Caribbean News
JAMAICA: More Women Encouraged to Pursue STEM Careers
#Kingston, July 5, 2019 – Jamaica – More of the nation’s women and girls are being encouraged to pursue academic studies and careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, made the call at the launch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Women in Engineering Affinity Group, at the University of Technology’s (UTech) Papine Campus in St. Andrew on July 3. She said the Government is on a journey to transform the nation and improve the lives of citizens through science and technology.
“Along this journey, we will need engineers, software developers, scientists, cyber specialists, roboticists and a whole host of other professionals, and our women must not feel daunted to join these fields,” she said.
Mrs. Williams noted that for many years, men have outnumbered women in STEM, and in many cases, when women enter these fields the attrition rate is high. She said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has indicated that women are consistently under-represented in engineering and related fields, making up just 19 per cent of engineers in Canada, Germany and the United States.
She noted that locally, the number of females enrolled in engineering at the University of the West Indies (UWI) stood at approximately 10 per cent in 2015/16; while approximately 18 per cent were enrolled at UTech for the same period.
“We cannot afford to have distinctions between men and women, as we need both males and females in all areas of industry. In the age of the fourth industrial revolution, we can no longer afford disparities between males and females in the STEM fields, whether at the academic or the professional level,” she said.
Mrs. Williams said that the time has come to change the narrative and perception surrounding these fields, and engineering in particular.
“We must embrace diversity and inclusivity of both sexes if we are to advance as a country in the digital age. Regardless of sex or gender, everyone can contribute greatly towards building this great nation, and thus everyone should have an equal space at the table,” she said.
“I believe that our girls and women have a strong place in engineering. I believe that they possess tremendous knowledge that when harnessed, can contribute to building a strong Jamaica,” she added.
Contact: Chris Patterson
Release: JIS
Photo Caption: Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams addressing the launch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) Women in Engineering Affinity Group, at the University of Technology’s (UTech) Papine Campus in St. Andrew on July 3.
Photographer: Donald De La Haye
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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