Dr. Leo Gilling

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**  **Contact:** Leo Gilling, PhD January 14, 2025   Miami, Florida — The Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN) is excited to announce the establishment of six specialized task forces within the Health and Wellness sector. This strategic division is aimed at streamlining efforts, fostering effective leadership, and enabling a targeted approach to addressing health issues in Jamaica. Each task force will be led by a dedicated chairperson, supported by two vice-chairs, to ensure comprehensive leadership and continuity. These task forces will set clear goals and provide guidance and support within their respective areas of focus. We are pleased to introduce the leaders of these task forces:   1. **Aging & Long-Term Care Task Force** **Chair:** Dr. Angela Wright This task force will focus on improving care and services for Jamaica's aging population, ensuring their long-term wellbeing and support.   2. *...

  Several individuals have questioned JDTAN'S involvement in the Jamaica Diaspora Crime Intervention and Prevention Task Force protests of 2024 across different Diaspora regions. As the originator, convenor, and continued operator of Diaspora task forces, it is fair that the question is asked. It is, therefore, crucial to clarify the distinction between JDTAN and the Jamaica Diaspora Crime Intervention and Prevention Task Force. There is no relationship between the two. Between 2013 and 2017, I founded several task forces to function differently from traditional nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. The first task force, established in 2013, concentrated on education and was soon followed by additional task forces dedicated to technology, agriculture, and crime intervention. Each task force operated independently, while I provided overall guidance to all of them. The task forces were established to offer intellectual support instead of physical resources like back-to-school supplies o...

Gambling is traditionally defined as the act of wagering something of value, typically money, on an event with an uncertain outcome in the hope of winning additional money or material goods. It inherently involves elements of chance and risk, where outcomes are partly determined by randomness rather than skill. Common forms of gambling include casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms. Analogously, life itself can be conceptualized as a gamble. Each day, individuals navigate uncertainties regarding their longevity and health, hoping to 'win' by surviving into the future. The unpredictability of life echoes the randomness found in gambling. Just as gamblers cannot control the dice, people cannot fully control the randomness that influences their daily lives. The concepts of luck—both good and bad—are integral to this analogy. Bad luck refers to negative events attributed to random chance, while good luck pertains to positive outcomes similarly perceived. Thes...

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, it is essential for Jamaica to fully embrace the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI). While our island nation is renowned for its rich culture, diverse heritage, and vibrant community spirit, it is equally important to maintain a competitive edge in the increasingly interconnected global landscape. To truly realize this goal, we must prioritize investment in our most valuable asset: our children. Why Focus on Children?** Children possess an innate curiosity and adaptability, uniquely suited for exploring new concepts and technologies. Introducing AI concepts to basic and primary school students between the ages of 3-11 can foster an environment that encourages exploration, innovation, and creativity from an early age. This thoughtful introduction of AI in education will establish a strong foundation for a future generation that is not only technologically proficient but also equipped to navigate and actively sha...

  Leaders are often culpable for creating the misconception that crime can be easily resolved . This notion is misleading. Issues such as high crime rates, which have developed over many years, do not dissipate overnight, regardless of financial investments. When crime is  swiftly addressed , it frequently resurfaces in different areas. High crime rates  shift from one location to another when aggressive measures are implemented . This phenomenon results in a persistent social, political, and economic challenge, leading to blame-shifting among political figures. Pursuing a genuine solution is often neglected , leaving the public in a state of silence. Major crimes, particularly murder, have troubled Jamaica for decades. It stands out as one of the most violent countries in the Caribbean, with approximately 52.9 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants reported in 2022. In response to this grim reality, the United States issued a travel advisory for 2024, while the UK warned i...