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.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, Youth, Sports and Culture

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 6^th May 6, 2025 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is pleased to announce that, as of May 1, 2025, the Scholarship Secretariat has officially launched its social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.

These platforms are designed to serve as interactive and informative spaces for current scholarship recipients and prospective applicants. Followers will gain direct access to important updates, including scholarship opportunities, application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and other essential information.

We invite all continuing scholars and individuals interested in applying for scholarships to follow and engage with the Secretariat’s new social media pages. In addition to timely announcements, followers can look forward to success stories, application tips, and other engaging content aimed at supporting academic and professional growth.

We value your participation and look forward to building a connected and empowered community of scholars. Together, we can achieve great things!

Facebook: Scholarship Secretariat Face book link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573464007388

Instagram: Scholarship Secretariat Instagram Page link: https://www.instagram.com/scholarship.secretariat?igsh=eDg3NmZjeTN0ZHR3

For more information, please visit our website at http://gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat