THE Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, concluded the 2025 staging of the Jamaican Mathematical Olympiad with a vibrant finals and awards ceremony, honouring outstanding young mathematicians from across the island.

Held in the Assembly Hall at The UWI, Mona, the ceremony marked the culmination of a dynamic series of competitions that began earlier this year and engaged over 2,500 students from grades four to 11 in a celebration of mathematical talent, critical thinking, and academic excellence.

A proud sponsor of this year’s Olympiad was CIBC Caribbean, whose support continues to make a lasting impact on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) development in Jamaica.

In her address, Juliet Holness, speaker of the House of Representatives, drew parallels of how her own experiences with mathematics helped shape her journey and decision-making.

“The discipline of mathematics and its emphasis on logic and reasoning provided me with an invaluable foundation — not just in my academic life, but in leadership and governance,” she remarked.

“The same problem-solving and critical thinking you develop through mathematics are the tools Jamaica urgently needs today. You are the future architects of our society, and your mathematical training positions you to lead with clarity, purpose, and vision.”

This year’s Junior Olympiad (grades four to six) saw an enthusiastic response, with 2,200 students from over 100 primary and preparatory schools participating in the first round. The junior finals, held on February 24, 2025, showcased the promise and enthusiasm of Jamaica’s youngest mathematical talents.

The Senior Olympiad (grades seven to 11) attracted 414 students from approximately 30 secondary schools. After two challenging rounds — held on February 8 and March 1, with the final on March 15 — the top-performing students were recognised for their outstanding skills and perseverance.

Addressing the audience at the awards ceremony, Annique Dawkins, head of country, CIBC Caribbean, said the initiative continues to nurture Jamaica’s brightest young minds.

“We are honoured to support this Olympiad because we believe in the power of mathematics to develop critical thinking, innovation, and leadership,” she said.

“Beyond funding, our support invests in a generation of thinkers and problem-solvers who will shape Jamaica’s future.“

One of the evening’s top honourees was Tristan Thomas, a Munro College student who emerged as the grade 10 champion.

“Being a part of the Jamaican Mathematical Olympiad has truly challenged me to think in new ways and push past my limits. It’s not just about getting the right answer — it’s about how you approach problems, how you think, and how you grow. I’m proud to represent Munro and hope to inspire other students to see the beauty and power in mathematics,” Thomas said.

The Jamaican Mathematical Olympiad also serves as a gateway to the Mathematical Olympiad of Central America and the Caribbean, offering Jamaica’s top students a chance to compete and excel on the international stage.