MINISTER of Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Christopher Tufton has urged young people to refrain from the negative uses of technology but to embrace its positives, particularly how it can be used for self-development.

"Technology can be used in negative way, you can use technology to hurt people and you can use technology to hurt yourself," said the minister. "Video games are not all good, the computer does not have only good things and therefore technology requires some guidance."

Warren Newby (Photo: Lionel Rookwood) 1/1

"When used in the correct manner, when applied towards self-development and community development, the development of new innovations and products, technology can give you the edge in society, in your life, in your career to put you above and beyond others who you have to compete with," he said.

Dr Tufton was addressing scores of students from across the island Tuesday at the Scientific Research Council's (SRC) Open Day at Hope Gardens in Kingston.

The open day, a collaboration among the SRC, agriculture and fisheries ministry, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, was held under the theme 'Technologies For Youth Development'.

Dr Tufton, at the same time, urged the students to learn all that they could at the expo, which focused on how technology can be used in a positive and productive way.

Meanwhile, state minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Michael Stern, and his counterpart from the youth, sport and culture ministry, Senator Warren Newby who brought greetings both underlined the importance of science and technology in the development of the country.

"Government is committed to the practical use of science and technology and innovation, not just to create jobs and attract new investments, but more importantly to improve the nation's health and nutrition," said Stern.

Senator Newby added: "We at the Ministry of Youth recognise that if we are to transform the Jamaican society, if we are to create new opportunities and avenues for wealth creation it rests in youth entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship itself is innovation and innovation is the product of science and technology."

Jamaica, he said, has the ability to achieve Vision 2030 but requires youth, who are empowered to take charge of their future, accept responsibilities and take risks to advance the country's cause.

The expo, which had more than 30 exhibitors in the fields of science and technology, also featured presentations on HIV, renewable energy and GPS navigation.