UTech, Ja. Voices

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | January – April 2020 20 The world is anxious to see these days pass and mankind return to normality. Will it be normal or will it be the new norm? We can only wait and see. However, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic appears to be a controversial disruptor. Whilst it is disrupting human lives and living throughout the entire world, it is likewise creating several opportunities. Jamaicans are not left out of the prospects being created and this shows that we can be self-reliant in many ways. Some Jamaicans, including myself, have been writing about the importance of self-reliance and sustainability. In reflecting on my own thoughts chronicled in this newspaper I am more optimistic that the possibility exists by way of increased national consciousness. Innovators and founders of new businesses are emerging, placing Jamaica in an advantaged position. Rayvon Stewart and his team, along with faculty advisors, have made Jamaica very proud. Their innovative XERMOSOL is a potential solution for the global pandemic, COVID-19. Being able to destroy 99.9 per cent of deadly pathogens that are on surfaces, such as doorknobs, using ultraviolet technology is remarkable. This innovation is internationally recognised and promises great entrepreneurial and business success as it can be used by offices, schools, hospitals, among other places with large populations. Fundamentally, this innovation will be extremely useful in the local tourism industry as it prepares for a new form of tourism with renewed focus on protecting the destination and ensuring safety for all stakeholders, as indicated by the Ministry of Tourism. The time for radical change is now. These young innovators need all the support they can get. They should be provided with the needed resources COVID-19: A Controversial Disruptor Contributed by Dr. Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh, Head, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management This article was first published April 18, 2020 in The Jamaica Observer. It is reprinted with kind permission Dr. Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh Student inventor Rayvon Stewart shows off his XERMOSEL innovation by the relevant stakeholders to enable them to continue providing critical solutions for the entire world. Renaissance of the agriculture economy The time has also come for the country to be food self-reliant. There is currently an abundance of food supply as the usual market sources for many farmers, including the tourism industry, have suspended operations due to COVID-19. Farmers and other people have become entrepreneurial in marketing and selling their produce to the local market at reasonable prices, and this is welcoming. Notwithstanding this innovative approach, more focus is to be placed on agro-processing, where agricultural produce can be preserved for future local consumption and export. Link to full article: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/opinion/COVID- 19:_A_controversial_disruptor_192875?profile=1096