“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” ~ Steve Jobs

Mr. Yaneke Watson is the Chief Technical Director (Water, Works, Investment) in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. He has over 12 years’ experience in Urban and Rural Development, Environment Management and Spatial Data Development.

Mr. Watson began his career during a period of unprecedented technological innovation and found a niche for himself that grew into a real passion. Throughout his journey Mr. Watson acquired a great deal of experience in Geospatial Applications, Land Use Planning, Environmental Protection and Remediation, Coastal Zone and Water Resource Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Crime Mapping and Analysis, Policy Development and Media Advocacy.

For over 10 years, Mr. Watson has been a tertiary-level educator, sharing his experience with other young aspiring professionals. It allows for him the opportunity to help create new knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the development of society and the molding of professionals in innovative and emerging sectors.

Mr. Watson also served as Principal Director of the National Spatial Data Management Branch in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. In his time there he spearheaded the Ministry’s collaboration with HEART Trust/NTA that resulted in the launch of the first Geospatial certification programme in Jamaica.

Mr. Watson is drawn to processes that engage and respect the identity and character of local communities. He is desirous of being a part of a multidisciplinary team that will take a collaborative approach towards the use of spatial technology in environmental protection; community based planning and developmental initiatives.