Sharing her own story of overcoming personal and academic challenges, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, has charged students to believe in themselves and pursue a path of excellence.

She noted that they will face obstacles but they should never give up.

“You will always have challenges, be it big or small. You may see us up here and feel we did it overnight and feel [it was done] by a magic wand; it’s not a magic wand. It was really about hard work and determination. It’s really about understanding that in life it’s not what has happened to you, but life is what you choose to become. Life is not about what others say about you, but how your successes make the noise for you. Your achievements must be the noise,” she said.

Dr. Troupe was addressing the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) Awards ceremony at St. Andrew High School for Girls where certificates were issued to 123 grade-13 students for successful completion of the programme.

Speaking to the students who are preparing for the next phase of their lives, the Permanent Secretary related her story of a tough childhood growing up without a father.

She did not pass for a traditional high school after sitting the Common Entrance Examination but allowed God to lead her while she bloomed where she was planted.

She rose to become head girl at Trench Town Comprehensive High School, where she was placed, and then a trained teacher after graduating with honours from The Mico University College and is now elated to help lead the Education Ministry.

Dr. Troupe credited teachers at Trench Town Comprehensive High for believing in her and pushing her to excel.

“I had no choice over which family I was born in, which school, all of those were chosen for me. That only choice I had was to maximise the experience I got [and] to be determined to excel,” she said.

“As I stand here this morning, I tell you my own story. I didn’t start out at St. Andrew High School for Girls. I didn’t get the Common Entrance in my days… I didn’t see my name in the paper. I cried… I had to dig deep. I did not get the opportunity of a traditional high school but I didn’t stop,” she pointed out.

“I recognised from very early that there was something deep within me. I had the pedigree for excellence. I never went to St. Andrew, so consider yourself privileged…; do not take this for granted,” she said.

She told the students to “remember that it’s not about where you have started, it’s about where you are going. That’s understanding resilience. You cannot stop on the journey because it is not going your way. It will not always go your way”.

For her part, Principal, St. Andrew High School for Girls, Keeva Ingram, urged the students to learn from and be inspired by Dr. Troupe’s story.

“One of the things I really appreciated was her own life experience and sharing her path but she made a decision to choose her own success. It was really encouraging for the girls to hear that you can achieve what you set your mind to, and I think that is very important for them,” she stated.

The LDP helps students transition more effectively to the world of work, college and university through participation in 20 hours of community service and talks, workshops on important topics led by experts in various field.

At the end of the two-year programme, each student is required to present a written report on their community service and they receive a certificate of participation as proof of their successful completion.

Following this awards ceremony, the school opened the multimillion-dollar Lois Lake-Sherwood Centre built in honour of the late well-known businesswoman, philanthropist and past student.

The space will be dedicated to harnessing the skills of students with an interest in the performing arts.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dr. Kasan Troupe, has emphasised the urgent need to digitise record keeping systems across the education sector, citing hard lessons learned in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

She highlighted the challenges schools experienced in locating students after the hurricane, noting that the destruction of physical records severely hindered response efforts.

“Our principals would say to us, ‘we don’t have the addresses because the files have been damaged’. So, this has forced us to move expeditiously into the digitisation of our records and, of course, rolling out the information management systems at the tertiary level and at the secondary, primary and infant-school levels,” Dr. Troupe said.

She delivered remarks during Monday’s (April 20) Records Information Management (RIM) Implementation Programme Offboarding Ceremony, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

The Permanent Secretary argued that an increasingly digital and interconnected public service requires strengthened RIM practices.

“We don’t need any more reminders of how important that is. I draw your attention to a recent special interest story that was posted by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) in the media about two or four schools who testified that they were able to reduce the number of students that were unaccounted for because they were actively using the Education Management Information System. So they had, in very quick succession, more of their students in school than out of school,” she shared.

Dr. Troupe noted that the Ministry intends to strengthen data systems for tracking student performance and managing school administration, while also enhancing access to information across the education sector.

“These efforts depend fundamentally on reliable, secure and well-managed information systems. So colleagues, it’s not about whether or not we can do this. We must do this,” she said, adding that student data must be accurate, protected and accessible when needed.

The Permanent Secretary further underscored the importance of proper record keeping in safeguarding institutional continuity.

“Too often, when a new principal comes in our system, there’s no record to make sure that there’s continuity of operations. It’s almost like they have to start all over,” she shared.

Meanwhile, Dr. Troupe emphasised that RIM is a critical enabler of the education transformation process, pointing out that effective records and information management remains both foundational and fundamental to good governance.

“It strengthens accountability and transparency, supports timely and evidence-based decision-making, preserves institutional memory and improves the efficiency and quality of public service delivery,” she stated.

Procurement is under way for a renewable energy laboratory at St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS).

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, advised that the lab will be constructed over the summer holiday and is expected to be opened in September.

“Students will learn about solar technology. They’ll learn about solar installation. They will learn about the batteries. They’ll learn about wind power too. Using that lab, they will learn how to instal solar systems, how to monitor them, how to fix them and even look at other systems too, because it could be wind-based or other types of renewable energy solutions,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.

She was addressing an alumni engagement visit to St. Andrew Technical High School on Tuesday (April 14), in commemoration of the institution’s 65th anniversary, under the theme ‘Inspiring Change: Reshape, Realign, Refocus’.

During the visit, Dr. Morris Dixon toured the school’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facilities.

Grade-11 students Nathaniel Hurge and Cameron Pinnock delivered a presentation on STATHS Autopeck, an automated chicken feeder they developed in collaboration with two other students.

“Teachers are not able to monitor or find monitoring the chick-feeding process overnight a hassle. So, we came up with a design, an automated chicken feeder to tackle this problem,” Nathaniel shared.

He explained that the device has two reduction motors which give it power and three 3D printed spiral screws which are placed clockwise, anticlockwise and in the middle to help with the downward movement of the feed.

“This device also comes with a timer module which you can set for how long you want it to feed and the time intervals in which the machine runs for,” he said.

The 16-year-old student added that the device features a weighted sensor to prevent overfeeding.

He explained that if the chicks are not eating as expected and too much feed is in the basins, the machine automatically shuts off once the basin is weighed.

“This device is not the first of its kind. This is just our specific design, and for future innovations we plan to programme an app to this device so that you can monitor it from anywhere,” he said.

Cameron shared that the project combined multiple industrial areas – electrical engineering, building construction, plumbing and visual arts.

He explained that the device was built in two weeks using materials such as reduction motors, a DC outlet, a five-gallon bottle, pipes and a switch.

“It was a task but we got through… . Our next plan is to add a solar system to this so that it doesn’t have to use electrical energy all the time,” Cameron said.

Glenmuir High School in Clarendon has received a donation of US$100,000 from the Burnett Family Foundation, to assist with the repair of the institution’s auditorium roof, after it was damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The contribution was formally handed over during a ceremony held at the school on April 13.

Facilitating the initiative was the National Education Trust (NET), which continues to play a critical role in mobilising resources and coordinating partnerships aimed at strengthening education infrastructure.

The organisation has been instrumental in bridging support between donors and schools, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, underscored the significance of the donation, noting that the funds, valued at more than J$16 million, represent a powerful act of generosity.

She said that the Burnett family could have chosen to spend the money in numerous other ways, but instead opted to invest in the future of Glenmuir High School and its students.

The Minister of State also commended the leadership and academic tradition of the institution, describing Glenmuir as a long-standing beacon of excellence within Jamaica’s education system.

She praised the Acting Principal, Howard Edwards, and the wider school community for their continued commitment to maintaining high standards and expressed confidence that the donation would be effectively utilised under their stewardship.

In his remarks, Head of the Burnett Family Foundation, Dale Burnett, explained that the contribution was driven not by wealth alone but also by a deliberate choice to give back to Jamaica.

He encouraged students and members of the wider community to adopt a spirit of generosity, urging them to “lift as they climb” rather than waiting until they have accumulated significant wealth before making a difference.

Mr. Burnett called on members of the Jamaican Diaspora to play a more active role in supporting national development efforts.

Director for Donor and Partnership Management at NET, Keisha Johnson, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, noting that the organisation works closely with donors to ensure transparency and accountability.

She commended the Burnett Family Foundation for its commitment and expressed optimism about the potential for a long-term partnership that will continue to benefit the school.

For his part, the Acting Principal welcomed the donation, describing the auditorium as a vital space for both academic and cultural activities.

Mr. Edwards noted that restoration of the roof is critical to preserving a central hub for assemblies, graduations, and community events.

Head Boy, Javier Johnson, expressed gratitude on behalf of the student body, noting that the contribution represents not just financial support but an investment in the future of the institution and its students.

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.

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.”

Park Mountain Primary and Infant School in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, has received $7 million from the iPrint Group of Companies to support post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

The money will be used to undertake critical roofing and electrical works at the institution, which sustained significant damage during the passage of the hurricane on October 28 last year.

At the handover ceremony held at the school on March 17, Director of Donor and Partnership Management at the National Education Trust (NET), Keisha Johnson, in remarks delivered by Donor Project Coordinator, Danielle Drummond, said the scale of damage across the island requires a coordinated response.

“Across Jamaica, more than 600 schools were impacted. Roofs were torn away, classrooms damaged, furniture destroyed, and learning spaces disrupted. It is a task too big for any one group to do alone, but not too big for all of us together,” Mrs. Johnson pointed out.

She underscored that recovery efforts are being driven through strong partnerships and commended the iPrint Group for their generous donation.

“The Government of Jamaica is leading this effort, but we are not doing it in isolation. We are working with an invested village… made up of donors, companies, foundations, volunteers, and partners, both here at home and across the diaspora,” Mrs. Johnson added.

“We thank iPrint Group for stepping forward, not because they were asked but because they chose to. They reached out and said, ‘How can we help?’ That is what true partnership looks like,” she said.

For her part, Principal of the school, Carlene Williams-Heath, welcomed the support, describing it as timely and impactful.

“Today, I stand here very happy for donors like iPrint who walked into our school and decided that, yes, we’re going to help the restoration process,” she said.

Mrs. Williams-Heath emphasised the importance of the donation in improving the learning environment.

“A safe and well-maintained learning environment is essential for the growth and development of our students, and your contribution is going to help us to ensure that our classroom remains a place where education can flourish,” she added.

Chairman of the iPrint Group of Companies, Stephen Steele, said the company was compelled to assist after seeing the impact of the hurricane.

“When Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, it affected real people, real classrooms, and real children. For us at iPrint, the decision to contribute to the recovery effort was not a complicated one. It was simply the right thing to do,” he said.

Mr. Steele further underscored the importance of supporting educators and the education system.

“To the teachers and staff, every morning you walk through those gates, you choose your students over your own comfort. This is not a job, this is a calling, and Jamaica is better for the work you do every single day,” he said.

He also encouraged other private-sector entities to support similar initiatives.

The donation forms part of ongoing efforts by the NET and its partners to restore schools affected by Hurricane Melissa and to ensure that students have access to safe and conducive learning spaces.