Jamaica dips in IT ranking again…but not all bad news here

I read this article on Jamaica’s IT Rankings in the World on Jamaica Observer this morning and sifted through to list the good stuff and the not so good stuff. The report was produced by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Insead Business School stated. The report published late last month stated that Jamaica dipped for the third consecutive year from 46 among 127 countries in 2006-07 to 53 among 134 countries in 2008-09 and then to 66 among 133 countries in 2009-10.

Good Stuff

-Jamaica still ranks third in region as it benefited from latest technology and broadband infrastructure.

-The island’s access to the latest technology and its growing Internet usage are now among the top 50 in the world.

– Jamaica is among the worst 30 in regards to venture capital availability. Most telling was a subcategory ranking in which Jamaica ranked the 13th worst amongst 133 in relation to the ease at which entrepreneurs with innovative but risky projects can find venture capital. In terms of the burden of Government regulation Jamaica ranked 121. In terms ofthe extent and effect of taxation, Jamaica ranked 123. In terms of financial risk sophistication Jamaica ranked 43 beating T&T at 52, Puerto Rico at 21 was the only Caribbean country which ranked higher than Jamaica. In regard to the availability of latest technology Jamaica ranked 46, Barbados 29, Puerto Rico at 22.

– Jamaica is is among the worst 30 in regards to quality of its math and science education, a key indicator for absorbing technology,

-Since the liberalisation of Jamaica’s telecommunication sector commenced in 2000, mobile telephony access and broadband Internet access have improved significantly. Now, mobile phone subscription per 100 persons surpassed 100 while Internet users per 100 persons is over 56.9.

Not so Good Stuff

Well…Two countries in the Caribbean beat Jamaica in ranking including Puerto Rico at 45 down from 42 a year prior and Barbados at 35 from 36 a year prior. For its income level described as upper middle income Jamaica ranked 15 among 133 nations. Dominica Republic followed Jamaica at 74 having improved from 75 a year prior. Trinidad & Tobago was 79 but improved from 81 year prior. Guyana remained flat at 100 year on year. Other Caribbean countries were not included in the ranking.

-Jamaica dipped 13 places to rank 66th in the Global Information Technology Report 2009-10

Read the full article here