Similar to most Small Island Developing States, Jamaica faces unique challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, economic vulnerability, and resource constraints. Science and technology can play a critical role in addressing these challenges. In this conversation with Dr the Honourable Andrew Wheatley, Jamaica’s Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, we discuss the role of science, technology, and innovation in shaping the country’s future, including what it will take for Jamaica to “build forward”; the role AI will play in the Government and across the wider society; the ‘House of Innovation’ that is being created; and what the Minister would like to achieve before he demits his current tenure.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.

As Jamaica navigates an increasingly digital and technology-driven world, the importance of leadership dedicated to science, technology, and innovation has never been greater. It is therefore significant that Jamaica has a ministerial portfolio focused on Science, Technology and Special Projects—an area that sits at the intersection of economic growth, public sector transformation, national competitiveness, and social development.

Across the globe, countries are investing heavily in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as foundations for economic growth. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and advanced telecommunications are reshaping industries, creating new opportunities, and changing how governments deliver services.

For Jamaica, embracing these developments is not simply about keeping pace with global trends—it is about creating new pathways for national development. Science and technology can support productivity, improve public services, strengthen education and healthcare, create high-value jobs, and help local businesses compete in international markets.

For this podcast episode, we are joined by Dr the Honourable Andrew Wheatley, the Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, to explore the responsibilities, priorities, and vision behind this important portfolio and what it means for Jamaica’s future.

 

Introducing our guest

Dr the Hon. Andrew Wheatley

Dr the Honourable Andrew Wheatley represents a unique blend of scientific excellence and political leadership, bringing both academic rigour and grassroots experience to Jamaica’s advancement in science and technology. He is a distinguished British Commonwealth Scholar who has made significant contributions to medical research and education. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours in Biochemistry and Chemistry, and earned his Doctorate in Basic Medicine from the University of the West Indies and Imperial College, University of London.

As a Senior Lecturer in Basic Medicine and a Research Scientist at the University of the West Indies, Dr Wheatley has established himself as a leading researcher in critical areas of medical science, with a research portfolio that demonstrates a commitment to addressing both local and global health challenges. Dr Wheatley has published numerous articles in prestigious international peer-reviewed journals and holds both local and international patents for his innovative work, reflecting the practical application of his research to real-world problems

On September 17, 2025, Dr Wheatley was appointed Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects. This appointment recognises his unique qualifications as both a practising scientist and an experienced administrator. Through his ministry, Dr Wheatley aims to create an ecosystem where scientific research, technological innovation, and special projects converge to accelerate Jamaica’s development and improve the quality of life for all Jamaicans.

 

Insights into our conversation

This conversation with the Minister was timely, as he was preparing his sectoral presentation, which outlines his sectoral policies, budgetary allocations and major development plans, to be delivered to the House of Parliament of Jamaica on 3 June 2026. Through our conversation, there is a sense that the Minister has been thinking deeply about Jamaica’s state of development, which undoubtedly has been shaped by the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. A recurring theme was that of resilience: building not just for today or our current needs but, perhaps more importantly, for the future.

To that end, many of the initiatives highlighted during our discussion are likely to benefit from a multi-sectoral approach—to create more holistic and robust solutions, and ultimately, more seamless engagement across government and between government and citizens. However, with the date for his sectoral presentation imminent, the Minister was tight-lipped regarding specific projects or initiatives he intends to implement. (When the video recording of his presentation is made available, we will include a web link to it in the next section.)

Notwithstanding, below are select questions posed to the Minister that drove our conversation.

  1. To start us off, please share a bit of your background and what led you to public office.
  2. As the Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, from your vantage point, what is your assessment of Jamaica?
  3. Minister, you would have witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, and in the aftermath of Melissa, you have been advocating that we “build forward”. What do you mean? And what might that look like?
  4. Earlier this year, UNESCO released its AI readiness assessment report on Jamaica. What do you think of the findings?
  5. More broadly, what do you think of AI and AI’s integration in Government and across the wider Jamaican society?
  6. The Government of Jamaica is reportedly creating a cohesive environment to drive scientific research and innovation for national development under the ‘House of Innovation’ strategic model. What is the problem this construct is trying to solve? Have any specific goals or targets been set? And when will the House of Innovation become operational?
  7. Are there any specific AI-related initiatives that will be spearheaded under your portfolio?
  8. Finally, although you are still early in your tenure, are there any specific goals or milestones you would like to achieve before you demit your current role?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit:  Office of the Prime Minister (Jamaica);  jorono (Pixabay);  Gerd Altmann (Pixabay);  andreas_baetz (Pixabay)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez