The JSE Re-Launches Stock Market Game for High School
(KINGSTON, October 1, 2009): On Wednesday, September 30, 2009, the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) along with its sponsors, The Gleaner Company and LIME re-launched the JSE Stock Market Game for High School Students at the Jamaica Pegasus.
The Stock Market Game for High School Students was developed in 2008, with the objectives of the game being to assist students to understand:
1. How to trade in the stock market
2. How to manage an equity portfolio
3. The costs and benefits involved in economic decision-making.
The game is expected to help promote public understanding of the stock markets and the economy and create awareness about the role of the stock market in a country’s economic development.
Mrs. Marlene Street Forrest General Manager of the Stock Exchange lauded the participants of the first year’s competition. She went on to say that based on feed back, the Stock Exchange has extended the length of the competition from 10 weeks to 8 months. This she felt would give students more time to be familiar with the game. Another added dimension to the game which she highlighted was the assistance of the various Brokerage Houses to act as mentors to the participating schools. This she said would greatly enhance the game. She also thanked The Gleaner and LIME for their assistance with the game.
Miss Terry-Ann Wilson, The Gleaner’s Corporate Affairs Officer, told the audience that the Gleaner was committed to invest in the youth of this country and reiterated The Gleaner’s commitment to the Stock Market Game.
Richard Azan, last year’s top student of the Stock Market Game highlighted the fact that the game opened doors for him as he was offered an internship at Stocks and Securities Limited, where he gained much needed experience. He encouraged his fellow student to get involved in the game as it can open many other doors for them.
Mrs. Grace McLean, Deputy Chief Education Officer- Schools Operations in the Ministry of Education, who was the Guest Speaker, encouraged teachers and principals to get on board and allow their students to participate in the Stock Market Game, as it allow students a unique medium to be able, from an early age to understand investment. She admonished the students to play hard, play smart, play as a team and most importantly play fairly.
This year’s competition will run from October 2009 to May 2010, with the winning school receiving cash prize of $50,000.00 and the runner up school $35,000.00. Students, parents and interested persons can follow the game in the Gleaner’s Youth Link, The Financial Gleaner and the Business section of The Gleaner.
