KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government of Jamaica is looking into the possibility of setting up a coffee academy to commence production within schools in Jamaica.
Addressing yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, Minister of Education Youth, and Information Ruel Reid said the recommendation that the production of coffee be incorporated in the curriculum of local schools came out of a visit he and a four-member delegation made to Japan last week.
The recommendation was one of six highlighted for implementation after discussion on several areas of cooperation.
“Coffee is a very big business in Japan, and the Blue Mountain Coffee is extremely international, and we as Jamaicans should appreciate the extent of Brand Jamaica internationally,” Reid said as he addressed journalists.
He also noted that the existence of the coffee academy would showcase to students the importance of coffee within the local curriculum.
“We should utilise what is Jamaican so persons can be aware of the ideal Jamaican brand, not only locally but within the study of subjects like social studies, economics and POB (principles of business), entrepreneurship, MOB (management of business), the same way we utilise sports and tourism,” said the minister.
Reid also noted that cooperation on coffee production would allow for cross cultural exchanges and opportunities for Jamaicans to study in Japan.
Last week’s visit to Japan was at the invitation of the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation
