Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Young Persons Encouraged to Pursue Career Options in Geoscience
#Jamaica, May 03, 2018 – Kingston – Young persons are being encouraged to pursue studies that will enable them to take advantage of the myriad career options in the geosciences. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Mining, Dr. Alwin Hales, said career prospects are strong in this field, which has the potential for further growth and innovation.
“There are many careers involved in the mining industry, including scientists, engineers, geologists, surveyors, drillers, material specialists, information and communications technology professionals, power plant operators and management teams,” he said.
Dr. Hales was speaking at the launch of the Mines and Geology Division’s Geoscience School Tour, on Monday (April 30) at its Hope Gardens location in St. Andrew. The Permanent Secretary noted that there is a great demand for geologists in particular, given the current shortage of such professionals in the exploration industry globally.
“A current demographic profile of senior geologists shows that there will be opportunities to attain senior positions for those entering the industry in the near future,” he said.
In the meantime, the Permanent Secretary said the school tour will encourage youth to “dig up” a career in the industry that researches, studies, extracts and transforms natural resources into energy sources and the materials needed for the manufacturing industries.
“The (Mining) Ministry, through the Mines and Geology Division, wants to bring to the forefront of young minds, the possibilities that exist in pursuing a career in the minerals industry,” he said.
He noted that the mining sector directly creates more than 2,000 jobs across the country in mineral extraction, production and manufacturing, and indirectly employs over 8,750 persons.
For her part, Country Coordinator for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ruth Clarke, also encouraged the pursuit of a career in the mining industry, pointing to areas of mineral management and mineral studies.
“Statistics show that in 50 years’ time, in 2068, we would’ve used five times more mineral resources than we would’ve used since 2000. People want resources and so you will need persons who are skilled and trained who can help you to manage the resources,” she said.
Ms. Clarke, who noted that she has been in the field for more than 30 years, called on girls in particular to get involved in the industry, lamenting that there is only 12 per cent of women in mining.
“Most people feel that it’s a profession for men… but we are seeing changes, and we have a number of geologists who are female,” she said.
The Geoscience School Tour, which is the second in the series, will get under way in Portland today (May 1). Through the tour, the Mines and Geology Division provides information to schools on the island’s geology, and makes presentations on careers in the geosciences field.
The Division, which is part of the Ministry, has the statutory responsibility under the Mining Act and the Quarries Control Act to exercise general supervision over all prospecting, mining and quarrying operations throughout the island. It also manages the investigation, characterisation, documentation and release information on all aspects of the geology of Jamaica.
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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