Geological Society of Jamaica: Jamaica Needs You
The Geological Society of Jamaica exists in extinction, it appears.
Do they have an active website?
Yes.
Do they have a council body?
According to their website (viewed on September 8, 2026), their council is outdated (since 2013). And at least 2 of the council members highlighted, are deceased with apparently still active email addresses.
In a time such as this, when Jamaica as a country appears increasingly vulnerable to the reality (frequency, intensity, scale) of Geohazards in the form of: Earthquakes, Landslides, Droughts, Flooding, Sea Level Rise, among others, why is one of Jamaica’s most historically prestigious professional bodies, living in apparent extinction?
To Move From Extinct To Active The Geological Society of Jamaica Needs Corporate Governance & Executive Management
Listen, I’m aware that since its inception, The Geological Society of Jamaica is inherently an NGO. But in my view, 2 things can be true at the same time:
Being inherently an NGO, whilst being managed as a for profit (business).
In my honest opinion, the downfall of The Geological Society of Jamaica, is not a fault of its mandate (mission, core values, vision), as it has to do with the fault of being managed by an Executive relatively devoid of the knowledge, skills & abilities of managing the organization, as an organization. The organization clearly (it’s website as reference) has revenue streams in: Memberships, Excursions & Memorabilia. And it apparently had a Governance Structure in the form of President, Vice President, Treasurer, etc.; as well as the laws that governed elections of Executive Committee members.
As I mentioned in my opening section, at least 2 committee members still present on the website of The Geological Society of Jamaica, are deceased–the most recent was laid to rest in May 2026. An election should have been called, to put in place suitable members to fill the void left behind, at the least.
To Move From Extinct-Active-Relevant The Geological Society Must Display Relatability to Audience
We’re now living in the age of The Digital Revolution, with Artificial intelligence & Social Media Platforms functioning as a couple of the dominant influencers of market behavior. Whilst professional accreditation achieved in one’s career, still hold a significance in establishing trust in our choice of career path, it’s weighting on its own is diminishing in relation to fellow professionals (inclusive of Academics & Academic-first organizations), who are first of mind, with AI & social media being used as the tools they’re.
A standout professional organization in Jamaica that can be the perfect model to adopt is that of The Jamaica Institute of Engineers
This mention combined with the section prior, indicate that in addition to a solid mandate, The Geological Society of Jamaica through its governance structure, must implement modernization in: executive positions, skills required, as well as strategy (development & execution), to move itself from extinct-active, and from active-relevant.
