Digital industries talks deepens-World Bank promises funding for training of Jamaica's youth

The Jamaican Government and the World Bank (WB) are close to concluding negotiations for a US$20-million loan facility to finance a project - Youth Employment in Digital and Animation Industries.

The project is expected to establish a viable ecosystem for the growth of digital and animation industries in Jamaica. This should provide new employment and empowerment opportunities for the island's talented young people.

Jamaica is being positioned to capitalise on the lucrative returns and opportunities being earned in the animation industry globally and the funds should facilitate widespread training of local animators.

Julian Robinson, minister of state in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, revealed recently at the launch of Start-Up Jamaica at the Jamaica National Building Society's Duke Street Kingston office that the Government wants Jamaica to tap into opportunities.

"We have seen where there has been a global demand for outsourcing of

animation content and the only issue preventing further growth of Jamaican companies is the availability of skilled persons," he said. "So we are going to be ramping up our training in animation, targeting not just the established institutions, but we want to get down to the grassroot."

He added: "A lot of very talented young Jamaicans have not been introduced to animation before, but have the aptitude and skills and we want to put them through a programme that will equip them to deliver animation content and for many of them to become their own entrepreneurs."