The Government of Jamaica is actively employing nuclear technology to enhance the shelf life of agricultural produce such as ginger, coffee, and pimento.
Principal Director of Science in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications & Transport, Dr. Natwaine Gardner, in making the disclosure, said that the objective is to reduce spoilage, increase the longevity of the produce and generate greater revenue for the country.
“Due to spoilage and introduction to moisture in the environment, they (produce) tend to go bad very quickly, especially when you have viruses that affect the plants, and this affects the shelf life of the products as well,” she pointed out.
“So, we’re looking into irradiating using nuclear science, those [produce] to make them last longer, and that will give us more money,” she said.
Dr. Gardner was addressing the inaugural STEM Exposition 2025 at the Bethlehem Moravian College in Malvern, St. Elizabeth, on Thursday (February 6) under the theme ‘Innovating for Tomorrow: Young Minds Solving Real-World Problems’.
Dr. Gardner underscored the importance of STEM in driving Jamaica’s development.
She indicated that the Scientific Research Council (SRC), a government entity dedicated to fostering innovation and transforming ideas into tangible solutions, has been playing a crucial role in supporting budding inventors by helping them turn concepts into viable products that benefit society.
“So today, boys and girls, as you present your projects, believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things and even make mistakes because that’s how we learn and grow. Even if you fail the first time, keep going,” Dr. Gardner encouraged them.
“Be proud of your ideas because Jamaica needs innovators like you to help build our future and to make it bright. The world is changing, and with your ideas, your creativity and your passion, you can change the world too. So go out there, show off your amazing projects and let’s make the future brighter one innovation at a time,” she encouraged.
The STEM Exposition featured several primary schools from across the parish presenting projects in science and technology.
These institutions included Bethlehem Primary & Infant School, Braes River Primary, Fyffes Pen Primary & Infant School, Goshen Primary & Infant School, Hopewell Primary, Mayfield Primary & Infant School, Pisgah Primary & Infant, Schoolfield Primary& Infant and Seaview Primary & Infant School.
In the end, Brae’s River Primary secured first place, followed by Bethlehem Primary & Infant in second place and Seaview Primary & Infant in third place.
Brae’s River Primary was adjudged as the Most Innovative, while Hopewell Primary earned the award for Most Sustainable.
Principal of Bethlehem Moravian College, Albert Corcho, in commending the schools for their participation, said the purpose of the exposition was to provide the necessary exposure to “our young minds” to further drive STEM education in Jamaica.
He noted that STEM concepts like robotics, drones, coding and aquaponics are important and challenged students to embrace the opportunity to make a difference.
“That is what STEM is all about. You’re going to get it wrong 510 times, but you’re not going to give up because science, technology, engineering and mathematics is the way to go,” Mr. Corcho said.
