Introduction Jamaica is becoming a place in which the human population (which now numbers more than four million) is becoming more crowded, more consuming, more polluting, more connected, and in many ways less diverse than at any time in history. There is a growing recognition that we the people (humans) are altering the Jamaican Soil (Earth)? natural systems at all scales, from local to global, at an unprecedented rate, changes that can only be compared to events that marked the great transitions in the geobiological eras of Jamaica Soil?

The question now arises whether it is possible to satisfy the needs of the Jamaica population that is growing exponentially while preserving the carrying capacity of our ecosystems and biological and cultural diversity. A related question is what should be done now as an engineer to attain the nation goals and in the near future to ensure that the basic needs for water, sanitation, nutrition, health, safety, and meaningful work are fulfilled for all the people (humans). These commitments were defined as the “Vision 2030 Development Goals” by the Planning Institute of Jamaica Assembly dated 2009 (Jamaica National Development Plan, 2009).

In Addition, the enhancement of the financial efficiency by the above means can be deterred if the nation does not have the technical capability to make great technology decisions. It has been proven that the world has numerous examples of capital wastage through unsuitable technology being imposed on developing countries because there was not wise buyer capability, (World Development Report, 2005). This is where I come in as an Engineer. Contributions to the National Vision as an Engineer

The risk of poor decisions sadly increases when governments do not recognize the need for technical expertise (Engineers), (World Development Report, 2005). Now as an Engineer, one’s can attain the national Vision- “Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. ” by, the contribution of to the building of a more sustainable, stable and equitable Jamaica. And for this to happen, as an engineer- one’s must adopt a completely different attitude toward natural and cultural system and think again interactions between engineering disciplines and non-technical fields (Maurice Strong, 1992).

As we enter the twenty-first century “vision 2030,” we as engineers must go aboard on a worldwide transition to a more accurate approach to engineering. This will require: (1) a chief radical change (paradigm shift) from control of nature to participation with nature; (2) an awareness of ecosystems, ecosystems services, and the preservation and restoration of natural capital; (3) a new mindset of the mutual enhancement of nature and humans that embraces the principles of sustainable development, renewable resources management, appropriate technology, natural capitalism and system thinking, (Hawken et al. 1999); and (4) most importantly, a formal lending programme/arrangement such as the IMF (International Monetary Fund). Furthermore, engineering educators such as you the lecture must take a closer look at how upcoming engineering students are being prepared to enter the “real world. ” Current graduates will be called upon to make decisions in a socio-geo-political environment quite different from that of today. Clearly, one’s must complement their technical and analytical capabilities with a broad understanding of issues that are nontechnical.

Experience has shown that social, environmental, economic, cultural, and ethical aspects of a project are often more important than the technical aspects. To conclude this, preparing or having engineers to become facilitators of sustainable development, appropriate technology, and social and economic changes is one of the greatest challenges faced by the Vision 2030 today. Meeting that challenge may provide a unique opportunity for renewing leadership of Jamaica engineering profession as we enter the twenty-first century, and sustaining the four national goals of vision 2030.