Flow builds on tech-talent of Jamaica’s youth, partners with Digital Jam 2.0

Many young Jamaicans will be exposed to the virtual employment opportunities as Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions, teams up with the Government of Jamaica and the World Band for the Digital Jam 2.0 conference to be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston this week. This is another opportunity where the Company is using its modern broadband network to help tap Jamaica’s technology potential, and is lending its support to the ‘Mega Tech’ event being held on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30.

Digital Jam 2.0 will see Jamaican youths being exposed to a number of specialised workshops, a job fair as well as the opportunity to sharpen their talents at a ‘Hackathon’ and an app development contest. The telecom company joins the project in helping to shape the country’s place in a global pool of virtual innovation--an aim that complements Flow’s continuing work in supporting Jamaican development said Michelle English, President of Columbus Communications Jamaica Ltd., operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions brands.

“We are more than happy to support this progressive move for ICT in Jamaica,” said English, who will also be a panellist at Digital Jam 2.0. “The Digital Jam 2.0 initiative truly complements our drive for young people to take advantage of innovation, and to encourage entrepreneurship. We are focused on providing as many opportunities as we can for Jamaicans to experience the full benefits of our cutting-edge technology.”

Along with existing initiatives such as providing broadband for the UAF e-learning programme, over J$33 million is spent each year by Flow to offer high speed internet to public schools across the country, and the company is gearing up to launch a competition in September which will shine a light on the tech talent of Jamaican students. Flow’s support of Digital Jam 2.0 is part of a larger focus by the company to provide support and information for the country’s youth on the employment opportunities afforded by the technology sector, support which the event’s coordinator Ingrid Riley said is invaluable.

“We are so happy to have Flow on board for what is really a national initiative for engaging young people,” said Riley. “[It is] putting before them the informational experiences that will enable them to think about employment and entrepreneurship in the digital age.”

Understanding the links between growth and technology, Flow is also cultivating the cultural network between Jamaica and the rest of the world through a partnership with cable network HBO to broadcast a documentary on the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival to millions of people globally.

Here at home, the company helps make Jamaican businesses more efficient and internationally competitive with its top-notch technology. Flow is also firmly committed to bolstering the country’s economy through the use of ICT tools, and has spent US$300 million to establish the best broadband infrastructure on the island.