Nadeen Matthews Blair.
March 19, 2025
A brain gain is possible for Jamaica
I remember losing tech talent to Canada and sometimes the US when I served as CDO of a local bank. We were able to reduce this attrition through offering attractive salaries and the opportunity to work on world-class solutions. On a national level, however, the brain drain continues to be a problem. But now, that tide may finally be turning.
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When I launched digital tertiary scholarships as CEO of the NCB Foundation, I was surprised by how slow the uptake was. At the time, most students aspired to become lawyers or doctors, and few saw tech as a viable career path. I spent years emphasising that for Jamaica to truly drive economic growth, we must become digital producers — not just consumers. Unlike physical goods, which require massive scale to be competitive, software and digital content can go global instantly. We also need doctors and lawyers that are digitally savvy.
Fortunately, that mindset is changing. With hackathons being hosted by Intellibus and Microsoft, students are seeing firsthand how coding, AI, and digital solutions can open doors to high-paying in-demand careers PLUS entrepreneurship.
What Needs to Happen Next?
If we want to reverse the brain drain and build a strong local tech ecosystem, we need more than just a few high-paying jobs. Government, private sector, and educational institutions must work together to create an environment where top talent can stay and flourish aka “No hard life”. Here are a few key areas where to continue focus. Many are underway with current Government and we must intensify and accelerate.
1. Build a Robust Digital Infrastructure
• Expand broadband access to underserved communities; strengthen cybersecurity defenses to protect digital businesses; ensure that students have Wi-Fi access and devices (tablets/laptops) in schools.
2. Embed Digital & AI Literacy in Classrooms Early
• Introduce coding, robotics, and AI concepts in primary schools; train teachers in digital and AI literacy, ensuring they can confidently guide students; teach responsible AI use and digital citizenship.
3. Offer Competitive Salaries for Government-led Tech Initiatives
• Attract and retain top local engineers to work on Jamaica’s digital transformation. Build public-sector tech teams to drive efficiency and innovation in government services.
4. Enhance the Digital Ecosystem
• Implement real-time payments and national digital ID systems as foundation to reduce frictions in business and daily life (eg long lines and wait times, forms, poor customer service).
5. Elevate Tech Competitions to National Pride Events
• Raise the profile of FIRST Robotics, hackathons, and coding competitions to the level of Schools’ Challenge Quiz and Boys and Girls Champs; Foster a culture where building world-class tech solutions is a source of national pride.
6. Strengthen Financial Incentives & Incubators for Tech Start-ups
• Expand funding for early-stage tech start-ups through grants, venture capital, and incubator programmes; encourage corporate partnerships with universities and incubators to drive innovation and create commercialisation pathways for local tech projects.
7. Consider Tax Incentives for Private Digital Transformation Investments
Countries worldwide including Singapore, Canada, Estonia — have successfully used tax incentives to spur digital transformation and attract investment in the tech sector.
Jamaica should consider similar approaches.
Many of the above require enabling policy and legal framework
These are just a few ideas — what are yours? Can we reverse Jamaica’s brain drain? What else can we do?
Nadeen Matthews Blair is an AI and digital transformation consultant, educator, coach, and advocate—passionate about empowering businesses and individuals with the tools and strategies to convert their goals into results.
