KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dana Morris Dixon, has emphasised that Jamaica’s progress hinges not only on technological advancements but also on the strength of its citizens’ character.

Speaking during Friday’s Jamaica Day celebration at Excelsior High School in Kingston, Morris Dixon underscored the importance of blending innovation with integrity to build a prosperous nation.

She highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education, pointing out that, “at present, we are assiduously working to improve the labs and equipment available to students across our schools.”

“We are aggressively advancing skills development opportunities through the HEART/NSTA Trust to ensure people can access areas like robotics and electronics, and a whole range of new opportunities,” she said.

Morris Dixon noted that universal internet access in schools is essential for integrating future technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in education, which will lay the foundation for progress.

“The only way we are going to be able to use the technology of the future, like AI, in the classroom, is if we have internet in all of our schools. This infrastructure is critical and will form the foundation to take us to the next level,” she stated.

Senator Morris Dixon also emphasised the need to preserve and strengthen the values defining Jamaicans as a people.

She reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to values-based education, referencing the reintroduction of civics into the curriculum by her predecessor, Fayval Williams.

“This is why my predecessor reintroduced civics into our schools… to remind our young people of the many great characters of our past. I will work with the team to build on that work by strengthening values-based education in our schools,” Morris Dixon said.

The minister urged well-thinking Jamaicans to be exemplary role models to the nation’s youth, and inspire them to embrace their role as future leaders and stewards of Jamaica.

Jamaica Day was observed under the theme: ‘Celebrating Jamaica: Steaming Towards the Future, Honing Good Character’.

–         JIS