Prime Minister, Dr the Rt Hon. Keith Mitchell on 15 September, gave the keynote address at the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.
Speaking to a special gathering of eminent scientists and policy makers, Prime Minister Mitchell called for a more unified and integrated approach to science and technology in the region, including greater partnership with Cuba which is a regional leader in science and technology. He noted that the islands needed to strengthen tourism but also needed to diversify their economies through science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. This, he said, was now a key imperative to keep bright and creative youth in the region and slow the brain drain.
To step up these efforts, The Prime Minister announced the convening of a regional symposium in Grenada for science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. He invited partners in the room to join with Grenada to discuss the next steps.
Grenada would help lead the way by drafting for Government review, a policy package which might also include a dedicated innovation institute and zone (as a smaller island version of Silicon Valley) which would build on the presence and success of St George’s University and interest shown by other international universities.
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