SciDev.Net

Jamaica needs scientists if it is to have a science policy institute (see Jamaican PM to head science policy institute). As a Jamaican, I am sad to discover that over 70 per cent of our university graduates are emigrating. I will be completing my second masters degree (in agriculture, biotechnology and environment) in a few months’ time, and will certainly be returning home to build my country, despite the fact that I can get a good job here in Canada. The first objective of the P. J. Patterson Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation must be to draft a policy that will produce more Jamaican scientists and the jobs needed to keep them in the country.