THINK TANK

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

One of JAMPACT's goals is to contribute to the ongoing public debate on critical issues facing Jamaica. The Think Tank Committee facilitates this debate by researching various topics that are prevalent at any one time, and organizing various forums for discussing these issues. The committee may also produce or procure position/policy papers related to topics of interest, and submit them to the relevant authorities in Jamaica. JAMPACT is committed to creating dialogue that will focus on ways to achieve solutions to the many problems now facing Jamaica.

Snapshot of Committee Structure

Current Structure

• Think Tank Chair/Co-Chairs
• Two Research Assistants/Interns
• Think Tank Committee Members

Three Components of JAMPACT’s Think Tank Committee Activity:

1. Events and Programming: Speaker panels, conferences, lectures & discussions.
2. Research and Academic Outreach
1. Fellowship and Internship Programs - students can develop research experience, and receive guidance on research projects, while at the same time pursuing their own academic interests. Research activities will be directly related to JAMPACT's policy objectives or to Jamaica
3. Research publication and distribution
1. Hub/Center for JAMPACT Research Assistants and Interns to publish research that contributes to the discourse on relevant topics in Jamaica, both past and present
2. Hub/Center for Jamaican scholars to post and disseminate their research

To express interest in taking part in any area of JAMPACT Think Tank activities, please contact thinktank@jampact.org.

FORUMS & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

JAMPACT has hosted a series of forums and panel discussions to keep the community informed on current issues. We are very excited about hosting these important discussions, as our participation in the Jamaican policy debate is a significant part of the contribution that Jamaicans overseas can make to the development of Jamaica.

JAMPACTs past events include:

• The Quest for Growth: Unlocking the Keys to Jamaica's Economic Growth and Development
  January 2009
In January 2010, JAMPACT, in partnership with the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, launched a discussion series titled, “The Quest for Growth: Unlocking the Keys to Jamaica’s Economic Growth and Development.” Over the course of 2010, through a series of discussions and public forums, we will conduct a comprehensive and critical review of the policies, investment opportunities, and business climate in Jamaica, while also discussing the challenges to sustainable economic growth. Ultimately, our goal is to stimulate discussion and initiate the sharing of potential pathways and strategies to Jamaica's economic progress. In the process, we hope to inspire and motivate all of us, as members of the Diaspora, to contribute to the development of Jamaica.
The Quest for Growth Series Events:
• 1/21/10 - "The Business of Good Citizenship" with Consul General, Geneive Brown Metzger, Irwine Clare, Senior Partnership Specialist and Team Leader for the 2010 U.S Census, and Donald P. Vernon, Esq., Managing Partner of Vernon and Associates, P.C.
• 2/17/10 - "Open for Business? Opportunities/Challenges to Doing Business in Jamaica" with Craig Brown, Assistant Professor of Finance at Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College; and Rex McKenzie, Assistant Professor of Economics, School of Natural and Social Sciences, SUNY Purchase.
• 3/23/10 - "Paradigm Shift or Revolution: Can Government Policies Create Viable Economic Reform In Jamaica?" with Mr. Fritz-Earle McLymont, Managing Partner, McLymont, Kunda & Co., and Co-Founder, National Minority Business Council

• Forum with Senator Newby
  January 2009
JAMPACT's Think Tank Committee hosted an interactive forum with Senator Warren Newby, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, at the Office of the Consul General of Jamaica on Friday January 16, 2009. The Senator spoke about issues affecting Jamaica's youth and the solutions that his office is proposing to implement in the near future and beyond. His speech was followed by a spirited question and answer session with the attendees. A cocktail reception followed.

Some Key Points Highlighted by Mr. Newby:
• The age group 18-24 years old has the greatest potential but is the most at risk in Jamaica.
• Acknowledgment that the government, under the leadership of the two major national parties has exacerbated the social issues in Jamaica, including failure in policy development and implementation.
• The Ministry's work will extend its reach even to matters surrounding prenatal care, with the philosophy that early childhood development is a key component to long-term healthy development.
• The Ministry will be working with the Ministry of Education on the policy to extend school leaving age, to assure that school leaving is matter of competence and not just age.
• The Ministry is seeking to combine the efforts of a wide cross-section of youth service providers through the multi-sectoral unit.
• Youth information centers are being created across Jamaica to provide valuable resources for young people.
• Senator Newby mentioned that his office would be a resource for people to link to various non-profits, so that Jamaicans in the Diaspora can get involved in helping Jamaica's youth.

• Young Adult Movement Forum
  September 2008
In association with the Consulate General of Jamaica, JAMPACT hosted this forum catered to 1st and 2nd generation young Jamaican students and professionals living and working abroad. The Inaugural Young Adult Movement Forum featured Jamaican Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding and proved to be a successful medium for interactive dialogue between the prime minister and the young cohort of the Jamaican Diaspora in which they were able to pose questions to the Prime Minister and raise issues relevant to their community today.

• True Reflections: Jah Cure Case Panel Discussion
  November 2007
The case of Siccaturie Alcock alias 'Jah Cure' presented us with an opportunity to examine the Jamaican Penal System and its capacity/ability to redeem those who fall under its care. Despite him writing and voicing of some of the most uplifting songs from prison, there are those who would have denied Jah Cure of the opportunity to practice his craft. A number of people proposed that he should be denied the right to earn from his work while being incarcerated. Would this proposition be a violation of his human and/or civil rights? What then must rehabilitation look like? How well is rehabilitation going in Jamaica? JAMPACT's discussion attempted to answer many of those probing questions.

• JLP Leader Bruce Golding Urges Local Investment To Reduce Jamaica’s Commercial Debt
  September 2005
At the Town Hall forum, hosted by JAMPACT and Jamaica College Old Boys’ Association, New York, then leader of the opposition, Hon. Bruce Golding verbalized his discontent with the government's inability to pursue a public sector investment program that is designed to stimulate productive capacity, decrease unemployment, and to continue to provide the public services that the nation is dependent on for survival. He urged Jamaicans abroad to invest in the local economy to relieve the island's mounting commercial debt and should focus on local production market investment as a way to increase productive output.

• Transforming The Jamaican Education Sector: Making Reform A Reality
  May 2005
JAMPACT hosted a forum that explored some of the many of issues facing Jamaica in the attempt to embark on the transformation of our education sector. At the center of discussion was the report commissioned by the Jamaican government entitled "Task Force on Education Reform".

• Violence in Jamaica: Investigating Root causes and Economic Impact
  April 2005
At the root of many of Jamaica's issues is its violence problem. JAMPACT hosted a panel discussion to look at various root causes, among which include the social and cultural influences to which Jamaica's youth are exposed, as well as effects of immigration.

The panel discussion included a brief description of the historical roots of the prevalence of Jamaica's violence problem, and focused on various social programs and initiatives that should be put in place to address the issue.

Panelists: Donald Robotham, CUNY Professor and expert on public policy and violence in Jamaica. Carmeta Albarus, Advocate for deportees and a witness in the Lee Malvo Case, Christopher Charles, Researcher and expert on garrison politics and gangs. Oral Khan, Senior Director of Strategic Planning, Policy Research and Evaluation. Moderated By: Maureen Denton Coordinator, Research Committee of Jamaica

• The Way Forward
  April 2005
Focus Group to examine JAMPACT's mission, the views on Jamaica and how the Diaspora can assist.

• Jamaican Diaspora, Northeast USA Symposium
  2005

• Examining Jamaica’s Policy Toward Homosexuality
  January 2005
The issue of Jamaica's official policy towards homosexuality has been much talked about in the international and local media in Jamaica. The Economist and the New York Times both ran articles highlighting the country's policy towards gays after Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a report, “Hated to Death” on Nov. 16, 2004, describing Jamaica's policy as one that facilitates a climate of hatred towards gays. The HRW report also claimed that Jamaica's policy contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS by attaching a stigma to those that have the disease, making it difficult for them to seek and receive treatment. JAMPACT reached out to representatives from both sides of the topic and hosted an event in which the salient aspects of this issue were discussed.

Panelists: His Excellency Dr. Gordon Shirley, Jamaica's Ambassador to the U.S.; Larry Chang, Jamaican gay activist, successfully filed for Asylum in the U.S.; Rebecca Schleifer HIV/AIDS and Human Rights Program, Human Rights Watch – authored “Hated to Death Report”; Dr. Peter Figueroa, Chief, Epidemiology and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Jamaica. Moderated by: Dr. Basil Wilson, Provost, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Engaging the Diaspora
  June 2003
Panel Discussion featuring then Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Investment. The discussion centered on harnessing the resources and potential of the Jamaican Diaspora, starting with a review of the policies and strategies developed by other nations and exploration of a set of guidelines that represent best practices. This topic was chosen based on the recognition that Jamaica has vast intellectual, financial and human resources residing outside of the island and that utilizing these resources can have a significant positive impact on Jamaica’s development.

Panelists: Senator The Hon. Delano Franklyn, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica; Rabbi Robert Kaplan, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New York; Professor Eduardo Paulino, Department of History, John Jay College

• The Effects of Globalization on the Caribbean
  2003
A joint panel discussion with HC/QC, a Barbadian alumni association focusing on the cultural and technological changes necessary to harness the global economy.

• JAMPACT Technical Meetings
  2003
In partnership with the Government of Jamaica, JAMPACT coordinated and hosted two crucial technical meetings:
• State of Jamaica Health Service: Meeting featuring Jamaica’s Minister of Health John Junor, and Chief Medical officer, Dr. Barry Wint
• Educating Youths in Jamaica and the Diaspora: Challenges and Prospects: Community Forum featuring Deputy Mayor Walcott & Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Hon. Maxine Henry Wilson.

• Crime, Poverty and The Financial Challenges in Jamaica
  1999
Professors Norman Girvan, University of the West Indies and Donald Robotham, City University of New York spoke of Jamaica's struggles over the last twenty years, and the consensus approach needed to meet the challenges ahead.

• The Changing Immigration Laws in the United States
  1999
Irwine Clare and Winston Tucker of Caribbean Immigrant Services gave valuable insight into how these changes will affect Jamaicans in the future

• The Gas Price Riots in Jamaica — A Conference Call
Twenty-five JAMPACT members participated in a conference call focusing on the gas price riots in Jamaica, what they meant for our nation state, and possible solutions to these issues. The ideas arising from the call helped focus JAMPACT on the need for economic growth in Jamaica and led to the panel discussion.

In keeping with our goal of stimulating constructive dialogue on development, JAMPACT has hosted three major conferences to date:

• "Challenges to Nation Building: Values, Environment, Economy" -
  JAMPACT 3rd Annual Conference
Held June 2002, the main features of the Conference were the two panel discussions and the keynote presentation during the luncheon. The first panel discussion "Rebuilding Our Values & Attitudes", examined the socioeconomic factors that influence the values and attitudes of Jamaicans and some of the steps necessary to preserve the principled Jamaican values that we were taught as children. The second panel discussion, "Enhancing Jamaica's Tourism Product", focused on using culture and community tourism to diversify and enrich Jamaica's tourist product. The event stimulated much discussion among participants and saw heated debate in both panel discussions as participants made their contributions towards finding solutions for some of the challenges currently facing Jamaica.

The conference attracted approximately 100 participants and several distinguished guests, including Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Dr. the Hon. Basil Bryan and Keynote Speaker Dr. The Hon. Vin Lawrence, Former Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation.

• "Creating an Economic Renaissance in Jamaica"
This successful conference, held in May 2000, attracted over 125 participants and stimulated debate on investing in and returning to Jamaica. The Keynote Speaker Senator Douglas Orane, Chairman & CEO, Grace Kennedy & Co., addressed the enormous opportunity for Jamaican culture and products overseas. Other panelists included Hon. Anthony Hylton, Minister of Foreign Trade, Jamaica; Dr. Nigel Clarke, Director, Caribbean Investment Fund; Claudette Chin, Vice President, JAMPRO

• "Turning The Tide: Perspectives On Reclaiming Jamaica" -
  JAMPACT 2nd Annual Conference
In May 2001, representatives of Jamaica's economic, political, academic, cultural and religious sectors came together to discuss "Turning the Tide: Perspectives on Reclaiming Jamaica." The event featured a keynote address by Hon. Barbara Gloudon, co-host of Jamaica's leading public affairs talk show "Hotline", on the topic of pride and nationalism, which was met with resounding applause. Other highlights included a roundtable on Jamaica's future, entitled, "Jamaica 2010: Visions for the Future". This discussion featured a diverse group of speakers representing leadership from all walks of life: dancehall artist Bounty Killer; Dr. Peter-John Gordon, Planning Institute of Jamaica; Sandra Glasgow, Entrepreneurial Center, UTECH; Dr. David Panton, Jamaica Labour Party; Basil Waite, People's National Party; and Reverend Dennis Dillon, Christian Time.

The morning discussion "Urban Renewal: A Partnership for Revitalization", looked at how the public and private sectors can work together to improve and reinvigorate Jamaica's cities. Panelists included Howard Hamilton, Jamaica's Public Defender; Victor Cummings, KSAC; Onika Miller, Ministry of Local Government; and Menelik Alleyne, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, who shared his perspective on Harlem as an example of successful urban renewal.

The Think Tank committee also works towards producing or procuring position/policy papers related to various topics of interest with the goal of submitting them to the relevant authorities in Jamaica. Active community involvement in conducting policy research and in the drafting and development of JAMPACT policy papers is highly encouraged.

The Think Tank committee welcomes your input via policy paper submissions or the provision of academic resources and feedback on the ongoing research projects in which the committee engages.

To express interest in submitting a policy paper or taking part in any area of JAMPACT Think Tank activities, please contact thinktank@jampact.org.  Click here for instructions on submitting a policy paper.

Past Policy Paper Submissions:

• JAMPACT Response to the Ministry of Education Green Paper
Delivered to Minister of Education the Hon. Burchell Whiteman, 2 March, 2000. As a policy document, The Green paper incorporates the findings of the 1998 KPMG/Peat Marwick Report and sets out goals and objectives for education reform on the island in an attempt to elicit thoughts and action from concerned stakeholders and Jamaicans in general. Click here for more.