Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter

The perennial problem for scientists worldwide ... without science there is no modern society, yet people still take its existence for granted.

Jamaica is no different believes Professor Ishenkumba Kahwa, one of the country's most senior scientists, who gave the main address at the proclamation ceremony for National Science and Technology Month held at King's House, St. Andrew yesterday.

According to Professor Kahwa, head of chemistry at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona and president of the Jamaican Society for Scientists and Technologists, professional interest remains "indifferent" and more needs to be done to capture the public imagination and increase the role of science in development.

"It is my view that this is where we have failed. Our STI policies and our half-hearted implementation approaches have not caught the imagination of enough of our people to make a difference in the state of our STI assets and their application to development," he said.

Professor Kahwa contended that the Caribbean environment alone should provide enough stimulation given the challenges it provides the islands - rising sea levels; how we can use plentiful solar energy; reduce the cost of living, poverty and the impact of natural disasters.

Optimism

He said examples of regional tertiary institutions and strengthening science enterprises on campuses were some causes for optimism.

This said Dr. Audia Barnett, executive director of the Scientific Research Council (SRC), was the purpose of Science and Technology month, for which the government agency is responsible for organising.

"... ensuring that everyone from the tiny tots through to the policy makers all are sensitised to the power of the tools of science and technology and information," said Dr. Barnett.

Science and Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell, who informed the audience that he arrived at the function in a gas/electrical powered hybrid car which does 70 miles to the gallon, agreed that more had to be done to promote science and to encourage it as a career, but that Government was trying.

Mr. Paulwell said Government was supporting science projects with nine research and development projects qualifying for tax incentives reserved for science and was supporting seven projects under the Technology Investment Fund.

Held under the theme 'Science and Technology for Economic Development: Impacting the Caribbean Single Market (CSM)' the month will also include the SRC's annual conference.

- ross.sheil@gleanerjm.com