Members of the public are invited to contribute to the creation of the territory's first Science and Technology Plan by participating in a series of public consultations beginning with a focus group sessions planned for Sept. 12, 13 and 14, on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John, respectively.
Developing a plan is an early goal of the STEP UP Initiative, announced on Aug. 17 by Governor John P. deJongh. STEP UP stands for Science, Technology, Education and Economic Progress. The governor, who serves as chair of the V.I. Science and Technology Council, described the effort as an opportunity to take good science from the laboratories of the University of the Virgin Islands to the local and global marketplace. The council was established to "act as a catalyst for leveraging resources in the U.S.V.I. in the areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation for economic development."
Research and development initiatives are not confined to UVI, and ideas for involvement of other public and private sector entities are encouraged.
Focus groups are scheduled for the following dates (locations will be announced when they are confirmed):
• St Croix: Wednesday, Sept. 12 - 6 to 8 p.m. or Thursday, Sept. 13 - 9:30-11:30 a.m. UVI – (room to be announced)

• St. Thomas: Thursday, Sept. 13 – 6-8:30 p.m., or Friday, Sept. 14 - 2:30-4:30 p.m. UVI – Administration and Conference Center Room (to be announced)
• St. John: Friday, Sept. 14 - 10 a.m. to noon – St. Ursula’s Meeting Hall
Please confirm attendance at session of your choice no later than Sept. 10 so that the council can have sufficient light refreshments and can forward the STEP Case Statement that is being developed. Google “Engaging America’s Talents” to see what other jurisdictions have accomplished with a strong Sci-Tech Plan to guide their EPSCoR R & D.
Contact 513-9235 for Yasmin Mannan or 778-3275 for Claudette Young Hinds.