From the Editor
Welcome to the September 2024 edition of The Millennial Marketer. As we transition into the fall season, our team has curated a collection of insightful articles that reflect the dynamic landscape of Jamaica's economy, healthcare, and education sectors.
This month, we bring you an encouraging update on Jamaica's tourism industry. Despite global economic challenges, our beloved island has managed to stay marginally ahead in the tourism sector. This resilience speaks volumes about the strength of our hospitality industry and the enduring appeal of our beautiful country to travelers worldwide.
In the realm of finance, we're pleased to report on the positive reception of the Bank of Jamaica's decision to lower interest rates. Business leaders across the island have welcomed this move, recognizing its potential to stimulate economic growth and investment. This development could pave the way for increased business activity and job creation in the coming months.
Turning our attention to healthcare, we highlight the Ministry of Health's recent initiative to garner support for the newly launched Chronic Care Model. This progressive approach to managing long-term health conditions has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for many Jamaicans. We encourage our readers to learn more about this important program and consider how they can contribute to its success.
Our featured article this month focuses on a topic close to all our hearts: improving Jamaica's education system. Education is the cornerstone of any nation's progress, and we delve deep into the challenges and opportunities facing our schools. From innovative teaching methods to infrastructure improvements, we explore various strategies that could elevate the quality of education for Jamaica's youth.
As always, we at The Millennial Marketer strive to bring you content that is not only informative but also inspires action. We hope these articles will spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change in our communities.
Thank you for your continued readership and support. Together, let's work towards a brighter, more prosperous Jamaica.
Warm Regards,
Paul Bauer EDITOR, THE MILLENNIAL MARKETER
DR.ROBERT J MICCICHE D.C.
UTECH & HEART INK AGREEMENT TO BOOST HIGHER EDUCATION
The University of Technology, Jamaica recently signed an agreement with the HEART/NSTA Trust to provide seamless opportunities for higher education and skills training geared at enhancing human capital development in Jamaica.
The deal was sealed with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by both entities at the HEART/NSTA Trust’s Oxford Road headquarters in Kingston.
Under the MOU, HEART and UTech, Ja will collaborate on a range of educational and skills training initiatives to further align themselves with the government’s thrust to produce a highly efficient and adaptable workforce that can cater to modern socio-economic needs.
Among its expected deliverables, UTech, Ja will explore and implement alternative articulation and matriculation pathways for HEART/NSTA Trust graduates into various courses of study at the university.
The training agency on the other hand, will explore opportunities for the awarding of HEART/NSTA Trust skill-based certification to UTech, Ja students to complement their courses of study. This will be guided by the National Qualifications Framework of the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission.
Additionally, the entities will cooperate to promote and facilitate continuing education programmes, to enhance distance learning through Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and to deliver entrepreneurial training in areas of incubator development, innovation, commercialization and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
HEART/NSTA Trust has also committed to allocating funding through its TVET Scholarship Programme to UTech, Ja students from underserved communities.
Through resource and knowledge sharing, both organisations will embark on research and development projects and professional development training for students and staff.
Dr Kevin Brown, president of the University of Technology, Jamaica shared that the partnership signals a successful step towards achieving Vision 2030. “When you think about Vision 2030 and all the ambitious aspirations laid out in it…the first step is to have a highly educated workforce and a highly educated population.”
Dr Taneisha Ingleton, managing director, HEART/NSTA Trust told the UTech, Ja team, “We are aligned…we are the leading providers of TVET in Jamaica and the Caribbean and you are that national university that would have been doing STEM from ever since, so indeed, we are aligned. We are happy to be on this journey with you.”
Dr Ingleton stated that it is encouraging to witness “universities valuing and enabling TVET” thus, breaking down the barriers to education and certified training.
CHTA REPORTS RAPID TOURISM REBOUND FOLLOWING HURRICANE BERYL
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) says the regional tourism industry has shown extraordinary resilience in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, with data revealing a rapid rebound in travel bookings.
Hurricane Beryl left a trail of death and destruction in Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica.
The CHTA says the remarkable turnaround has been driven, particularly by the region's largest market, the United States.
The association says analysis of the data is ongoing with results to be shared in a future report.
The CHTA added that while there was a short-term decline in regional bookings in the wake of Beryl, its analysis of air tickets issued between June 30 and July 23 showed a modest two per cent drop compared with the same period in 2023.
BUSINESS LEADERS WELCOME BOJ'S DECISION TO LOWER INTEREST RATES
Business leaders have welcomed the Bank of Jamaica's decision to lower interest rates is welcomed, but say it is merely a first step toward the change needed.
Metry Seaga, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), says the central bank will need to go further for Jamaicans to feel the impact in their pockets.
"We are happy that the policy rate has come down as we had suggested it should. The movement is small and we're hoping that this will be a trend and a movement for the future, for the immediate future, that we can look forward to. We are not particularly happy with the size of the movement but it's a start," he admitted.
Meanwhile, Sydney Thwaites, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), has said his members have been reeling from the high interest rate environment.
"It makes the credit markets exceptionally tight so lending is slowed and when they do lend, interest rates are high, so that's the impact. So it's huge on companies that don't have the war chest of cash, so it really separates our larger companies from our medium size and smaller companies and makes that gap in between the two of them larger, which is a problem because our economy is really going to grow on the backs of our small and medium size businesses," noted Mr. Thwaites.
The private sector has been urging the BOJ to reduce interest rates, in a bid to make borrowing cheaper and encourage more investments.
US CENTRAL BANK CUTS INTEREST RATES FOR
FIRST TIME SINCE 2020
The US central bank on Wednesday cut interest rates for the first time since 2020.
The half a percentage point drop starts what is expected to be a series of interest rate cuts. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the move was meant to show a commitment to sustaining a low unemployment rate in the USA, now that inflation has eased.
The US benchmark policy rate is now within the 4.75 to 5 per cent range.
In addition to approving the half-percentage-point cut on Wednesday, Fed policymakers projected the benchmark interest rate would fall by another half of a percentage point by the end of this year.
The move should eventually see commercial interest rates declining on loans and other instruments.
It could also support growth in stocks and other securities as investment options, and lower interest rates may make some bonds and other instruments less attractive.
The Fed's decision, which saw a bigger cut than anticipated, comes after the Bank of Jamaica did a more conservative 25 basis points cut in Jamaica's policy interest rate.
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MINISTRY OF HEALTH URGES NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR CHRONIC CARE MODEL
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is calling for national support to ensure the success of the new Chronic Care Model, which aims to reduce Jamaica’s burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by strengthening access to care, diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking with JIS News, Director of the NCD and Injuries Prevention Unit in the Ministry, Dr. Tamu Davidson, said that the model will require an “all hands on deck” approach. “We need everyone on board – healthcare providers, communities and individuals alike.
Together, we can improve the health and lives of Jamaicans living with chronic diseases and prevent the devastating complications they cause,” she said.
The Chronic Care Model, which is being rolled out under the Health System Strengthening Programme (HSSP), is an organisational framework that aims to revolutionise how care is delivered to individuals living with NCDs, particularly diabetes and hypertension. It will ensure optimal care and long-term control of these conditions through interventions at the patient, provider and system levels.
The new model integrates pharmaceutical treatment, exercise, dietary changes, and other lifestyle interventions to provide comprehensive care.
Dr. Davidson said that Jamaica is facing a national health emergency due to the rising epidemic of NCDs.
She pointed out that with more than 77 per cent of deaths attributed to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions and cancers, the impact on public health, productivity and quality of life is immense.
The Director stressed the urgent need to tackle the burden of diabetes and hypertension, which are two of the most prevalent NCDs in the country.
“Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in Jamaica, and hypertension affects an estimated 32 per cent of our population,” Dr. Davidson said, noting that most Jamaicans know someone who has been impacted by these conditions. The Director lamented that despite the high prevalence of these conditions, many Jamaicans remain ignorant of their health status.
MINISTRY
OF HEALTH URGES NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR CHRONIC CARE MODEL
She pointed to findings from the most recent Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey (2016), which revealed that a large percentage of individuals with diabetes or hypertension were unaware, delaying timely and appropriate care.
“Far too often, people first learn of their condition after experiencing severe complications such as kidney disease, stroke, or heart attack. This is a result of delayed diagnosis and insufficient management of the disease,” the Director noted.
“Without proper control of diabetes and hypertension, the risk of complications like amputations, hospitalisations, and even death remains high,” she warned. It is in recognition of the need for systemic change that the Chronic Care Model was developed, which will focus on improving early diagnosis, care and long-term management of chronic conditions.
The model is being rolled out under the Health System Strengthening Programme (HSSP), which is being undertaken by the Government with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU).
The HSSP aims to improve the health of Jamaica’s population by strengthening policies for the prevention of NCD risk factors and for the implementation of a chronic care model with improved access to strengthened and integrated primary and hospital services networks that provide more efficient and higher quality care.
Jamaica has long been recognized for its rich cultural heritage and resilient people. However, like many developing nations, it faces challenges in education, which are crucial to addressing for sustainable growth and development. In 2024 and beyond, Jamaica has the opportunity to implement forward-thinking strategies to enhance its education system, ensuring every child has access to quality learning and the tools necessary for success in a rapidly changing global environment. Here are some key strategies we can adopt to improve its education system:
1. INCREASING TEACHER TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Teachers are at the heart of any education system, and their effectiveness directly impacts student outcomes. In Jamaica, there is a need to invest more in teacher training and continuous professional development. This could include:
Enhanced Teacher Education Programs: Expanding and improving teacher training institutions and programs will equip teachers with up-to-date pedagogical skills, especially in critical areas like technology integration and inclusive education.
Ongoing Professional Development: Regular workshops, seminars, and access to global best practices should be part of every teacher’s journey. This would ensure that educators are prepared to meet the needs of 21stcentury learners.
2. INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO EDUCATION
In an increasingly digital world, technology can serve as a powerful tool in improving education quality and access. To bridge the digital divide and foster a more inclusive education system, we should prioritize: Expanding Access to Digital Resources: Ensuring that schools, particularly in rural areas, have access to the internet and educational technology is vital. Government and private sector partnerships can help equip schools with computers, tablets, and other digital learning tools. Teacher Training in Digital Pedagogy: Teachers should be trained in using digital tools effectively to enhance classroom instruction. This includes using multimedia, online platforms, and virtual learning environments to supplement traditional teaching methods.
IMPROVING
JAMAICA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM: STRATEGIES FOR 2024 & BEYOND... 3/4
3. CURRICULUM REFORM
To ensure students are prepared for the challenges of a dynamic world, curriculum reform is essential. Jamaica’s education system must evolve from a content-heavy curriculum to one that focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Emphasis on STEM and STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) should be at the forefront of curriculum development, given the importance of these fields in today’s global economy.
Incorporating Life Skills and Financial Literacy: The curriculum should also include life skills, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to better prepare students for realworld challenges.
Culturally Relevant Education: Incorporating aspects of Jamaican history, culture, and local knowledge can make education more engaging and meaningful to students.
4. IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE
One of the challenges facing the Jamaican education system is inadequate infrastructure. Many schools across the country lack basic facilities, from functioning classrooms to proper sanitation.
Building and Upgrading Schools: The government, with support from international donors and the private sector, should invest in constructing new schools and upgrading existing ones to provide a conducive learning environment.
IMPROVING JAMAICA’S EDUCATION SYSTEM: STRATEGIES FOR 2024 & BEYOND... 4/4
5. STRENGTHENING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
The foundation for lifelong learning is laid in the early years. Thus, strengthening Jamaica’s early childhood education system is crucial for long-term success.
Expanding Access to Quality Early Childhood Programs: Investment in early childhood education facilities, teacher training, and curriculum development will ensure that children start school with the skills they need to succeed.
Parental Engagement: Encouraging active parental involvement in early childhood education can improve outcomes, as parents are key partners in their children's learning.
6. ENGAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
The government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of transforming Jamaica’s education system. By engaging the private sector and international organizations, the country can benefit from additional resources, expertise, and innovation.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations between the government and private sector can fund infrastructure development, provide technology for schools, and create mentorship opportunities for students. Past students should be more empowered in developing better relationships with their schools.
Leveraging International Aid: Jamaica should continue to work with international development agencies to access funding and technical support for education reform initiatives.
Improving Jamaica’s education system in 2024 and beyond requires a multifaceted approach, involving government, private sector, and community stakeholders. By focusing on teacher training, curriculum reform, technology integration, and addressing socioeconomic barriers, Jamaica can ensure that its education system not only meets the needs of today’s learners but also prepares them to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
With the right investments and reforms, Jamaica has the potential to build an education system that supports sustainable national development and creates opportunities for all its citizens.
“Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Although that pithy pronouncement may sound like something from a modernday podcaster, it came from Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, the 19th century novelist and essayist.
Many of Twain’s tips have an amazing shelf life, and his counsel seems to be a perfect fit for today’s growing legions of entrepreneurs. For countless reasons, more and more people are leaving the work-for-someone-else world and hanging up their own shingles.
Cynthia Kay should be one of their new best friends. She’s author of Small Business, Big Success: Proven Strategies to Beat the Odds and Grow a Great Business.
As founder of an award-winning media production and communications consulting firm, Kay serves clients ranging from the Global Fortune 100 to small businesses and non-profits. She has served as board chair for the National Small Business Association.
Workplace upheavals spawned by the Covid pandemic seem to have nudged a lot of people toward entrepreneurship. Kay offers tips to people starting their own business.
“Having a great idea for a product or service is not enough,” she says. “You need to do your research to see if the idea is one that’s commercially viable. By doing independent research, you can discover if the idea is worth pursuing. And timing is important. If you’re too far ahead of the pack and entering or creating a new market, be sure you have the resources to create demand. If you’re entering a crowded field, it’s important to look at the competition and see how what you offer measures up. Is it different, a better value, more convenient?”
Kay says business owners need to be passionate about what they’re doing and have staying power. “There’s a direct relationship between passion and success,” she says. “The more passionate the individual, the greater the likelihood of success. Owning a business is all-consuming, especially in the first five years. Be prepared to miss family events, forgo vacations and perhaps struggle financially. If you have great passion and you’re willing to put in the hard work, then go for it.”
Finally, have an exit strategy before you even open the doors. “In the rush to start-up, many miss this important step,” Kay says. “Most business owners love their business. Why else would they have started it or purchased it? The answer is simple. If you know how you want to exit, it helps you determine how you will build, operate and grow your business. Building a lifestyle business is very different than one that you grow quickly to sell.” R U N N I N G Y O U R O W N S M A L L B U S I N E S S ? T H E S E T I P S C A N H E L P I T B L O S S O M !
Without clear understandings, partnerships risk turning sour. Kay advocates creating a “business prenup.”
“Many would-be business owners go into a partnership without having the conversations that are critical to business relationships,” she says. “They spend time on the typical business issues: structure, percent of ownership, buy-out agreements and the like. However, they do not get personal.”
A business prenup, she says, explores working styles, values and other character traits that can cause friction. “You need to set aside some time to ask each other a number of questions. Things such as what does worklife balance look like? Do you have personalities that complement each other? This is not a single conversation, but a series of conversations.”
Kay recommends taking careful notes. “Then you can go back and refer to them later to see if they resonate after the discussion. The truth is that you can never really know someone until you’re in the trenches working with them. But if you don’t explore business and personal topics with a business prenup, you might end up in a business divorce.”
Hiring the right people is one of the most important tasks for a business owner. Kay has advice on that, too.
“The key to hiring the right people is having a clear understanding of your business’s style and culture. For example, the right fit for a smaller organization where it is all hands-on deck looks very different than the right person for a larger organization with lots of support and infrastructure.”
She says employers often have a list of skills and requirements for openings. “I like to think bigger and focus on things like creativity, motivation, problem-solving ability, communication and attitude. You can teach specific skills, but you can’t teach these things that are vital to the success of the individual and the business.”
What are some of the most common mistakes made by aspiring entrepreneurs?
A big one, Kay says, is underestimating the amount of money required to launch a business. Aspiring entrepreneurs have projections for people and equipment but often forget to take into account funding for things such as IT, marketing and other critical activities.
Another mistake, she says, is believing that legal and other professional services are not needed. Trying to set up a business without an external team can be very costly down the road when there’s a problem.
A third problem, Kay says, is failure to clearly identify a profile of ideal customers for the business. “Many entrepreneurs take whatever comes in the door and often that’s a customer or work that’s not well suited to their core capabilities. That keeps them from having the time to develop a customer list that moves the company in the right direction.“
When it comes to operations, Kay suggests thinking like “big business.”
“Smaller businesses often fail to take the time to document processes and procedures,” she says. “The knowledge is ‘in the head’ of the owner. While larger companies collect vast amounts of data, simply writing down step-by-step instructions can ensure consistency, accuracy and improve customer satisfaction. Of course, it goes without saying that the documentation needs to be in a central location and accessible to all.”
Kay points out that digitization is touching every aspect of our world. “Some believe that they are too small to ‘go digital.’ However, smaller entities can take advantage of technology to improve operations, sell on ecommerce platforms or move from paperbased systems to the cloud.”
Another thing to consider is safety and security. Kay says smaller entities don’t think they are targets for cybersecurity. “Nothing could be further from the truth. They are easy targets and need protection, just like a big business.”
Does Kay have any regrets in her own entrepreneurial journey? “I wish I had made the leap to start my business sooner,” she says. “I spent 13 years working for others. While I learned a lot, I stayed about five years too long.”
Kay would likely agree with this thought: Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.
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JAMAICA TOURISM "MARGINALLY AHEAD" OF LAST YEAR
Jamaica has welcomed just over two million stopover visitors and some three million total visitors, including cruise arrivals, between January 1 and September 14 this year, says the country’s Ministry of Tourism.
The numbers mark an increase over last year's figures for the same period. “Surpassing two million stopover arrivals and welcoming some three million total visitors since the start of 2024 is a remarkable achievement for Jamaica,” said Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, in a press release.
Bartlett added that Jamaica’s tourism sector has also earned approximately US$2.97 billion since the year began.
“Despite various challenges relating to U.S. travel advisories, hurricane Beryl and tightness in relation to airlift, we are marginally ahead of last year’s performance, which demonstrates the sustained recovery and growth of our tourism industry,” he said. “This reflects the strength and resilience of our tourism sector and the continued appeal of Jamaica as a premier travel destination.”
The Tourism Minister further noted that increasing airlift to Jamaica from new and emerging markets remains a key component of the Ministry’s Blue Ocean Strategy, as the team works to enhance competitiveness and strengthen relationships with international carriers and stakeholders – especially in South America.
This week, the minister will be in Belém, Brazil, where he will will participate in the fourth G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, taking place September 19 - 20, 2024.
He will also attend a G20 Ministerial Meeting on September 21, 2024, “As we look ahead, sustainability and resilience remain at the forefront of Jamaica’s tourism agenda,” Bartlett added. “The G20 provides an excellent platform to advocate for these principles internationally and to foster positive change in the global tourism industry.”
HURRICANE BERYL'S IMPACT PUSHES INFLATION
TO 2.4% IN AUGUST
Hurricane Beryl's disruption of agricultural supply chains has led to the highest monthly spike in food prices since early 2020, pushing Jamaica's inflation rate to 2.4% in August 2024.
The All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a representative basket of goods and services, rose to 140.7, up from 137.5 in July. This surge was driven by a significant 4.1% increase in the ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ category.
Within this category, the cost of food items jumped 4.3%, with vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses seeing a staggering 15.5% increase due to supply shortages caused by the hurricane.
In addition to rising food prices, the ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels’ category saw a 3.7% increase, largely due to a 10.6% rise in electricity rates. This was the second-largest contributor to the monthly inflation rate.
On the other hand, the ‘Transport’ category experienced a slight 0.2% decline, attributed to reduced petrol prices.
On a year-to-date basis, inflation stands at 2.9%, while the point-to-point inflation rate from August 2023 to August 2024 is at 6.5%, up by 1.4% points from July.
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JAMAICA TARGETED 4 MILLION TIMES BY CYBERCRIMINALS 1/2...
Cybercriminals have targeted security systems in Jamaica four million times in the first half of this year, a significant decline from the 43 million times recorded in 2023.
However this reduction should not be a source of respite for businesses and government, cybersecurity experts from computer security provider in Latin America and the Caribbean, Fortinet have cautioned, as this is an indication that cybercriminals have become more strategic in their attacks.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s a good thing, it means that the techniques have changed, they are going with a more targeted approach whereas in the past it was more like a massive distribution of attacks,” Fortinet’s senior systems engineering manager, Emmanuel Oscar said.
“We are seeing less but the attacks are coming directly at the companies and if companies aren’t prepared to be able to address some of these attacks that are coming their way then they’ll probably end up becoming a victim,” he added.
These attacks, he noted, are increasingly targeted towards utilities companies, transportation and government.
Carlo Caloca, regional sales manager at Fortinet, explained that these companies are earmarked because they are “more robust when it comes to data and it causes more harm, so the ransom for that attack could be a higher stake.”
“So imagine the day when you wake up and you turn on the lights and there is no light, why? Because your electrical grip has been compromised,” Oscar added.
The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) confirmed in May that a ransomware attack in February affected some aspects of the state-run agency’s service delivery. The Gleaner reported that it cost the entity US$231,900 or J$36.1 million to procure the services of two international companies to recover and secure its information and communications technology (ICT) structure.
The National Certification Body of Jamaica and the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority, which share a campus with BSJ, were also impacted by the cyberattack.
The development followed a similar “cyber incident” at the state-owned oil refinery Petrojam in December and last September’s cyberattack at the Financial Services Commission, the entity that oversees the regulation of Jamaica’s insurance, pension, and securities industries.
JAMAICA TARGETED 4 MILLION TIMES BY CYBERCRIMINALS
... 2/2
The team, which analysed the Caribbean’s evolving cybersecurity landscape during a press conference on Wednesday, also revealed findings from FortiGuard Labs, which highlighted that cybercriminals are exploiting vulnerabilities 43 per cent faster.
Contending that investment in cybersecurity is “not an option” for government agencies and businesses, Oscar acknowledged that some companies are reluctant to put these systems in place. He however stressed that cybersecurity systems should be considered a critical part of operations.
“A lot of times it may be something that is cost prohibitive for a lot of companies so, what we do, we work with them through the resources we have in country, we meet with customers, and help understand what there needs are, and then we work with building a plan that’s going to get them from where they are today to where they want to be,” he said. Concurring, Oscar emphasised that cybersecurity is ultimately a business decision centred around managing risk. He stated that the average cost of a breach costs between US$4.5 million and US$9 million per year.
“When you look at the different types of control that could help mitigate or reduce the cost of a breach, these are the services that we offer,” he said.
However Gilbert Perez, senior sales manager at Fortinet, acknowledged that there is a skilled labour shortage in the cybersecurity industry. Additionally, he said cybercriminals have now engaged the use of artificial intelligence to conduct some of these attacks which makes the industry even more complicated.
“Companies, whether they like to admit it or not, a lot of the times they are getting a lot of the alerts, things that are happening across their network and sometimes, because they are being bombarded with so many alerts, the human nature says, 'Okay, I am not going to pay attention to everything I’m receiving, I’m only going to pay attention to only the critical ones',” he said.
Meanwhile, Ronald Donaldson, country manager, Fortinet Jamaica, noted that Jamaica’s cybersecurity infrastructure is improving. He pointed to the establishment of the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team, and an inter ministerial committee on cyber matters.
“The fact is, the Government recognises the concerns and the impact… and has seen the impact and what these guys can achieve has allowed us the space to come in and actually provide sustained fruitful partnerships,” he said, adding that Fortinet has been operating in Jamaica for 10 years.
Dockmaster Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta Recipe
Experience the rich flavors of the sea with this Dockmaster Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta recipe. Perfectly cooked salmon is seasoned with Dockmaster Rub, panseared, and then mixed with a savory garlic butter sauce. Served over a bed of your favorite pasta, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that's easy to make and sure to impress.
COOKING TIPS:
Make sure to use a non-stick skillet to prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan. Don't overcook the pasta – it should be al dente, meaning it still has a bit of a bite to it. You can also add a dash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
½ lb. Rainforest Seafood Salmon
Flour for dredging
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 ounce ‘The Original’ Bird’s Nest Dockmaster Rub
2 tbsp. butter
½ cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp. lemon or lime juice
4 oz. uncooked pasta of choice
Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
How to Make Dockmaster Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta
2.
1 Rub the Rainforest Seafood Salmon with ‘The Original’ Bird’s Nest Dockmaster Rub and coat it in the flour.
4
Boil a salted pot of water for your pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions. I suggest starting the sauce once the water’s boiling.
3. Add the vegetable broth, garlic, and lemon or lime juice to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about a minute.
Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the Rainforest Seafoods Salmon and cook it for 2 minutes each side, then take the fish out the pan and set it aside.
6
5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet (you can add a little pasta water if you wish). Toss it & serve immediately with parsley, red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese if desired.
Add the Rainforest Seafoods Salmon back into the pan and break it up with your spoon into bite-size pieces. (Remember to remove salmon skin from pan) Cook it for a few more minutes until it’s cooked through and the sauce has reduced a fair bit.
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TECHNOLOGY: THE SOLUTION TO POOR ACADEMIC OUTCOMES.... 1/3
With the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) and Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) results out of the way and celebration or disappointment spanning families to those at the head of the system, it is time we again engage in the discourse of our stagnant or, better yet, staggering education system.
It is as if the declines and dismal passes in these examinations have not opened our eyes to the constant deficiencies within the education system. What we have been doing for years is prolonging the discussions with little to no meaningful solutions. So, yes, we have recognised the inefficiencies, now what? Are we still going to continue the archaic, traditional approaches and strategies that have been informing our teaching and learning, or are we going to admit that the system needs a drastic upgrade, including policies that require our teachers to upgrade their skills too? When are we going to admit that technology in education is a gateway to better performance from our students?
Technology in education will unequivocally position the Jamaican education sector for better results and, by extension, boost the nation’s development. We cannot keep being comfortable seeing and hearing of decline in passes and performance each year. This is hardly ideal for a nation that is set to become a place to live, work, raise families, and do business within the next five years.
The dismal Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) passes and need for improvement in PEP performance and syllabus cannot continue to be a nine-day wonder year after year. In 2022, Jamaica reported a 75 per cent pass rate in CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), which was a decline from the previous year, particularly in maths and English.
In 2021, a popular newspaper headline read, ‘JTA president not surprised by decline in CXC maths and English’. Even though reports from CXC rejoiced over the slight increase in CSEC passes in 2023, the marginal percentage increase — just 0.55 per cent compared to the previous year — was hardly something to celebrate. It seems as though we are not taking these decisive examinations seriously. What is really happening?
It is time we look seriously at integrating technology in the classrooms; our students could be benefiting significantly from it. It would appear that the novel coronavirus pandemic, which happened a few years ago, did not teach us what the world has been doing in relation to advancing education for global development. It seems we are deliberately turning a blind eye to obvious solutions.
TECHNOLOGY:
THE SOLUTION TO POOR ACADEMIC OUTCOMES... 2/3
A recent study done by German strategist and market researcher Jannik Lindner ‘Unlocking the Potential: How Technology Transforms Classrooms and Enhances Learning for Educators and Students’ found that 86 per cent of teachers believe technology helps students achieve better educational outcomes; 76 per cent use technology to promote collaborative learning among students; and 97 per cent of teachers believe that technology has positively impacted their ability to access content. Therefore, why are we continuing with the same old teaching strategies and approaches in our classroom that yield the same results every time?
Commenting on the CXC results in an interview a month ago, Velonique Bowen, chief executive officer of GetAced Acamedic Services, lamented, “While society is advancing… the teaching styles are remaining the same.” She suggested that diversification and technological advancement — beyond PowerPoint — must inform our teaching and learning styles.
A critical question to ask is: How many of our teachers are reaching for that olive branch extended by technology? We continue to hear that technology is harmful and destroying the children’s brains. While I will admit that certain aspects of technology can affect us neurologically and psychologically, we cannot deny that it has made other aspects of our lives easier.
However, we cannot cast the blame solely on the teachers, especially those who have been in the system for decades; they are overwhelmed with the advances of technology, and it becomes daunting when they are expected to implement technology and there is no training or support. And for many schools, no proper infrastructure is in place.
Why aren’t we taking technology in education seriously? After COVID-19 we should have implemented several upgrades. It is full time we align ourselves with global trends. As a nation that is big on education and has produced world-class leaders, we should have been pioneers in educational growth and development. Instead, we are fighting to keep up.
While a handful of teachers have found the time to understand and acquaint themselves with learning management systems and stay updated with trending applications and software, the majority is still struggling to manoeuvre a simple processing unit. Some have been trying to catch up, while others are not interested, yet adamant they want to teach the nation’s children who are digitally literate.
I understand that these applications and programmes come with a level of complexity, but it is no excuse for teachers and administrators to avoid becoming acquainted with them. We must implement programmes and workshops that will assist with learning them, because the benefits are considerable. On the flip side, many students are more au fait with these applications and programmes than the teachers themselves. A lot of them have moved past the classroom teacher in both knowledge and application. It is not a good look at all.
TECHNOLOGY: THE SOLUTION TO POOR ACADEMIC OUTCOMES... 3/3
Finally, consider artificial intelligence and how fast it is moving. The good thing is that our students are moving with it, but some of our teachers and administrators are putting up strong resistance. What are we waiting for?
Notwithstanding, there are sincere concerns about dependency and possible overuse of technology. Many believe that it diminishes critical and creative thinking because you have students who will rely on it for quick responses rather than learning how to engage deeply with the pedagogical materials. Additionally, there is the issue of accessibility and equity for both students and teachers. What about rural schools? Will they have access to technology and resources like those in urban areas?
Although technology is the way forward for our education system, we must first address the issues of access, resources, training, and acceptance.
