Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style Magazine

22
May 2012 Volume 1, Issue 2 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE Hansel Parchment’s 13.19 in 110 Hurdles Jamaica Past, Present and Future: strides in ICT’s advancements

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Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style Magazine is a socially endorsed magazine that tackles social, economical, political and technical issues affecting the country. Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style will through, scholastic research, aid in the sparking of debates, implementation of policies as well as help to foster developmental changes in the Jamaican Diaspora

Transcript of Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style Magazine

May 2012 Volume 1, Issue 2

YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE

MAGAZINE

Hansel Parchment’s 13.19 in 110 Hurdles

Jamaica Past, Present and Future:

strides in ICT’s advancements

In the twenty-First century,

the capacity to communicate will

almost certainly be a key human

right. Eliminating the distinction

between the information-rich and

information-poor will also be

critical in eliminating economic

and other inequalities as well as to

improve the lives of every human

being. New developments in

Information Communications and

Technologies (ICT’s) is having a

tremendous effect on “the quality,

diversity and quantity of

information transmission and by

extension the work of the library as

an Information broker”. It is worth

noting that this effect is not just

limited to the supply side of

information transmission, but that it

applies within the process of

information transmission,

specifically, within the core

business of a library.

Information literacy can be

described as “knowing when and

why you need information, where

to find it and how to evaluate, use

and communicate it in an ethical

manner” With this observation,

Information Literacy can be seen as

the facilitator for lifelong learning:

which is the key ingredient for

effective functionality in

today’s information society.

The digital divide for the

purpose of this article can be

referred to as the “gap

between people with

effective access to

information technology and

those with very limited or no

access at all” In other words,

the digital divide includes the

imbalances in physical

access to technology as well

as imbalances in resources

and skills that are needed to

effectively play a part in

society; the society that is

using a certain amount of

Information Technology for

day to day communication.

Additionally, it is the

unequal access by some

members of society to

Information and

Communications

Technologies and the

unequal acquisition of

related skills while there is

limited or no access by

certain poverty stricken

persons in societies.

Information literacy

and its effect on the digital

divide is an aspect of

information ethics that can

be influenced and improved

by those in the library

profession. According to

Elrod and Smith,

“information ethics provides

a framework for critical

reflection on the creation,

control and use of

information” nevertheless,

data analysis reveals that the

divides still exist,

particularly when

considering income,

education, region, disability,

age and race . Librarians

face many challenges to

take on the digital divide

which includes issues of

access, content, technical

literacy, privacy, civic

participation, education,

employment, non-use and

political debate.

Information

technology is the “great

enabler”. It provides for

those who have access to it,

“an extension of their

powers of perception,

comprehension, analysis,

thought, concentration and

articulation through a range

of activities that include:

writing, visual image,

music, simulation and

communication” .

Libraries and LIME, Telecommunications

giant helping to bridge the Digital

Divide…...

Information Literacy and

its impact on the digital

divide

Page 2 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

Front Cover: Upcoming Jamaican 110m hurdler Hansel Parchment in a victorious run.

have the ability to

locate, evaluate and

use effectively the needed

information” , knowing what

one wants narrows the level

of intensity that one has to

search and knowing where

the information is located

and how to get it can be

fostered by the use of

technology; as the internet

has been used to solve

numerous queries. People

living in poverty can now

use ICT’s as tools to

empower themselves, whether it is through

access to productive information, the creation

of content that is relevant to them or through

opportunities to communicate and better

organize themselves. The focus is not on

technology itself, but on how to use

technologies for a specific purpose: to

empower and enable people living in poverty

to change their circumstances.

For this reason, those with access will

need to know how to accurately search for

information and effectively

manipulate the computer in order

to get their desired result.

Technology, in all of its various

forms, offers users the tools to

access, manipulate, transform,

evaluate, use and present infor-

mation.

Along with technology,

Information Literacy can be used

to create new opportunities.

Information Literacy can be used

by individuals to evaluate information, organize

themselves and to effectively communicate

their interests. Information Literacy can also be

used to improve the efficiency and

responsiveness of groups that work with the

poor. On a broad level, “information literacy

can help to break down isolation structures of

discrimination and to support new forms of

economic and social innovation that benefits the

poor” . Information literacy is helping in bridg-

ing the gap in the digital divide; knowing how

to “recognize when information is needed and

Page 3 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

Dr. Abdul Waheed Khan outlined that “modern societies are currently undergoing a

number of fundamental transformations caused by the growing impact of the new

communication and information on all aspects of human life”. Barriers to accessing the

internet and computers have been widely targeted by countless initiatives aimed at bridging

the first level “digital divide” have led to increased use of the internet and digital library

resources in libraries in and around the Caribbean.

The library in doing its part to bridge the gap in the digital divide is providing a place with

the aim of facilitating less fortunate individuals in society, access to the internet and ICT’s

that they could not access previously.

Cont’d pg 8

LIME and Caribbean libraries in bridging the gap…….

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is tremendously

affecting every aspect of human activity, people of the Caribbean and more

specifically has impacted the lives of many Jamaicans. This era has seen the

introduction and increase in the use of mobile phones, personal computers

and the Internet, dramatic expansion in the number and range of

telecommunications and broadcast media providers, and growth of

applications of ICTs in businesses, schools and households. The revolution

created by ICT has implications for many aspects of our lives and lifestyles

now and in the future to come. The introduction of new technology has

impacted the delivery and dissemination of information significantly, as a

new set of technology and electronic information skills must be acquired in

order to provide knowledge to users through effective information

dissemination. The purpose of ICT in “education is generally to familiarize

learners with the use and workings of computers and related social and

ethical issues” . ICT has enables learning through multiple intelligences as it has

introduced learning through simulation; which enables active learning

through all senses. Traditionally, the “implementation and usage of ICT in

the education sector has not been a priority trend of educational reform and

the state paid little attention to it”, therefore, there should be an active

participation, positive initiative and good will by schools and government

institutions to enhance ICT implementation within the education sector.

ICT defines a “broad range of technologies, including methods for

communication… as well as techniques for storing and processing

information; computing and data storage” ICT's are communication tools

that aid in the collection, storage and most importantly the transfer of

information. These tools include radio, television and most importantly the

Internet and telecommunications.

Development is a versatile and multi-disciplinary term which can be defined as, “a multi

dimensional process that involves the quantitative increase in wealth and qualitative changes in the

economy through improved technology, better utilization of natural resources and better social

division of labor”. Development can be seen as a “process of expanding the real freedoms that people

enjoy”. Traditionally development meant “the capacity of a national economy, whose initial economic

condition has been more or less static for a long time, to generate and sustain an annual increase in its

gross national income (GNI) at rates of 5% to 7% or more” Development today is frequently used to

describe growth in an economic sense but can take place in different disciplines such as Politics,

Science, Education and Culture. A benchmark activity associated with economic development has been

“the use of rates or growth of income per capita to take into account the ability of a nation to expand its

output at a rate faster than the growth rate of its population” . “levels and rates of growth of real per

capita Gross National Income are normally used to measure the overall economic well-being of a

population”.

Page 4 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

ICT to Facilitate Use/Management of

Information in National Development

The millennium

development goals have

become the principal global

scorecard for development. In

September 2005 the United

Nations World Summit

reaffirmed the principles in

the 2000 Millennium

Declaration and recognized

the need for ambitious

national development

strategies backed by increased

international support . In

light of this the Caribbean as

a region has sought to capitalize on this working framework by

using it to mobilize groundwork for formulating national agendas

for the development of their sectors. Jamaica through its “2030

vision” has set out clear analytical goals, geared towards the

development of sectors, such as Information Communication (ICT)

and Education. It must be noted that ICT has a means of delivering

information is critical to the education sector and therefore it is

necessary that careful analysis be given to the application of ICT to

facilitate the use and management of information in the education

sector.

Information and Communications Technologies have

become engines for social and economic growth globally.

Economic theory suggests that a “shift toward the predominance of

the ICT paradigm should result in productivity gains and provide a

stimulus for economic growth”. Investment in human capital is

necessary to foster ICT innovations at the technological frontier

and to build demand for these technologies and related services. As

outlined by Draca, Sadun and Van Reenen in the book Economic

Development “Some developing countries have prioritized

investment in human capital to promote their capacity for ICT

production” this is evident in the case of the East Asian countries;

they have utilized different combinations of development and

national innovation and education strategies alongside the

investment and employment strategies of multinational to reverse

the “brain drain” to higher wages countries and as such has become

world leaders in semiconductor production.

This strategy can be employed by the heads of the developing

countries, especially Jamaica, in order to help reverse the

brain drain of the country. Governments worldwide should

recognize the need to assist their people by investing heavily

in the development of knowledge based societies; recognizing

the advantage that the integration and use of ICT in sectors

such as education, provides in the long-term social and

economic development of their population.

Cont’d on pg. 10

ICT to Facilitate Use/Management of Information in

National Development

Page 5 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

What influences priority in the lives

of people .

“Let us enjoy the longest journey we’ll ever take.”

I am perched up high, trying to decipher

between personal importance and public

opinion and swaying between these two

extremes. Who decides what? What defines

who? I may fall off this pedestal thinking

about this all but then again, I believe I can

fly.

According to “Maslow’s Hierarchy of

Needs” we have a base of things we “cannot

live without” but then there are levels at

which we place everything else that we aim

for or that which we achieve. Good thing

I’m like a bird, all I have to do is fly away.

Life, food, shelter and beings of my kind to

share all these with are all I

need. My aim is to be free and

live and enjoy living until of

course, its bird season and

somebody shoots me. But

enough about this chick and

more about those I hover over

while playing Inspector Bird,

and following shady tracks.

Air, water, food, shelter, sleep and sex, are

the noted physiological needs. But are they

really? Are all these the fundamentals of

every person in every society? Not really,

maybe, hell yeah? The truth is the basic

needs vary from man to man, being to being,

maybe even bird to bird. Don’t expect the

needs of an ostrich to be the same of a dove.

Above this is then safety and security. It is

noted that some value this more than life

itself, because any day now, could be the

last day. With all the looting and shooting

taking place on our little paradise in

particular, some value the mere sense of

security as top shelf asset.

Love and belongingness are central on

Maslow’s pyramid, and o how it brings

immense pleasure to see lovebirds enjoy each

other’s company, free of care for even that

moment. Companionship, coexistence, the whole

flock and brood, serve great purposes in the lives

and psyche of individuals. According to Maslow

when all the above foundations are in their correct

proportions and order, self-esteems are then

automatically boosted. But is this what happens? A

wise old owl would say, “To every man, his own”.

Some aim for great things, some aim for what is

great in their eyes, and then some have no aim. It is

almost as if finding our self-worth gives us the

sense of self-worth. Life has a different level of

meaning when there is self-sufficiency and vitality.

My view is, society does influence society and

culture influences culture. Nature and nurture both

play equal and opposite roles in the lives of every

life we come across. Some choices are based on

who we are and what we’ve seen, heard and

experienced. So in the end the big question will

have to be, “how individual are we individually?”

When we make choices, set goals, dream dreams,

how much of these are innate, how much is caused

by influences of how we’re socialized and then

how much of this just fell out of the sky and into

our heads? Something to pick my bird brain for a

long while until our next flight together.

By: Deidre Douglas

Feature: From a Bird’s view

Page 6 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

It is often said that persons from the urban regions of Jamaica are impolite when compared to their rural counterparts. Persons especially from the inner cities are labelled as not having any manners or not having good manners. To whatever extent this is true or false, I cannot say, as I know of no research conducted on the issue. However, there is the tendency in Jamaica to measure someone’s potential for success based upon his or her good behaviour, which often includes his or her ‘good manners’.

‘Manaz kyari yu roun di worl’ translated as ‘Manners carry you around the world’ is an old time Jamaican saying, that was and is often used to encourage youths and young adults to be polite if they intend to be successful, find favour among people or become socially mobile. But what exactly are manners? How much manners should one possess? How far around the world, can it take you?

In sociology, manners are the unenforced standards of conduct that demonstrate that a person is proper, polite, and refined. They are like laws or standards for human behaviour, but there is no formal punishment for transgressing; the main informal "punishment" is social disapproval (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manners).

Like every skill manners has to be practiced and honed. Too much manners is never a bad thing. The more polite you are, to more people, especially adults, elderly persons and persons of influence, the more favourable it will be with you in and around your community; and according to the saying, the world. When you are good and kind to persons, they are more inclined to be good and kind to you.

As far as travelling around the world is concerned, manners may not be all you need. International travel is only accommodated by a passport and in some cases a visa. If it depended solely on manners to get a visa at the American embassy in Jamaica, the large majority of Jamaicans would be well-mannered people. However, it is still a mystery to many Jamaicans as to what are the exact criteria to get a visa from the embassy; but for certain, manners is not one of them.

Mobility is almost always facilitated by educational documentation, financial support,

nepotism and social contacts, known as ‘lingks’, translated ‘links’ in Jamaica. Even amidst educational documentation, many qualified persons in Jamaica find it a challenge to secure jobs, which are believed to produced mobility in one way or the other. There is also no guarantee that having and gaining money will reward you with high social status, as many ‘newly rich’ find themselves outside traditional and prominent rich circles in Jamaica. Another way of becoming socially mobile is to marry into a family, which although is sometimes a rare case, has the reward or gaining status and opportunity. However, the most effective means of getting somewhere in Jamaica is through links. It is often said, it is whom you know and who knows you. Here we can see how having good manners can cause you to be known and even find favour in the right places among the right social contacts, which may be able to indeed take you around the world.

Until next time Waak Gud, Tek Kier and remember Oudi an Tengki No Brok No Skwier.

Ole Time People did say…by Georgette McGlashen

Page 7 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

Fact

s yo

u sh

ould

kno

w:

All information resources that are

provided directly or indirectly by the library,

regardless of technology, format or method of

delivery, should be readily, equally, and

equitably accessible to all library users. This will

help to increase the information literacy rate of

the Caribbean more, specifically, Jamaica. In

helping to bridge the digital divide, the Jamaica

Library Service, in collaboration with

telecommunications giant, LIME, fulfilling its

goal “to achieve universal access to information

and knowledge” has since implemented a nation

-wide internet access service; where persons can

have free internet access in any public library

across the island for a maximum of thirty (30)

minutes in one sitting. Even though thirty

minutes might not be sufficient to some

individuals, it is still beneficial to those who

were once deprived of this opportunity.

The provision of access to computers

and the internet free of charge is a direct result

of the Jamaica Library Service’s commitment to

achieving its objectives and to ensure that equal

access to online information resources are

provided to those unable to provide for

themselves. As outlined by the Jamaica Library

Service, it “operates on the assurance that it has

the challenging, but exciting responsibility of

assisting to bridge the gap which will result in

the development of individuals, communities

and the nation; preparing Jamaicans to take

their place in the emerging global

environment’. Other Caribbean countries such as

Anguilla, Barbados, Trinidad and Guyana have

also placed focal points on enabling access to

the internet to their citizens. In Trinidad, NALIS

is providing free internet access for a maximum

of one (1) hour per day as well as providing

training for users who are not fully competent.

They also provide wireless internet

access for patrons with laptops, outside and

inside the library building. In Anguilla, the

internet access is free but it is only available to

student. Barbados helps by providing access to

for persons with disability such as the visually

impaired; while Guyana provides internet access

but unfortunately there is a cost of

approximately US$1 an hour. Across other parts

of the world, there are numerous projects being

undertaken by libraries to help bridge this gap

between information and possible users. The

United States of America, for example, has

reported in 2002 that

“they are truly a

nation online; as the

gap in the digital

access has now

narrowed based on the

infrastructure and

attention that was

being placed on

educating individuals

on how to effectively

use and include ICT’s in their everyday lives”.

There is evidence that computers are

being placed in public libraries and public

schools for easy access and use by citizens. This

in turn, helps to bridge the gap as access to

internet has opened up great doors for the poorer

citizens in society. Through this service those

with limited access can now have access to

numerous websites as well as governmental

information that can help in their daily decision

making. It also fosters information literacy and

literacy in general as users while waiting to use

the internet can browse through the collection of

the library. It is through institutions as well as

moral and legal codes that we can ensure the

right to access and work for more equitable

distribution in order to bridge the information

Libraries and LIME, Telecommunications giant

helping to bridge the Digital Divide…... Contd pg. 3

Page 8 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

gap between the “information poor” and the

“information rich” .

The challenging patterns of disadvantage in

the global political economy demand that the

Caribbean moves aggressively toward fostering an

innovative culture and environments in securing a

place for itself among the technological leaders.

This includes a more vigorous attempt to resolving

the technology access divide, skills divide, social

capacity divide and the technology production

divide. It is only then that any significant strides can

be made in narrowing

the economic divide be-

tween the haves and the

have-nots in the current

techno-economic

context. The change

from an economy based

on labor and capital to

one based on

information, requires

information literate

workers who will know how to interpret

information. It is imperative that individuals learn

how to master their respective skills in their respec-

tive fields as without being information literate and

possessing the necessary skills to participate in a

technological environment, they will be left lagging

behind. Besides, studies have proven that individual

must be literate in order to function effectively and

participate in society.

ICTs and its inclusion in the Jamaica Education System Cont’d from pg. 2

Page 9 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

LIME and Caribbean libraries in bridging the

gap…….

advancement of greater social freedom of

information usage by individuals locally and

globally using ICT. According to Amartya

Kumar Sen in her book Development as

Freedom “freedom depends on other

determinants, such as social and economic

arrangements” (3), she further states as one of

these determinants, facilities for education

and makes reference to the fact that even though

overcoming these issues is central to the

development process “freedom of agency that

we individually have is inescapably qualified

and constrained by the social, political and

economic opportunities that are available to us”.

It is therefore important that Government as well

as other local and international educational

bodies consider the availability and

implementation of the necessary tools,

infrastructure and policies needed to propel

growth and usage of ICT within the education

sector.

ICT in the Education Sector

When looking into the key areas of ICT

applications, education is the first and best

option to influence in development.

Literacy can be seen as the key element,

and similarly recently acquired

“informational capabilities” can act as an

means for change for individuals and

communities enhancing their abilities to

connect with the formal institutions in the

economic, political, social and cultural

spheres of their life. Nowadays the role of

Information and Communication

Technology (ICT), especially Internet in

the education sector plays an important

role, especially in the process of

empowering the technology into the

educational activities. The education sector

can be the most effective sector to

anticipate and eliminate the negative

impact of ICT; additionally technology

(internet) can be the most effective way to

increase the student’s knowledge.

Educational authorities should be wise

enough in implementing the strategies to

empower ICT in supporting the teaching

and learning process in the classroom. ICT

is seen as not just the bloom of the

educational activities, but also it will be the

secondary option to improve the effective

and meaningful educational process.

The current education system in

Jamaica is governed by seven strategic

objectives. Included in these seven

objectives is the PIOJ’s (Planning Institute

of Jamaica) declaration to “enhance

students learning by the greater use of

information and communications

technology as preparation for life in the

national and global communities” (PIOJ

58). This in itself proposes the

ICT to Facilitate Use/Management of

Information in National Development

Page 10 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

In the education sector ICT is used as a tool to

support, enrich, improve and share information. It enhances

course delivery and improves the teaching learning pro-

cess. Any policy designed by government to improve the

education sector must be geared towards lifelong learning

and should reflect the ambitious goal of those considered

as learners to use ICT in their future professions. Because

of the increasing attention being given to the use, access

and dissemination of ICT, there has been a gradual change

in the way we view education on a whole and the role ICT

plays in delivering information within this sector. We see

where there is a higher demand for communication

technology and its use in transferring knowledge in an

educational setting. ICT has brought to the platform a more

interactive way of transferring information. With new

knowledge we see where information in the classroom can

be integrated with technology to provide a more interactive

medium for communication, for example using the World

Wide Web, it is possible for instructors and students to

send and receive instantaneous information on given topics

of discussion. We now see the advent of E-learning and

distant education becoming more popular. It is worth

noting however that this type of information delivery has

its challenges, and must be monitored for best practices and

credibility. In an article by Petra Fisser titled

Re-engineering university services to manage ICT in

education it is noted that on using ICT in education “it is

not the intention to develop towards a virtual university

where a student can sit at home, do some courses, "surf" in

the electronic environment and then collect their diploma

without having seen any instructor or fellow-students”.

Emphasis must be placed on social development, and the

necessity for direct face-face contact. One must develop

and use self discipline and new roles must be assumed for

both the instructor and the learner. In the ICT environment

both must adapt to changes that will facilitate the use of

ICT and further the teaching learning experience for the

The implementation and use

of ICT in the educational sector has

made a tremendous difference.

Currently, schools in Jamaica are

utilizing ICT to teach computer

studies and information technology

at the CXC level as a component of

the Business Education programme;

it is also being utilized for computer

assisted instruction for remediation,

numeracy and literacy, for

promoting computer literacy, to

enhance learning in all subject areas

and for research purposes, utilizing

software and the Internet. As

outlined in the ICT plan for

Education for Jamaica, the JCSEF

in partnership with the HEART

Trust/NTA, the private sector

through the Business Partners, and

secondary school communities

launched the Jamaica 2000 Project.

Aiming at establishing a fully

equipped fifteen-station computer

laboratory in each secondary

school, community college and

teachers' college and provide

in-service training for teachers. The

initial aim of the project was to

provide opportunities for students

of the upper secondary level to

pursue computer studies in the CXC

examinations enlarging the pool of

potential computer professionals.

Cont’d on pg. 14

ICTs and its inclusion in the Jamaica Education System Cont’d from pg. 2

Page 11 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

ICT to Facilitate Use/Management of

Information in National Development

dustry in the past few years. Additionally, the growth of the mobile telecommunications sector can be credited to the advent of Digicel and Claro as well as the modification of the services offered by the premier provider Cable and Wireless, now LIME. Due to the revamping of the services as well as the additions to and expansion of their networks, the introduction of new services and the adoption of new and emerging technologies; Jamaica is now a leader in Caribbean mobile penetration, 110%, and have been making strides in the connectivity and access segment as they possess a 55% Internet access rate (UNDP 2011). Another milestone in Jamaica’s ICT development was the acquisition by FLOW of a direct undersea fiber-optics connection which connects North and South America.

The existence of this high power technology further boosts Jamaica’s development as this places Jamaica on par with first world countries as it relates to connectivity. Moreover, it offers to Jamaica varying broadband affiliated systems and services; including greater and faster connectivity and easier access at competitive rates. Despite numerous setbacks, man-made or natural, Jamaica now has unprecedented broadband access, which is a key requirement for any e-transaction in today’s technologically driven society. Essentially, this means that the island is a prime choice for investment; locally, regionally and internationally.

Jamaica’s strategic move to embrace ICT’s has further recorded success in the deployment of E-Government services and is the recorded leader in the Caribbean for the past three years in this ar-ea. Our operationalized e-government initiatives span several entities; Customs, National Land Agency, Office of the Register of Companies, Registrar General’s Department, Management Institute for National Development and the Inland Revenue Department. The GoJ is nevertheless committed to advanced service delivery by establishing multi-agency transactions that will be seamlessly delivered to the citizens of Jamaica via a single touch point. The deployment of this e-government service has already seen astonishing results as it helps in the speedy processing of documents as well as yielding over JMD$400 million in revenue since its implementation and creates the environment for numerous online payment services. This development allows for the application/request of various important documents online including birth certificates, registration or reservation of business titles as well as certificates of titles to name a few.

*Cont’ d on pg 20

Jamaica Past, Present and Future:

strides in ICT’s advancements

Page 12 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

By: Adrian St. P. Duncan

Fifty years ago, Jamaica had a mere semblance of technological inclusion in citizens’ homes and even workplaces. As a result of the emergence of the information society, information has become a priceless commodity and the most important factor of production and wealth creation. How well an individual, organization or an entire society can harness, access, share and use available information will ultimately decide their ability; to generate, stimulate economic growth and to enhance the quality of life. Additionally, diverse development opportunities have opened up due to the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s) and Jamaica now has the opportunity of advancing even further in-to the information age by fully embracing and integrating the powers of ICT’s in every as-pect of the development of the Jamaican econ-omy. With a mantra for Jamaica to be the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business, the Government has been making strides to accomplish this goal and make this dream a reality.

To achieve this, Jamaica has developed an information policy that has been taking full advantage of the opportunities offered. However, if a 100% success rate is to be achieved, it will depend heavily on the Government’s ability to integrate and apply such technologies including computers, telephones, television, electronic mail, online retrieval and numerous other multimedia in our day-to-day activities. The usage of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) is widespread and has yielded astounding results in numerous aspects of the country’s holistic development. ICT’s are now impacting on every aspect of the country and its citizenry; they are being used as vehicles for the transportation of goods and services for the development of individuals and the country.

Jamaica, 2012, is ranked as the telecommunications hub of the Caribbean and 24th in the world as the ideal destination for investment and is regarded as one of the most conducive places worldwide, to conduct business. These ratings can be attributed to the boost in the islands telecommunications in-

The decline of the sugar industry in an increasingly

globalized world through trade liberalization: A

Case study of Central Jamaica by Dorlan burrell

PaVOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

The advent of globalization has had varying effects on different countries

around the world. In first world countries, globalization have increased the

market access of these countries while at the same time limiting the efforts of

third world countries in gaining access to such markets. This is very much

evident in the sugar cane and banana industries in the Caribbean. In several

cases, these industries are forced to close (e.g. sugar cane industry in Trinidad

and to a lesser extent the banana industry in Jamaica) as they lack the ability to

become more competitive in an increasingly globalized world. The sugar

industry in Jamaica has been declining since the 1990’s with very little hope of

survival without urgent and significant diversification. Although such

diversification has been sought in since 2009 most small scale farmers involved

in the industry are still experiencing the effects of trade liberalization through

the ‘domino’ effect. In response, a number of small farmers have lost interest in

the sugar industry which can be seen in the production levels of small sugar

cane farmers from the mid 1990’s. Small farmers are vital to the sugar industry

and such harsh effects of trade liberalization can be very devastating for the

sugar industry in Jamaica, as small farmers do not have the resources to cope on

such competitive levels.

*Full Story in the next issue

Big up urself Jamaica……….50th Anniversary

The Trinidad and Tobago education system has a long history using and

experimenting with ICT in schools. The Fast-forward project, the Secondary

Education Modernization Program (SEMP) and other initiatives currently in process

are used as instruments of change, geared towards improving the quality of teaching

and learning in schools. The Trinidadian ICT policy points out that “ICT in

education would enhance human capacity, dynamize the teaching/learning

environment, [they went further to explain that] providing equity and access would

create an environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and

decision-making thus developing an individual capable of finding his place in a

technologically driven skills-based economy” .

The policy further states that the usage of “Information and

Communications Technology is critical to the transformation of the society to

ultimately meet the universal requirements of an ever changing global

environment”. Evidence through practical experience in the world indicates that

investing in ICT consumption might contribute mainly to increasing human and

knowledge capital, while investment in ICTs production seems to be a more

effective tool for development of the whole society. In both cases ICTs can create

new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Social networking has become an integral part of the lives of the

rising generation, and so we cannot ignore the impact ICT is having on the way

people interact socially. ICT has brought to the forefront of society new networks

by which people can share information on their experiences and document for the

purpose of information sharing. We see where more and more people are coming

into the education system with the knowledge and expertise of using social software

as tools of communication. “At least some of these people are looking for the

opportunity to use some of these technology applications in parts of their lives

related to education and study” .The implication that social networking has on

education and social development on a whole is far reaching. It has broken down

cultural barriers and strengthens cultural practices.

We see where the link between education and ICT usage has through

different means such as blogs and e-mails heightened and revolutionize the

information sharing process. Furthermore, with the development of the education

sector, the long-term application of ICT as a means of accessing and disseminating

information will bring with it the furtherance of human development. Sen has

reiterated this point in her book, stating that:

Expansion of health care, education and social security contribute directly to

the quality of life and to its flourishing. There is evidence that even with

relatively low income, a country that guarantees health care and education to

all can actually achieve remarkable results in terms of the length and quality

of life of the entire population (144).

ICT to Facilitate Use/Management of

Information in National Development

Page 14 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

ICT to Facilitate Use/Management of

Information in National Development

ICT and National Development

Diverse development opportunities “have opened up due to the influence of ICT and

developing nations now have the opportunity of leapfrogging into the information age by

employing the powers of Information and Communication Technology”. It is now widely

accepted that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have an important role in

national development. In the development theory framework; ICT tools are used as a “means

of achieving something”. ICT is used as a “commodity for supporting development activities

and is merely a driver of economy which must be directed by specific development

activities”. Sein proposes four different paradigms of ICT in development: functionalism,

social relativism, radical structuralism and neo-humanism. The theory went further to

conceptualize the role of ICT in development. Sein’s concepts of paradigms, the actors and

their paradigmatic assumptions complement his framework by focusing on the volitional and

motivational aspects of the actors involved. “ICT represents a hierarchy in that the tool and

computational views while essential for understanding the ICT artifact, do not have much

developmental impact”. We need to move up from the tool and computational view to the

ensemble and ultimately the proxy view, where the proxy view is defined in terms of

knowledge creation”.

ICT as a tool for development does exist, but not “within a vacuum” and will only be

as effective as how it is conceptualized by different government and non-governmental

agencies. Knowledge creation is a key means of evaluating ICT projects and any

developmental issues proposed by government must be conceptualized and reviewed based

on a developmental framework that will articulate best policies and practices for the

furtherance of national development. These frameworks may include, but not limited to

issues focusing on poverty reduction or meeting millennium development goals and geared

towards global issues such as sustainable development for sustainable livelihood, of which

education must be given priority.

The Jamaican ICT policy on Education outlines that “to compete successfully in a

fiercely competitive global economic environment, a highly skilled and educated workforce

with aptitude and skills in the application of information and communication technologies in

everyday life will be essential” and this is true as societies only flourish if there are skilled

and educated individuals in the workforce. But in order for there to be skilled and competent

people in the workforce, there has to be a system in place that teaches how to effectively and

efficiently manipulate and use ICT for the enhancement of productivity in all sectors. The

level of education and training of a society is one of the key indicators used in the UNDP

Human development report to determine the level of development of a country. It is

therefore imperative that the necessary social, political and economical structure is put in

place to support this view of human development.

Page 15 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

Page 16 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

Happy Birthday JAMAICA!!

Page 17 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

Name: Hansel Parchment

Age: 21 years

Home location: Roosters, Taylor Hall. and St Thomas

Sport: Track and Field

Profession and educational background: Golden Grove Primary, Morant

Bay High and Kingston College and the University of the West Indies

Years in sport of any kind: 8 years

Sports participated in: Football, Cricket (Primary)

Years in current sport: 8 years running

What got you started: Interest sparked after attending 2nd form Sports

Day

Other personal information you would like to share: Coincidentally, I was

not a fan of Track and Field until that eye-opening day in high school.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your sports: Won Gold at the

University Games

Which one or two things do you currently do in your training that is

integral to your success: Strength and flexibility

What would be your ultimate achievement: To win a world record.

How do you set your goals: Well based on the event coming up I would

make my goals based on where I’d like to be.

Page 18 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

Hansel Parchment

What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge:

Biggest challenge is to balance school and training as well resting, which is

pertinent.

What is your diet like: Isn’t the best really, not balanced but sufficient.

What 1-2 things do you believe differentiates you from your contemporaries

who have tailed off in their athletic participation and abilities: I believe

determination and strong will to achieve.

Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites

and coaches): Well I could recommend my coach, Fitz Coleman.

Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it: I don’t believe I

have got to the point of breakthrough as yet.

What was the best advice you were ever given: keep humble and focused.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by: Don’t have a saying

but always tell myself that I’ll keep determined and focused on my task.

Where do you draw your inspiration from: Inspired by the great athletes of our

time; Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Dayron Robles. Noting, however, that his

favorite is Robles.

How many times in the last year have you been to see a physician, and why

(only what you’re comfortable sharing): Seen the doctor twice for basic check

up.

Anything else you’d like to share: Track and Field is a great Sport and God’s

willing I would like to take this to the top as well as help persons foster their

own development while doing this.

Why did you come into sports: Came into the sport after seeing the eye opening

100m event at sports day while attending Morant Bay High. In 2nd form at the

time.

Page 19 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

Information technology and ICTs are great enablers as they provide for those who have access to it; an extension of their powers of perception, comprehension, analysis, thought, concentration and articulation through a wide range of activities that include: writing, visual image, music, simulation and communication. It is clear that the Jamaican Government has realized the importance of ICT’s and its ability to foster social and economic advancement. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson recently announced that the government will be further committed to the development of the ICT sector. He further noted that there will be several institutions implemented to improve access, training and the country’s global ranking in the industry as it currently stands at 73rd on the Global Network Readiness Index, which attests to a country’s environment, usage and readiness and 7th on the ITU Digital Access Index; which points to infrastructure, knowledge, quality as well as usage.

Embracing the facts, he outlined that in today’s ultra-connected world, there is no better way for the country to prepare its people than by educating and training them in ICT’s. It is wonderful as the Jamaican government has recognized the potential of ICT’s as a great enabler and equalizer in today’s technologically driven world and states that we cannot capitalize on technological advancements unless citizens possess the skills needed to compete globally.

In the Jamaica that we know and love, agriculture is an important sector with majority of the rural population and other parishes on the island depending on it. The sector faces major challenges of enhancing production in a situation of dwindling natural resources necessary for production. The growing demand for agricultural products offers opportunities for producers to sustain and improve their livelihoods. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s) play an important role in addressing these challenges and uplifting the livelihoods of the rural populace. There is evidence of strides in this sector’s development. Numerous individuals, myself included, have written on this area’s development, as a result, a group of students from the University of Technology Jamaica, have developed an application for farmers to establish a network for internal communication of agricultural information. This is a postulation that I made in an earlier article, “ICTs for a better Jamaica” and I am happy that it is bearing fruit, which will foster development of the sector in years to come.

Current trends prove that mobile communication is having a profound impact on individuals; especially those in the rural and inner city communities. The mobility, ease of use, flexibility in deployment and relatively low cost of this wireless technology has proven beneficial to persons with lower level income and literacy. The agricultural sector is confronted with the major challenge of increasing production to feed a growing and increasingly demanding population in a situation of decreasing availability of natural resources. Factors of particular concern are water shortages, declining soil fertility, effects of climate change and rapid decrease of fertile agricultural lands due to urbanization. However, the growing demand, including for higher quality products, also offers opportunities for improving the livelihoods of rural communities.

An important use of mobile phones by the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers can be for their use in accessing and imparting market information. This can be done through the careful establishment of networks between farmers, the Ministry and Agricultural agencies. Through careful facilitation by a telecommunications service provider, this platform can allow consumers to sign up for Short Messaging Services (SMS) alerts for commodities and markets of their choice and receive instant alerts for offers to buy and sell when anyone else on the network has submitted an offer. Networks like these can form the basis on which the stabilization of the Jamaican Agricultural Market can be done; using these networks allows for easier stabilization of the prices of commodities reducing disparities on the parish level and ultimately, on a National Level. Access to market information through mobile telephony will allow for faster response to market demands and helps in the increasing of profits.

Page 20 YAADI CULTURE, FIMI STYLE MAGAZINE

Jamaica Past, Present and Future: strides in

ICT’s advancements cont’d fr. pg 12

Jamaica Past, Present and Future: strides

in ICT’s advancements cont’d

The application of ICT in Jamaican education could have miraculous national, regional and even international effects in the context of alternatives to overcome current inequalities. For Caribbean countries, ICTs have the potential for increasing access to. as well as. improve the relevance and quality of education. ICTs can greatly facilitate the acquisition and absorption of knowledge, offering Jamaicans and other Caribbean Nationals unprecedented opportunities, both formally and informally, to previously underserved constituencies, scattered and rural populations, groups traditionally excluded

from education due to cultural or social reasons such as girls and women, persons with disabilities and the elderly; as well as for reason of cost or simply because of time constraints are unable to enroll on campus.

It is important to promote and facilitate awareness and lobby activities by Jamaican practitioners with expertise in ICT and education. Despite the enormous progress made during the last decade, there is still a general lack of awareness among policymakers, particularly concerning the developmental aspects of ICT in the education sector. A long-term vision with regard to integrating ICT in Jamaican education is a clear necessity in order to provide guidance and motivation to enthusiastic early adopters and other stakeholders. In Jamaica, there is a high-profile, public-private initiative that was launched in February 2006, with the aim of providing solutions to the growing number of the island’s secondary school students graduating without the necessary work-related technology skills; by building partnerships between the public and private sector to fund ICT programmes in schools’.

Additionally, the Jamaica Library Service in collaboration with telecommunications giant, LIME fulfilling its goal “to achieve universal access to information and knowledge” has also implemented a nationwide Internet access service; where persons can have Internet access in any public library across the island for a maximum of thirty (30) minutes in one sitting. The provision of access to computers and the Internet free of charge is a direct result of the Jamaica Library Service’s and the Government of Jamaica's commitment to achieving for its citizens equal access to all information resources; especially for those unable to access these resources from home due to lack of infrastructure, as well as those needing assistance accessing the resource. This will result in the development of individuals, communities and ultimately the literacy rate of the country; preparing Jamaicans to take their place in the emerging global environment.

By: Adrian St. P. Duncan

Page 21 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style Magazine is a socially endorsed magazine

that tackles social, economical, political and technical issues affecting the

country. Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style will through, scholastic research, aid in

the sparking of debates, implementation of policies as well as help to foster

developmental changes in the Jamaican Diaspora.

Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style Magazine will be analyzing issues, from a

pin to an anchor, in all fields of development; Technology, Governance,

Policy Making, Librarianship, Sports, Entertainment, Telecommunications

as well as politics, Science and Religion. The chief audience for the Yaadi

Culture, Fimi Style will be movers and shakers, the average "Joe" and

"Jane" of the Jamaican Society as well as the intellectually empowered stu-

dents of the Jamaican Diaspora.

Furthermore, the Yaadi Culture, Fimi Style Magazine will be aiding

in the fight for ICT's to be integrated within the Jamaican Society and will

be utilizing the services of its Website, Face Book Fan page, Twitter Ac-

count, LinkedIn, BlackBerry Messenger and Blog for the dissemination of

on time information to its valued readers. ©

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COMPANIES

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