Roseau, Dominica – Thirteen second-year high school students from Maison Familiale Rurale Education Orientation Lamentin (MFR Lamentin) in Guadeloupe have arrived in Dominica for a five-day educational exchange focused on the Kalinago people—Dominica’s Indigenous community. The initiative forms part of their Caribbean history curriculum and aims to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich and often overlooked Indigenous heritage.

This immersive experience, coordinated by Black Island Girl Multimedia, is designed to educate students on the Kalinago people’s contributions, traditions, and resilience, both past and present. By bringing students directly into contact with the Kalinago Territory, this program seeks to reshape the way Caribbean history is taught, centering authentic narratives and challenging historically inaccurate portrayals.

During their stay, students will engage with several cultural leaders including:

• Anette Sanford, Dominica’s first female Kalinago Chief
• Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment
• Earlson Matthew, Chief Cultural Officer of Dominica

The itinerary also includes serval heritage sites and cultural experiences. They will participate in a traditional Kalinago naming ceremony, culinary experiences with locally made cassava and other traditional foods, and visits to historical and natural landmarks such as the Indian River, Fort Shirley, and Titou Gorge.

Educators from MFR Lamentin have extended a heartfelt invitation to members of the Kalinago community and cultural experts to meet with the visiting students. “We would be honoured if you could spare some time to engage with our students and share your perspectives on the significance of the Kalinago civilization in both historical and contemporary contexts,” said Mahailiah Mellow, teacher and development officer from the delegation. “Your expertise and leadership would greatly enrich the students’ understanding and appreciation of this vibrant and enduring culture.”

This exchange not only represents a powerful educational moment but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Kalinago heritage across the Caribbean.

Black Island Girl Multimedia is a media and communications company founded by Jael Joseph, a Dominican-Canadian journalist, media producer, and cultural storyteller. The company is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented Caribbean voices, reshaping narratives around Caribbean identity, and telling stories that center Black and Indigenous perspectives particularly those often excluded from mainstream historical accounts.

Black Island Girl Multimedia focuses on:

• Documentary production and multimedia storytelling; “Territory”, a documentary on the Kalinago people won Best Short Doc in 2023 at The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Canada.
• Cultural preservation through digital media, podcasting, and live events
• Education and advocacy, especially around Caribbean history, heritage, and the experiences of women, migrants, and Indigenous peoples
• Event partnerships that align with social justice, cultural upliftment, and regional empowerment

The name “Black Island Girl” is both a declaration of identity and a mission: to represent the richness, resilience, and reality of Caribbean life through creative media rooted in truth and lived experience.

For Interviews, media contact:
ACEM By Jael Inc.
Email: jael.joseph@gmail.com
Phone: 767 277-3699 / 614 1770

J$125 million spent since inception

Kingston, Jamaica – Sagicor Group Jamaica (“Sagicor”) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), recommitting to the Sagicor–UTech Innovation Lab, based on the University’s Papine campus.

The renewal marks the continuation of a collaboration between industry and academia that began in 2020, aimed at nurturing technological innovation, mentorship, and research-driven development in Jamaica. Under the renewed agreement, Sagicor will invest J$25 million annually to fund the Lab’s operations, including personnel costs, equipment, and research activities.

At the MOU signing, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, Christopher Zacca, described the initiative as a “living, evolving hub of possibility” that reflects the Group’s long-term vision for a more innovative and future-ready Jamaica. He said, “the Sagicor–UTech Innovation Lab was born out of a mutual desire to move beyond talk and into action—to create a space where bright minds could co-develop practical solutions to real-world financial and health challenges. We did not simply sign an agreement; we activated a platform.”

Since its inception in 2019, Sagicor has invested J$125 million into the initiative, demonstrating its deep commitment to driving innovation through education and strategic partnerships. This continues with the new MOU, with a commitment of about J$25 million dollars annually, over three years.

The Sagicor–UTech Innovation Lab has seen several high-impact outcomes:

Five (5) student interns evolving into full-fledged software developers and IT infrastructure specialist;

• Cutting-edge prototypes influencing internal digital tools at Sagicor;
• And a growing pipeline of research aligned with real-world health and financial challenges.

President of the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), Dr. Kevin Brown, expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sagicor and UTech, noting its impact on students. He added, “This relationship has significantly benefited our students, and I look forward to the continued expansion of the innovation lab.”

The partnership over the years has also seen the execution of the Sagicor/UTech Innovation Challenge, with the 2025 staging ending in April. Annually, students design creative solutions, including those tackling health insurance accessibility and AI-powered financial literacy, showcasing the depth of talent and ingenuity emerging from the Lab.

“We look forward to more innovative and scalable solutions coming out of this partnership, which stands as an example of the critical approach we must take as a country to support our young people and help boost economic growth.”

As Sagicor and UTech enter this new phase of partnership, both institutions remain committed to scaling impact, empowering talent, and building a stronger innovation ecosystem in Jamaica.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF INNOVATION,

TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 8 May 2025:  In an unprecedented move, Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, is undertaking an initiative to transform high school science projects into viable commercial businesses, inspired by successful models from renowned educational institutions, such as Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Toronto.

On Wednesday, 7 May 2025, Hon. Saunders visited Holy Family Academy Catholic School in Kew Town, Providenciales, to meet with Rev. Luis Orlando González, Head Director, Ms. María Elena Vázquez, Principal, Mrs. Amor Villanueva, Science Teacher, and the students behind the innovative project “Brics from Sargassum.” This project, which won first place at the recent FortisTCI National Science and Technology Fair, involves converting problematic sargassum seaweed into sustainable eco-bricks.

Expressing confidence in the commercial potential of the initiative, Hon. Saunders stated, “Not because such an undertaking hasn’t been done before means it shouldn’t be tried. Our young students have exceptional talent, and this initiative will provide them with opportunities similar to those at leading universities. Even if we don’t achieve immediate commercial success, the invaluable lessons learned will vastly increase our likelihood of success in future attempts.” While at Holy Family Academy Catholic School, Hon. Saunders also took time out to visit all the students in their classes where he stressed the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, particular the positive outcomes achieved when girls pursue careers in STEM fields.

Holy Family Academy is one of two schools whose projects from the FortisTCI National Science and Technology Fair 2025 have been identified by Hon. Saunders as having commercial potential.                                                                                                                                                                                                                Hon. Saunders will next visit Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos, whose project “North Caicos Beach Bricks” secured second place at the FortisTCI Science Fair. The school’s innovative approach focuses on enhancing the strength and durability of eco-bricks made from recycled plastic and glass bottles, addressing critical sustainability challenges.

“As part of this initiative, I’m encouraging the schools to outsource the preparation of the commercial and financial business plans to their business and economic classes. This way, more students will gain real-world entrepreneurial experience, positioning them as leaders in sustainable business practices,” Hon. Saunders stated.

This initiative promises potential financial benefits for schools, including revenue from licenses and profits from successful commercialisation. “Through this programme, we’re not just supporting student innovation — we’re investing in the future prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Hon. Saunders emphasised. “This undertaking has the potential to generate economic growth, inspire young entrepreneurs, and set a foundation for sustainable industry development.”

Hon. Saunders underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, reaffirming his commitment to providing the necessary resources and mentorship to turn these student innovations into profitable, sustainable businesses.