KINGSTON, Jamaica–Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams says there must be a stronger effort to foster a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth, with particular emphasis on Information Communication Technology (ICT).

“This Ministry supports wholeheartedly the engagement of young persons in activities that direct their creativity towards an entrepreneurial culture that will not only harness their enthusiasm and innovative ideas, but also increase their personal development, social stability, and eventually their economic growth,” she stated.

Ffolkes-Abrahams said ICT continues to be one of Jamaica’s fastest growing industries, employing approximately 14,000 persons. She said it is envisaged that this figure will grow by an additional 3,000 over the next three years.

The State Minister noted that with this in mind there is a need to encourage more young people to choose careers in the thriving industry, and to also move away from mostly support functions in ICT, to creating their own businesses.

She was speaking on Friday, August 22, at the Jamaican Girls Coding Summer Camp 2014 graduation ceremony held at the Jamaica Promotions (JAMPRO) headquarters in New Kingston.

The four-week programme was organised by the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in association with the Jamaica Coalition of Service Industries (JSCI).

It sought to expose 20 girls, ages 12 to 14, from various high schools in the Corporate Area to the technique of coding.

The programme, facilitated by JAMPRO, also addressed the significant gender gap that exists in the ICT sector.

The girls were presented with certificates and tablets at the graduation ceremony.