ST JAMES, Jamaica— Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Skills and Digital Transformation, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, says the Government is looking to increase the number of women engaged in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

“Women are very much under-represented in ICT and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. They make up only 28 per cent of the workforce and here in Jamaica we are striving to shift that balance, aiming for a future where our daughters stand equally with our sons in the digital space,” she stated.

The minister was speaking during the Robotics Symposium at the Heart College of Innovation and Technology (HCIT) in Montego Bay on Thursday, April 25, which was observed as International Girls in ICT Day.

Senator Morris Dixon encouraged more young ladies to develop an interest in the robotics field early, noting that the HEART College’s ICT lab “gives you an opportunity to engage with technology from a young age.”

“Even though our mandate is 17 and above, we understand that if you don’t have the exposure from early, then you are being left behind. We understand that at 17, you have done a lot of learning, and we want to ensure that when you come to HEART and do the other programmes, you are equipped with what you need to go forward,” the minister added.

Senator Morris Dixon said the Government is devoted to fulfilling its commitment to preparing future-ready Jamaicans.

“We are indeed committed to bringing the tools of productivity and prosperity to all Jamaicans, irrespective of where they are,” she pointed out.

For his part, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, encouraged citizens to take advantage of the potential opportunities and benefits to be derived from engaging in robotics.

“I urge my fellow Jamaicans, including our esteemed instructors, dedicated students and all [other persons] to embrace this robotics future with both arms,” he said.

The mayor contended that robotics can bridge the gap in manpower and markets by offering improved quality and productivity, resulting in a more globally competitive ecosystem.

Councillor Vernon assured that while the reality may be thought-provoking, “it should not evoke fear among those seeking employment; robots will never be able to significantly replace manual labour, based on economic principles.”

“However, with the evolution of AI (artificial intelligence) and learning, robots will increase productivity and production which will augur very well for our economic growth. Rest assured, the future of employment is secure and promising,” the mayor added.

-JIS