President of The Mico University College, Dr. Asburn Pinnock, says Mathematics plays a central role in shaping reasoning, strengthening problem-solving skills, and empowering individuals to succeed in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven society.

According to Dr. Pinnock, mathematical literacy is no longer optional but is a critical life skill necessary to navigate modern challenges and opportunities.

He pointed out that Mathematics underpins every sector, including education, healthcare, finance, engineering, and the creative industries.

Addressing the institution’s recent Mathematics Expo 2026, held recently at the University, in Kingston, the President underscored the transformative power of mathematics in education and national development.

The President argued that for developing countries like Jamaica, strengthening mathematical competence is vital to building a competitive workforce and achieving sustainable economic growth.

He said students need to regard mathematics as far more than numbers, as it is a way of thinking and understanding the world.

Reflecting on his own journey, Dr. Pinnock admitted that he once feared mathematics as a student, even to the extent of being intimidated by his teachers.

He shared that, over time, he experienced a change in perspective, attributing his transformation to both personal growth and faith.

Dr. Pinnock also advocated for competency-based learning, arguing that education systems must move beyond traditional assessment methods to focus on what students can actually do.

He noted that when mathematics begins to make sense to learners, it builds confidence, adding that many students struggle, not because of lack of ability but due to a lack of connection to the subject.

The President said that grounding mathematics in real-world contexts, such as science, technology, and everyday decision-making, makes the subject more accessible and engaging. This, he said, allows students to transition from understanding to confidence, and ultimately to competence, which is essential for both personal and national development.

Dr. Pinnock said that The Mico University College continues to focus on training educators who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about teaching and urged student teachers to embrace their responsibility to inspire curiosity and transform classrooms into spaces of discovery and innovation.

The President encouraged students to approach mathematics with confidence and view it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

He noted that the Mathematics Expo is part of a broader effort to reshape how the subject is taught and experienced, ultimately empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and contributing to the building of a stronger Jamaica.

At the function, keynote speaker, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, was praised by first-year Mathematics student, Dorrianne Bennett, for her inspiring and impactful presentation.

Miss Bennett said the Minister’s address challenged the deeply rooted cultural fear of mathematics and reinforced the message that the subject is accessible to all Jamaicans.

She also called on educators to lead with empathy and ensure that no student feels incapable of learning mathematics.

Miss Bennett stressed the importance of addressing fear before building competence, noting that when mathematics is made relevant and engaging, it can become a source of confidence and even joy for students.

Schools hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa on October 28 will receive additional support through the distribution of 20 generators, provided by the National Education Trust (NET) in partnership with Jamaica Vacations Limited (JamVac).

The new 15,000 watt dual fuel portable generators were officially handed over on Tuesday (April 7), during a ceremony at the National Education Trust (NET) Building, Caenwood Centre, Kingston.

They were donated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Foundation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, with support from its local affiliate, MSC Jamaica Limited.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Tova Hamilton, underscored that the generator donation reflects the far reaching impact of tourism on individuals, communities, and national development.

“These generators represent the tangible link between tourism and social development. They ensure that when challenges arise, our schools can remain operational, our children can continue learning, and our communities can maintain stability,” she said.

Ms. Hamilton noted that in the immediate aftermath of the devastating Category-Five cyclone, Jamaica’s cruise partners were among the first to extend support to those affected.

The State Minister said this demonstrates the spirit of “true partnership”, which has continued throughout Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the major storm.

“Today’s donation is another example of that commitment… one that strengthens our education system, supports resilience, and uplifts communities that form the backbone of our tourism product,” Ms. Hamilton added.

NET Executive Director, Latoya Harris Ghartey, noted that more than 700 institutions, ranging from the infant to tertiary level, were devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

She added that the generators will be distributed across rural communities still without electricity, providing not only lighting but also powering pumps to ensure reliable water supply for sanitation, food preparation, and other essential needs.

Mrs. Harris Ghartey expressed heartfelt gratitude to JamVac and MSC, noting that the intervention will provide lasting benefits for both students and administrators.

JamVac Executive Director, Joy Roberts, and MSC Jamaica Limited Managing Director, Roger Hinds, both highlighted the significance of the intervention, noting that schools were among the institutions most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

They welcomed the opportunity to support the beneficiary schools, reaffirming the entities’ commitment to initiatives that deliver a lasting positive impact for Jamaicans.

“Ensuring that these institutions have reliable access to electricity is essential to maintaining the resilience of the communities that are served. To the principals, teachers and students… please note that you are not alone,” Mrs. Roberts stated.

The distribution of the generators, aimed at advancing recovery efforts and ensuring the continuity of education across Jamaica, will be coordinated by NET to prioritise institutions in greatest need.

The Government is advancing a major expansion of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as part of its push to transform and future proof Jamaica’s education system.

The initiative was underscored by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, during the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Education Conference, being held at the Princess Hotel in Hanover from April 7 to 9 under the theme ‘Future Proofing Education in Times of Crisis: Advancing STEAM and TVET to Sustain Innovation, Resilience and Recovery’.

Addressing the opening session on Tuesday (April 7), Ms. Crawford said the Ministry is pursuing a bold and systemic overhaul to better prepare students for an increasingly technology driven and unpredictable global environment.

She emphasised that the Ministry is working to establish a more resilient system – one capable of adapting to disruptions while ensuring continuity in teaching and learning.

The State Minister said central to this transformation is the repositioning of TVET as a core pillar of national development.

“For far too long, TVET has been perceived as a secondary pathway. TVET is not an alternative. It is a critical pillar of our national development agenda,” she added.

Ms. Crawford disclosed that the Government has committed substantial investment to expand and strengthen TVET delivery across schools.

“This plan represents a transformative investment in skills development and includes over $400 million to strengthen TVET delivery across primary and secondary schools… . Importantly, an additional $400 million has been earmarked to retrofit our technical high schools with new and emerging laboratories,” she outlined.

Ms. Crawford reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders in order to strengthen the education sector.

“Let us remain guided by a shared vision, creating an education system that empowers every Jamaican learner with the competencies, creativity, and confidence to thrive in the 21st century and beyond,” she encouraged.

The State Minister further highlighted that the integration of STEAM and TVET is already delivering positive results across the education system.

“When students are equipped with the right tools, they do not simply learn, they innovate, they solve, and they lead,” Ms. Crawford pointed out.

For his part, Custos Rotulorum for Hanover, Hon. Lennox Anderson Jackson, welcomed participants to the conference and emphasised the central role of educators in national development, underscoring the importance of continued engagement on education reform.

He noted that the conference serves as an important platform for collaboration and innovation in education.

“This year’s conference theme… is both timely and thought-provoking. STEM and TVET are basically no longer optional pathways. They are essential foundations for national growth, innovation and global competitiveness,” the Custos said.

Mr. Anderson-Jackson also commended educators for their continued dedication to the nation’s children and the wider education sector.

“Your work is not easy but it is very important. Every day you help to shape the lives of our children and guide them towards a better future,” he stated.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is staging its annual Easter Mathematics Camps from April 7 to 10.

Targeted at secondary-level students, the camps are part of a strategy to strengthen performance in the subject in external examinations.

Building on the notable gains achieved last year, the Ministry has signalled its commitment to sustaining improvement in the subject during the 2025/26 academic year.

In a bulletin, the Ministry has advised all secondary schools to organise camps for students.

They will provide grade-11 students with comprehensive review sessions focused on critical content areas of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the City & Guilds Mathematics syllabus.

They will also strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills through interactive lessons and the use of past examination papers, while offering targeted support and effective test-taking strategies to enhance examination readiness.

Principals, working in collaboration with heads of department for mathematics, are asked to plan and implement the camps, engaging subject specialists or volunteers to facilitate sessions.

Additional support will be provided by the Ministry’s mathematics coaches, specialists, and education officers. All grade-11 students are expected to be registered, and schools must maintain accurate attendance records throughout the camp. To support effective delivery, the Ministry has developed grade-11 learning kits and modules targeting key curriculum areas and transferable competencies essential for success.

Schools are responsible for selecting the appropriate modules for each examination.

These targeted, face-to-face camps represent a valuable opportunity to improve student performance and ensure learners are adequately prepared for their upcoming examinations, the Minister said.

Describing education and skills training as the bridge from poverty to prosperity, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says the Administration values people development and has increased funding to support critical areas within the sector.

“Despite everything, the hurricane, once-in-a-generation economic fallout, and geopolitical upheavals around the globe, the Government increased the allocation to the Ministry of Education,” the Minister said, as she made her contribution to the debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 in the Senate, recently.

“This was done because we see education and skills training as a pathway from poverty to prosperity. When one stands back and examines our 26/27 Plan of Action for Human Capital Development, a coherent continuum emerges. The task now, however, is execution. We’ll now take these announcements, as we always do, from the pages of the ‘yellow book’ to the people,” she continued.

The Minister pointed out that people development is central to national development and highlighted several of the initiatives that will be undertaken in the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Some of the initiatives the Minister pointed out, included implementation of the Learning, Earning and Prosper (LEAP) Programme, aimed at expanding pathways from tertiary education to employment; implementation of a contractor incubator programme; ground-breaking ceremonies that will be held for the development of STEAM schools; and the placement of at least one trained teacher at every early-childhood institution across Jamaica.

“The STEAM schools must be built well and staffed properly. LEAP placements must be meaningful. Apprenticeship pathways must lead to real employment and the emergence of new industries. A resilient and resurgent Jamaica cannot be built by concrete or asphalt or any measure of capital expenditure alone. The new Jamaica will be built by trained minds, skilled hands, empowered teachers, and a confident people.

“This Administration is serious about Jamaica’s resurgence, and we are serious about unleashing the potential of people. This Appropriation Bill is the people’s Bill,” she said.

She further noted that the HEART/NSTA Trust will establish the Western School of Construction as part of efforts to expand the talent pool of construction-related persons.

“We know the West was damaged severely, and there are a lot of reconstruction projects there, and we need to have the workforce, so we have a school of construction in Portmore, but we need to have one in Montego Bay. So, we are going to be opening a school of construction in the West to increase the talent pool of construction-related trade persons in the West,” the Minister noted.

Furthermore, she said the contractor incubator programme will place selected graduates from HEART and the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica on a structured developmental pathway.

The Minister indicated that the Government will be eliminating tuition fees at HEART/NSTA for all programmes up to Level 5. “It’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, so our children can get a bachelor’s degree for free,” she said.

She noted that provisions are in the budget to enable the 108 early-childhood institution across Jamaica to be staffed with at least one trained teacher.

“The Government will continue to provide lunch and breakfast for our worst-performing schools. In addition to that, in the yellow book, we know there are more special needs students in our country, and we have doubled the number of special needs assistants to 1,400,” she said.

The Minister said that measures will be taken to increase internet connectivity and noted that $100 million has been allocated to treat termites in schools.

“We’re adding satellite to the mix. We have acquired 800 smart boards, and every single primary school in Jamaica will get their computers for their computer lab. In addition, those numbers in the yellow book speak to 18 new schools that will get their security fencing,” she said.

The Minister added that funds have also been allocated for electrical upgrades and infrastructure repairs.

Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, has underscored the critical role of mathematics to national development, noting that it is key to building a more innovative, competitive and resilient society.

Delivering the keynote address at The Mico University College Mathematics Expo at the institution’s Marescaux Road location in St. Andrew on Tuesday (March 31), she said that the country’s progress depends heavily on strengthening mathematics education.

She argued that achieving national goals would be impossible without placing the subject at the centre of learning and innovation.

Highlighting the pervasive role of mathematics, she said that the subject underpins everyday activities and multiple sectors, including finance, agriculture, engineering, healthcare and technology.

“Mathematics is everywhere,” she said, pointing to its importance in managing money, designing infrastructure, delivering medical care and driving entrepreneurship.

Even in the digital age, Minister Morris Dixon said that strong numeracy skills are increasingly vital in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

She noted that AI systems rely on mathematical principles such as statistics, probability, calculus and linear algebra, noting that those proficient in mathematics will be better positioned to succeed in the future economy.

“Your goal is to build the next generation of technology,” she told the students, adding that confidence in mathematics is key to unlocking opportunities in fields such as coding, engineering and data analysis.

The Minister commended The Mico University College, particularly the Mathematics Department, for organising the expo and advancing the teaching of the subject.

She said that the event, under the theme ‘Mathematics For All: Building Communities, Confidence and Creativity’, is more than a school-based activity, positioning it as a “national development event” aligned with Jamaica’s broader growth agenda.

Addressing the widespread fear of mathematics, which, she noted, continues to hinder many learners, she said that too often students view mathematics as something to endure rather than master, a perception reinforced by adults who project their own anxieties about the subject onto the younger generations.

She emphasised the need to transform how mathematics is taught and experienced, advocating for approaches that make the subject accessible, relevant and engaging.

The Minister said that mathematics education must move beyond abstract concepts to practical application, allowing students to develop reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making skills essential for life, work and active citizenship.

She commended mathematics teachers for their pivotal role in shaping disciplined, analytical thinkers, acknowledging their efforts to overcome students’ fear of the subject.

Senator Morris Dixon urged continued emphasis on engaging teaching methods, meaningful integration of technology and stronger links between classroom learning and real-world application.

She encouraged students to persevere through challenges, reminding them that mistakes are part of the learning process, and expressed hope that the expo would inspire greater appreciation for mathematics and its transformative potential in Jamaica’s future.

Students from schools across St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary connected with several educational and training institutions, government services and career-building activities at a Youth Opportunities Exposition, on Thursday (March 26).

The inaugural event was organised by the Paul Bogle Vocational Institute in Lyssons, St. Thomas, and took place on the school grounds.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in a message delivered by Custos of St. Thomas, Hon. Marcia Bennett, declared the Exposition officially open.

The Governor-General encouraged the youngsters to consider their futures carefully.

“In my own journey, from the classroom to the pulpit, I have come to appreciate a simple but powerful truth. Geography is not destiny. Where you begin does not determine where you will end. Your present circumstances are not your final definition. They are merely your starting point,” he said.

He urged the students to view their life’s work as a great construction project which requires a solid foundation.

“Like any enduring structure, it must be built with care and intention. It cannot rest on indecision and mediocrity. It must be anchored in discipline, strengthened by purpose, and guided by vision,” the Governor-General said.

He deemed the Exposition a procurement centre, providing pathways to vocational excellence, insights into academic advancement, and tools for entrepreneurial success.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information, Senator Marlon Morgan, who represented Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said the country wants the young people in St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary to be on the cutting edge in terms of information and access.

He stressed that the approach to education and training cannot be static, pointing out that, “if we are to remain agile, relevant, and fit for purpose, certainly in education and the training of our young people, we have to ensure that we continue to renew, we continue to refresh, and we continue to rethink”.

To this end, Mr. Morgan charged the youngsters to be intentional in their decision-making.

“The decisions you make will set you up for life. If you make good decisions, you are on a path to being a productive, gainfully employed, and fulfilled citizen of Jamaica,” the Senator said.

Also in attendance at the Expo were representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, including from the High Commissions of Germany, India, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Following the opening ceremony, the officials toured the Paul Bogle Vocational Training Institute, observing some of the work of the students who attend the more than 30-year-old institution.

A major feature of the Expo was a large showing by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which showcased various branches of its operations, much to the delight of the young attendees.

Sergeant Andrew Williams of the JCF’s Community Safety and Security Branch told JIS News that, “we are bringing your police officers to your doorsteps, so you can have a better understanding of what we do and how we impact the communities”.

“Youth are so important, especially with technology. We want them to understand that the JCF is a wonderful career path for them. But in understanding the JCF, they must know the different sections that we have on offer and, hopefully… that will excite them,” he said.

The Jamaica Defence Force, the Department of Correctional Services, and the Jamaica Fire Brigade were also well represented at the event, as well as all major universities in the island, government and non-governmental agencies and various financial institutions.

Students are being encouraged to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements rather than fear them.

Community Relations Education Officer for Region Two in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Tanya Sinclair, affirmed: “Technology or ICT (information and communications technology) will not replace great people, but technology in the hands of great people can be transformational.”

She was speaking during the dedication, relaunch, and equipping of the Denna Bogle Computer Laboratory at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland on March 19, where the upgraded facility is expected to provide students with enhanced access to digital tools and training.

The ceremony was held to honour the donation of 28 new Dell AI enhanced computers and monitors to the school, gifted by the late philanthropist, Denna Bogle, her family, and her United States based church.

“There was a time when people were afraid of computers. They would not want to turn one on. Now people are afraid of AI because of the possibilities that it has. But I want to use this opportunity to caution our students to use AI and all other technological resources wisely,” Ms. Sinclair said.

She noted that the possibilities of AI are endless, adding, “We have a duty to educate ourselves and others about it.

“We cannot shy away from it. The sooner we adapt to it, the easier it will be to adapt to our environment and the changes around us,” Ms. Sinclair emphasised.

She urged the students to take the best care of the computers, reminding them: “They are AI enhanced; they may tell on you if you misuse them.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, has advised that the number of shelterees on school compounds has reduced significantly.

Addressing Thursday’s (March 26) Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) Press Conference, held at Shortwood Teachers’ College in Kingston, she said 93 shelterees are being housed across eight schools in western Jamaica, nearly five months after the passage of Category Five Hurricane Melissa.

“The highest number is still at Petersfield [High School] with 40 shelterees,” Dr. Troupe noted.

She said the Ministry has been working with shelterees, noting that the respective principals have put measures in place to accommodate them.

“The reality is we have had a very difficult time in our country and we have got to support the recovery process for the people of this country. The people who we are helping as shelterees, they are parents and relatives of the children in our schools. They are relatives of teachers who work in our schools, so they are not strangers to the community,” she explained.

Dr. Troupe shared that the Ministry understands the need for access to the entire school plant, highlighting that efforts are under way inter-ministerially to make that a reality in the shortest possible time.

“When we did the recovery efforts, we called out to the same people in our communities to come into our school compound and help with the clean-up efforts. The same people who are now in the shelters and those who have left, they participated in that and we are grateful, and so this is our time to give back and to support,” Dr. Troupe said.

She thanked principals, staff and students for their patience and reassured them that the institutions will be decommissioned as shelters soon.

The Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) is recommending that the Government leverage private capital to rebuild eight schools that were destroyed by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

Addressing Thursday’s (March 26) ETOC press conference at Shortwood Teachers’ College in St. Andrew, Chairman, Dr. Adrian Stokes, noted that Hurricane Melissa, a Category-Five system, dealt Jamaica a severe blow.

He added that the education sector was among the hardest hit, with more than 600 schools suffering damage at varying levels.

“Every crisis presents an opportunity to emerge stronger and more resilient to future shocks. The damage to our schools is an opportunity to rebuild modern, fit-for-purpose learning environments that can withstand severe weather systems,” the Chairman said.

Dr. Stokes emphasised that the Government should take strategic decisions to secure adequate funding, ensuring reconstruction is carried out at the scale and speed demanded by the disaster.

He argued that the national Budget cannot accommodate the scale of financial resources required for rebuilding.

Dr. Stokes noted, however, that this need not be a binding constraint, provided the Government enacts measures to attract private capital as part of its broader capital mobilisation strategy.

“For every school built by the Government, the State should seek to sell that school to pension funds and other long-term investors and enter, simultaneously, into long-term contracts with those same investors. Alternatively, pension funds can build the schools and lease these back to Government on a long-term basis,” he outlined.

The ETOC Chair clarified that selling a school to Jamaican pension funds and leasing it back to the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information does not constitute privatisation.

“It is what we would call mobilisation. The State retains control, students keep their classrooms, pension savers gain stable, long-duration returns and, importantly, the Government converts $190 billion in deficit pressure into fiscal space without mortgaging Jamaica’s future to foreign creditors,” Dr. Stokes stated.

He added that the hurricane was unprecedented and that the Government’s budgetary response has been bold.

“What remains is execution – at the speed [demanded by] 689 damaged schools – and a nation in recovery,” Dr. Stokes said.