Jamaica is positioning itself to use nuclear technology as a catalyst for economic transformation, extending beyond energy production to multiple industrial applications. This vision was expressed by Professor Charles Grant, Director General of the International Center for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) at the Faculty of Scienec and Technology at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. With a strong foundation in nuclear research, such as the 20-kilowatt SLOWPOKE-2 reactor at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica is expanding its nuclear capabilities. The country plans to use nuclear technology for food preservation, enhancing the shelf life of agricultural products like ginger and coffee, and advancing plant mutagenesis to develop climate-resistant crops.

The new partnership with Canada could also expand Jamaica’s nuclear medicine sector, particularly in medical isotope applications. Additionally, nuclear technology is already being used for quality control in industries, such as beverage packaging, road construction, and infrastructure testing.

The expansion of nuclear technology is part of Jamaica's broader vision to diversify its economy, creating new industries, jobs, and positioning the country as a regional leader in nuclear science. With strategic development and investment, Jamaica’s nuclear ambitions could reshape its economic landscape, extending well beyond the energy sector.