Minister Reid: Tiny nation can become global tech giant

Barbados is setting its sights on becoming a global leader in technology innovation, with young students at the forefront of this transformative vision, according to Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Senator Jonathan Reid.

He called on the nation’s youth to embrace creativity and technological development as key drivers of progress.

Senator Reid emphasised the need for Barbados to focus on creating new technologies for the global market in a speech to the 10th annual Premier Secondary School Science and Technology Speak-Off Competition at the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle, Tom Adams Financial Centre. Coleridge and Parry School emerged as winners of the 2025 competition on Monday.

“I think that this is a critical time to think about Barbados as not just a consumer of technology but start to see ourselves as makers of technology,” said the new science and technology minister. “There is this phrase that people use a lot, that Barbados punches above its weight, but I think it’s genuinely time that we start to unlock a new level—a level where we are makers of technology.

“That we are developers of new foods that taste delicious; that we design new ways of turning the sun, the waves, the wind and batteries into new types of technologies that allow us to move away from fossil fuels. That we can build apps, robots and interesting software platforms that move the island forward. That we can lead in marine science and protect our oceans while doing so sustainably.”

The Coleridge and Parry team presented with their award from Deputy PS of the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Joyann Blackman-Jarvis (left). (SB)

“Science is not just a career path; science is the future for our nation’s building,” the minister insisted, urging students to remain creative with the technologies they have at hand.

Arlene Weekes, the competition’s coordinator, said the competition, now in its 10th year, was born out of a desire to assist students in developing their oratory skills and expose them to the rudiments of doing research—”a necessary skill if you are to become a true, full-blown scientist”. 

“This competition is not just a platform for students to demonstrate their speaking skills but also an opportunity to delve into the exciting world of scientific exploration and technological innovation,” she said.

“Let us remember the true essence of science and technology lies not just in facts and figures but in curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills that drive innovation and progress. That’s exactly what we need in Barbados.” (SB)