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Delancy stated, “The responsibility of leadership comes with great expectations, and I embrace this calling with gratitude and humility. Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” I am deeply grateful to God for guiding my path as I continue working to advance education for all. I did not stumble into the path of Educating; I chose this path because I recognised its power as the greatest equaliser, a force that can break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for all. The work ahead remains critical, and I am fully committed to working with the new Director of Education and our team at the Department of Education to build a progressive and responsive education system.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H. E. Anya Williams congratulated Ms. Delancy on her new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have Ms. Delancy stepping into this vital position. Her passion for education, proven leadership skills, and commitment to developing our youth will undoubtedly propel our educational system forward. We look forward to the positive impact she will have in this role.

Congratulations, Ms. Delancy, on your well-deserved promotion.”

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News

Malicious Injury Charge

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

 

Turks and Caicos, March 17, 2025 – Two counts of MALICIOUS INJURY to PROPERTY have been brought against

HAYWOOD MCINTOSH.

McIntosh, also known as “Woody,” was charged by officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Response and Operations Unit on 13th March 2025.

The accused, 38, of The Bight, is expected to appear before a Magistrate later this week.

The charges arose from an incident on 1st March 2025, when officers received a report regarding damage to a building and a vehicle along Airport Road, Providenciales.

An investigation was initiated, during which Mr McIntosh was arrested and subsequently charged.

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