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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
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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