Northern Caribbean University (NCU) could benefit from research and development funds to be made available by the Ministry of Finance in the next financial year, advised Professor Errol Morrison, director general of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST).

Professor Morrison, who was speaking recently (June 24) during the launch of Zon Teasan, Jamaica’s newest nutraceutical product at NCU in Mandeville, urged the institution to move quickly to capitalise on the potential advantages from this product and its raw material.

NCU scientists were instrumental in identifying the nutritional components of a ginger-like plant from which a variant was later produced and patented in nearly 30 countries by Zon International Holdings Ltd.

The director general of the NCST noted that in 2015 the Simpson Miller Administration had approved a national nutraceutical industry policy for which the current administration has developed regulations to be promulgated soon. “Zon is the founding rock on which to develop the nutraceutical industry,” Professor Morrison declared.

He further remarked: “This is the sip of the iceberg. From the tea, we go to the naturopathic medicine. Mandeville will never be the same again.” Research on the plant extract showed that it had anti-cancer properties and relieved pain experienced by women during their menstrual cycle, among other potential health benefits.

Meanwhile, Phillip Paulwell, former minister of science and technology, has expressed high praises for NCU. He was responsible for executing the then prime minister’s instruction for government’s support, through the NCST, of the early research work done on the parent plant of the McGhie JCG.

“I think NCU has been tremendous. It’s not everybody that a small farmer will go to and they spend the time to listen, much more to invest as they have done,” Paulwell shared following the end of the launch ceremony which he attended at NCU’s Mandeville Campus.

He added: “NCU is a pioneering institution, and they must be commended for being risk takers and for scientific input in providing tremendous veracity and efficacy to this product we are launching today.”