KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Matthew Samuda, said geospatial technology is linked to economic growth and development.

“GIS (Geographic Information System) has been an effective tool for the Ministry and the development of several of our branches and agencies, as we work to maintain the delicate balance between the built and natural environments,” Samuda said.

The minister was delivering his keynote address at the official launch of Geography Awareness Week (GAW) and GIS Day 2022 held at Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in Kingston, on Thursday.

He said geospatial technology continues to serve as a predictive tool in preparing for challenges.

“The solutions to the current issues we face on local, regional, and international levels, as well as the key to any kind of future for our species and planet, is to understand and make informed decisions about where we are headed, particularly in light of the most insidious challenges we currently face, namely loss of ecosystems and biodiversity, environmental pollution, and climate change,” Samuda stated.

Samuda added that “Geospatial technologies allow us to Map our way to Economic Growth and Recovery, as your theme says and indeed, the list of possibilities for the application of the technology from a planning and policy perspective, is long.”

In commemoration of GAW, the activities also include the 10th GIS Technical Seminar, Annual GAW Thanksgiving Service, 20th National GIS Day Exposition, and 30th Land Information Council of Jamaica (LICJ) Anniversary Banquet, which will run until the end of November.

These activities are being executed by LICJ through the National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) within the MEGJC.

Minister Samuda noted that Jamaica continues to lead the way in GIS technologies as the country first used the tool in 1992, even before countries like Europe.

“It is a great source of pride that Jamaica continues to lead the Caribbean Region in Geospatial Information Management and the use of geospatial technologies and is a valued contributor to various regional and international fora,” Minister Samuda said.

The objective of GAW is to increase public awareness and education on the use of geospatial technologies and promote their increased utility, through the successful organisation and hosting of the annual series of activities.