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UWI Connect August 2012

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Page 1: UWI Connect August 2012
Page 2: UWI Connect August 2012

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Contentsfrom the editor’s desk

news from the uwi Centre

news from the uwi-rhQ

uwi regional impaCt

very important peliCan

uwistat

first year experienCe

leaders who serve

featured student

uwiaa

Celebrating exCellenCe

faCes of entrepreneurship

uwi grads on the move

memory lane

rappin’ with alumni

upComing events

Celebrations

in Celebration of their lives

literature

happenings

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31Editorial tEam:Celia Davidson Francis (Editor-in-chief ), Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Lacey-Ann Bartley, Marcia Erskine, Aileen Standard-Goldson, Beverley Pereira, Stephanie Alleyne-Bishop and Candice York

SourcES:Student and UWI Regional Headquarters, Marketing and Communications Offices, campus communications and public relations offices; Faculties; Departments; UWIAA; UWIMAA; Office of Administration; UWI STAT Corps, alumni and others

PhotograPhy:eMedia Interactive Limited; UWI STAT Corps; campus photographers; graduates and friends of The UWI campus; JD Nairne; Jeremy Francis

PubliShing:eMedia Interactive Limited

A publication of the Institutional Advancement Division, UWI Regional HQ. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher or agent.

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from theEditor’s dEsk

I recently met several young entrepreneurs who are all involved in various kinds of business. I was impressed with their creativity, spirit of innovation and verve. I was even more delighted to discover that they were UWI graduates. As a result, this issue of UWI Connect has as its theme ‘entrepreneurship’, which is defined as ‘the capacity and willingness to undertake conception, organization, and management of a productive venture with all attendant risks, while seeking profit as a reward.’

The importance of entrepreneurship has been recognised at the executive management level of The UWI and it is included in The UWI Strategic Plan 2012-2017 in terms of making our graduates ready and prepared to contribute in a real way to the Caribbean region and the world. The UWI is thus providing various avenues to encourage this spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and creativity across the four campuses.Entrepreneurial spirit is characterised

by innovation as well as risk-taking and many UWI graduates today realise that it is actually an essential component in their ability to succeed in an ever-changing, competitive global environment. They also understand that they can contribute to their nation’s prosperity by being able to employ other graduates and reduce the region’s unemployment figures.

Management guru Peter Drucker states, “Entrepreneurship is neither a science nor an art. It is a practice.” It is this practice that the UWI is seeking to inculcate and encourage. Virgin mogul Sir Richard Branson also indicates that graduates should not give up as “business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” Several young Caribbean UWI entrepreneurs are featured in this issue and hope that you will find their stories inspirational.

In addition, our VIP for this issue, Dr Paul Ramphal, is set to have not only regional but global impact

with his cardiac simulator and this issue showcases his very latest developments, which make for fascinating reading. The UWISTAT Corps supported Caribbean integration at Sir Shridath’s book launch and this is also highlighted.

Finally, Alumni Online and our AO social media continue to assist in reaching out to and connecting with UWI graduates – so please join the AO community and ‘keep connected’

Happy reading! Celia Davidson Francis Editor-in-Chief

editorial

celiadF

Page 4: UWI Connect August 2012

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news from theUWi CEntrE

One of the desired qualities of the ideal UWI graduate, as articulated in the 2007-2012 and 2012-2017 strategic plans, is that they be innovative and entrepreneurial. Over the past decade, the UWI has concentrated significant effort in preparing graduates who will be lifelong learners, who will have the people and leadership skills to cope with whatever the world throws at them. 

None of us can predict where any of our graduates will be in 10, much less 20 years from now. We are hoping to prepare our students to be flexible, able to cope, survive and even to lead change as the world changes. It means re-inventing themselves, possibly more than once, to stay abreast of a transforming environment.  It also means creating niches for themselves where none existed before. While we still have a way to go, I’d like to think that we have achieved this to some degree. To illustrate, I shall share two stories with you.  The first is about a young lady who graduated from UWI Cave Hill with

a degree in biology. After graduating, she got a bright idea that first involved her going to Israel for three months to learn all the techniques of modern farming. She then returned to Barbados and set up a 25-acre farm producing a variety of agricultural products for sale. Her farm uses the most modern technologies to maximise yield and that identifies the best markets. She has become a model for farmers in Barbados and elsewhere. I also met a young man from Jamaica who runs a large coffee plantation in the Blue Mountains. I was impressed to learn how able he was in utilising

the most modern methods of coffee production. The coffee his family farm is producing is competing with the best brands in the world.  I was surprised to learn that his degree was not in agriculture or biology but in finance from our Mona campus. These stories speak to my message that a university degree only provides certain tools. Our graduates have and will have to get out there and use them in opportunistic ways. It is utilising their imagination, choosing to take chances, their ability to communicate and to sell their knowledge, or the service or product they create that will make a difference. We have made a start and look forward to hearing more and more of these stories. E nigel harrisVice-chancellor

vice Chancellor’s message

we are hoping to prepare our students to be flexible, able to cope, survive and

even to lead change as the world change. it means

re-inventing themselves, possibly more than once,

to stay abreast of a transforming environment.

Remember you can donate to student scholarships 24/7 here.

Page 5: UWI Connect August 2012

thE UWi MUsEUM an idea whose time has Come

The recently constructed regional headquarters of the University of the West Indies is home to many of the university’s established units and divisions as well as a new space: the UWI Museum.

The idea is not original, as early administrators must have thought about it. British architects Norman & Dawbarn included a museum in their early drawings of the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) – interestingly, in much the same location, though they saw it as a stand-alone structure. Through the years, several others have raised the idea, but without success. However, when planning started for the Regional HQ, Vice Chancellor Nigel Harris made space for a museum just off the lobby. That space has already hosted a week-long 50th anniversary exhibition of Trinidadian art and is home to an on-going exhibition on the origins of the university.

The plan is to build a permanent exhibition that reflects the history and development of the UWI and to host changing exhibitions on issues relevant to both the UWI and the West Indian region that it serves. However, the

early focus has been on establishing administrative and governance parameters, building a collection and reaching out to potential stakeholders. One initiative to reach out to audiences beyond the vicinity of the Mona campus has been a blog, which regularly takes aspects of the museum’s development to followers anywhere. Click ‘follow’ and you’ll be notified when there is a new post.

So far, collecting has involved efforts to identify and, in some instances, accept artifacts that reflect  the UWI’s origins and development. The collection includes the original Chancellor’s gown, worn by Princess Alice in February 1950 and subsequently worn by every Chancellor of the university. An original graduate’s gown is on loan from alumna Mary Morgan. Efforts to find an original red matriculation gown finally bore double fruit with donations from Hazel Darby Richardson (1949, science) and Vilya Thomas, who brought in her mother’s undergrad and graduate gowns  – Geraldine Bailey Thomas graduated in 1962. Thomas also brought in a copy of The Pelican for that year. This falls in line with efforts to get hold of early student publications, especially The Barb, which

was apparently typed and stencilled, with hand drawn ads and illustrations.

While the museum welcomes donations relevant to its mandate, the curator is also carefully vetting donations for suitability and condition. The museum wants to be able to conserve what it agrees to accept and faces significant limitations of space and resources. Indeed, funding is a general challenge as the museum sets out to develop exhibitions and to enable infrastructural development, including the development of lively and thoughtful displays that use audio-visual and digital technologies, as well as posters and artifacts. This is especially relevant in light of the commitment to reflect a regional perspective and to attract a range of audiences.

Alumni from various periods have been well represented among the dozens of visitors to the UWI Museum since the Regional HQ opened at the end of June. Many have been intrigued by the early documents of the university, taken back in time by the early hall crockery with its distinctive markings and fascinated by the UCWI film in which several veterans have recognised themselves and their peers.

by Dr Suzanne Francis-Brown, PhD, Curator | Photos by Jermaine Nairne

news from the uwi rhQ

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Curator Dr Suzanne Francis-Brown

The Chancellor’s robe

Letters patent on display

Page 6: UWI Connect August 2012

MorE bUsinEss opportUnitiEsfor pt fortin

More business opportunities for Point Fortin and the surrounding communities is one of the goals of a US$1.8 million project currently being executed by The University of the West Indies (UWI) through its Trade and Economic Development Unit (TEDU).

At a signing ceremony on August 23 at the Office of the Principal of the St Augustine Campus, the project was formally established between The UWI and its partners, Atlantic LNG, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Point Fortin Borough Corporation.

What started as an Atlantic initiative to promote social and economic development in the six communities of La Brea, Chatham, Buenos Ayres, Cedros, Icacos and Point Fortin, became a collaborative effort since 2010, with IDB financing of US$775,000 and Atlantic providing counterpart resources in the amount of US$1,100,000 over a period of three years.

“This project underscores the ability of The University of the West Indies to

bring its expertise to bear in meeting national needs. Dr Roger Hosein, head of the Trade and Economic Development Unit and his team have considerable experience in

undertaking research in development and their findings will therefore have an important influence on the response of all major developmental partners in the south-western peninsula.”

Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat, thanked the IDB and Atlantic LNG for supporting such a

developmental project, which will serve as a pilot for the region, and welcomed the collaboration between corporate citizens and The University. He said that in light of depleting oil and gas reserves this project is timely, as it can create opportunities in the non-energy sector. He noted that countries such as Korea had experienced development through its human resource and that Trinidad and Tobago can have similar results.

The country representative from the IDB, Michelle Cross-Fenty, emphasised the bank’s commitment to this partnership and its capacity for achieving sustainable development in the non-energy sector, as she remarked that this is the first application of an LED strategy in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Atlantic’s representative, Marlon Grant, noted that this project will help to achieve what it had set out to do since the inception of the company regarding creating a sustainable economic dynamic in Point Fortin and the wider Southwest peninsula.

what started as an atlantic initiative to promote social

and economic development in the six communities of

la brea, Chatham, buenos ayres, Cedros, icacos

and point fortin, became a collaborative effort since

2010, with idb financing of us$775,000 and atlantic providing counterpart

resources in the amount of us$1,100,000 over a period

of three years.

uwi regional impact

6

(L-R): Vashtie Dookiesingh, Inter-American Development Bank, Trinidad & Tobago; Marlon Grant, Atlantic LNG; Michelle Cross-Fenty, Country Head, Inter-American Development Bank; Kavita Maharaj, Inter-American Development Bank; Professor Clement Sankat, Campus Principal, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine; Aisha Guytan, Trade and Economic Development Unit (TEDU), UWI and Dr Roger Hosein, Trade and Economic Development Unit, UWI and Dr David Rampersad, Director, Office of Research Development and Knowledge Transfer, UWI after the signing of the agreement.

Page 7: UWI Connect August 2012

uwi at forefront of CaribbEan disastEr

risk atlas The University of the West Indies (UWI) recently launched the Caribbean Disaster Risk Atlas, a tool to enhance decision-making and reduce the serious economic and social impacts caused by natural hazards in the region. The tool was designed to meet the need for reliable data in the development of comprehensive risk management strategies in the Caribbean. UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris, noted, “The UWI is honoured to be at the forefront of this initiative and has once again raised the bar for Caribbean integration. Under the management of the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) and the technical expertise of the Seismic Research Centre in St Augustine and the Mona GeoInformatix Institute, the Caribbean can now benefit from cutting edge technology, providing

up-to-date and verified data available for the analysis and management of natural hazards in the region.”

The UWI continues to connect the Caribbean and this analytical tool is proof of the structured manner in which the UWI is positioning itself as a premier applied learning institution to be the repository of knowledge to inform policy and planning for growth and development, locally and internationally.

The Atlas, the major output of the disaster vulnerability and risk assessment mapping for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, is funded by the World Bank to the amount of US$510,000 through its Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. The regional risk atlas contains spatial data on risk from floods and earthquakes for three Caribbean countries namely: Jamaica,

Barbados and Grenada. Dr David Smith, co-ordinator of the ISD and principal investigator for the Caribbean Disaster Risk Atlas Project, noted that a significant feature of the Atlas is that it will be available free of cost to most users.

Scores of persons from across the Caribbean from the highest levels of the University, risk managers, GIS specialists and planners as well as government officials and the diplomatic community will witness the demonstration of the Atlas publicly for the first time. The launch of the disaster atlas precedes training on June 27 and 28 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica for experts in the sector. A symposium culminates these activities and will include the presentation of technical papers arising from the two-year investigations that occurred in Jamaica, Grenada and Barbados.

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uwi regional impact

Page 8: UWI Connect August 2012

uwi regional impact

UWi rEgional hEadqUartErs is offiCially open

There is a saying in Jamaica that “every mickle mek a muckle”, which translates into “every little bit helps”. And just as so many Caribbean people have achieved their goals by saving their “mickles”, so it is that The UWI has attained its long-wished-for Vice Chancellery Building. Officially dubbed The University of the West Indies’ Regional Headquarters (UWI-RHQ), the impressive two-storey building is a dream made reality through the vision of the University’s leadership, the financial support of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and generous donors, coupled with the hard work of The UWI project team and its contractors. The seat of central governance for the entire University, as mentioned in the last issue, is now a reality. It was officially opened in June 2012.

Located immediately opposite the main entrance of the Mona Campus, UWI-RHQ serves as home to a museum depicting the history of The UWI; a state-of-the-art archive; and offers dedicated space for some of UWI’s key research Institutes of excellence such as Criminal Justice and Security, Gender and Development

Studies, and the Latin American and Caribbean Centre. It also boasts a large Council room and attractive lobby for receptions, graced by paintings and sculpted works from around the Caribbean.

UWI-RHQ is deliberately located outside of the Mona campus to represent its autonomy.

“The Regional Headquarters building housing the offices of the Vice Chancellery is truly regional,” explained Vice Chancellor Professor E Nigel Harris. “It’s a place that belongs to all of the campuses. This is a place where anybody who belongs to the University will feel at home.”

The UWI, despite having four campuses, is governed as a single entity, overseen by the University Council, the equivalent of the governing board of many universities, and is managed by an executive team made up of the Vice Chancellor, the four campus principals (who are Pro Vice-Chancellors), four other PVCs (for Undergraduate Studies, Graduate Studies, Research, and Planning & Development), the University

Registrar and Deputy Registrar, the Chief Financial Officer and Chief University Information Officer. They oversee policy formation, strategic planning, finances, quality assurance of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, research, institutional advancement, alumni relations, outreach and legal affairs. All these activities are supported by offices that were previously scattered mainly across the Mona campus. Today, they are all located in the UWI-RHQ.

located on kingston’s mona road, immediately opposite

the main entrance of the mona Campus, uwi-rhQ

serves as home to a museum depicting the history of

the uwi; a state-of-the-art archive; and offers dedicated

space for some of uwi’s key research institutes of

excellence such as Criminal Justice and security, gender and development studies,

and the latin american and Caribbean Centre.

8

President & Group CEO, Neal & Massy Group of Companies, Gervase Warner (right) hands over a cheque to UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor E Nigel Harris. At left is Gaston Aguilera, Chairman of the Neal and Massy Foundation, one of the generous regional sponsors

Page 9: UWI Connect August 2012

uwi regional impact

Designed by architects Bob Fowler and Associates, with Kier Construction Company Ltd as the main construction firm, the building cost US$12 million, of which US$8.25 million was provided through a CDB loan. The loan is guaranteed in equal portions by the governments of Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, and includes generous repayment terms and fairly low interest rates. Apart from the loan, the CDB also gave UWI a grant of

US$500,000. The overall goal of the Vice Chancellor’s Building project is to contribute to UWI’s long-term mission of propelling the economic, social, political and cultural development of the region. The three main components of the project are firstly, to improve the productivity of the Vice Chancellery, which included providing adequate space for Vice Chancellery staff. The second objective is to enhance strategic management by developing a communications strategy and plan; a risk management programme; a maintenance policy for all UWI facilities, and training 30 systems managers and other ICT staff across The UWI’s four campuses. Finally, the project seeks to place focus on enhancing research and innovation by formulating a research and innovation action plan.

However, even though the building is completed, the longer term aspects of the project are ongoing. In particular, the University needs to source the

remaining US$3.25million of the total cost, as well as the additional US$4 million for outfitting the building, and hopes that the private sector across the region will contribute to the fund.

Approximately US$1 million has already been raised through donations – signal contributions to the cause of an integrated Caribbean. These include US$100,000 from Neal and Massy Group; a significant contribution from Caribbean Cement Company; and substantial donations from alumnus, Dr. Aleem Mohammed, chairman of SM Jaleel and Company Limited, Trinidad & Tobago, and Chas E. Ramson of Jamaica. Having come this far, The UWI is confident that its alumni and friends will also help with their “mickles” to “mek a muckle”.

the second objective is to enhance strategic

management by developing a communications strategy and

plan; a risk management programme; a maintenance policy for all uwi facilities,

and training 30 systems managers and other iCt staff

across the uwi’s four campuses.

9

The lobby area of the new UWI -RHQ

View of UWI Museum

An early digital model of the UWI-RHQ

Page 10: UWI Connect August 2012

fiftytrEEs

forfifty yEars

Page 11: UWI Connect August 2012

“What we do to the environment today will be the legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren to inherit tomorrow,” noted Professor Clement Sankat, Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus, as the campus commemorated the 50th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s independence with a gift of green for the country’s future leaders.

On Monday, August 27, 2012 government officials and members of the campus administration gathered at Professor Sankat’s office to witness a tree planting ceremony. The ceremony marked the beginning of The UWI’s commitment to plant one tree for each year that our country has been an independent nation.

“The UWI St Augustine campus and the nation of Trinidad and Tobago share a special bond”, a common devotion to the development of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, said Professor Sankat at the ceremony. Over the past 50 years, he continued, The UWI has fulfilled these expectations in its role as an educator, producing citizens who have been fundamental to the economic development of our country, and it will persist in this commitment in the years to come.

The 50 trees that will be planted on the campus are a part of this vow, as they

will be used not just for ornamental purposes, but also for teaching and research. As they grow, the trees will serve to educate both the campus community and the wider public on the environment and sustainable development. This is so as “trees provide numerous benefits, including sequestering of carbon dioxide and providing oxygen, management of our watersheds and water for the future, providing shade, food and timber, as well as stabilising the soil,” said Professor Sankat. He cited the recent disasters in Trinidad due to heavy rainfall and urged the audience to “take responsibility for our environment,” for the sake of future generations.

Dr Carlisle Pemberton, Dean of the newly established Faculty of Food and Agriculture, reinforced Professor Sankat’s point on the importance of trees to our country, adding that Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural

sector is vital to the rural population and, therefore, necessary for “rural poverty alleviation.”

The ceremony also included greetings by the Honourable Ramona Ramdial, Minister of State in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, remarks by the Honourable Ganga Singh, Minister of the Environment and Water Resources and closing remarks by Dr Shobha Maharaj, acting curator of the National Herbarium at The UWI St Augustine campus.

Afterwards, guests made their way to the grounds of the office of the campus Principal where they witnessed the symbolic planting of three trees – the first of the fifty.

Among the variety of trees that will be planted on campus are balata (or known by its scientific name, Manilkara bidentata), lay lay (Cordia collococca), soap seed (Sapindus saponaria) and serette (Byrsonima spicata). These and the other types of trees have multiple uses, including for food, construction, jewellery making, and even dentistry as the balata tree is used to make root canal fillings.

this is so as “trees provide numerous benefits, includ-

ing sequestering of car-bon dioxide and providing

oxygen, management of our watersheds and water

for the future, providing shade, food and timber, as well as stabilising the soil”

-professor Clement sankat

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uwi regional impact

Professor Sankat and various representatives planting the first tree

Professor Clement Sankat, Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI)

Page 12: UWI Connect August 2012

paul ramphal aims to go global With

sUrgiCal siMUlator Since both his parents in the medical field – his Jamaican mother was a nurse and his Guyanese father a doctor, it was perhaps generally accepted that Paul Ramphal would grow up to follow in their footsteps. Not only has he done that, but he has carved a niche for himself, specialising in cardiothoracic surgery and inventing a cardiac surgical simulator that has taken the medical world by storm over the past three years.

The simulator was created to train surgeons in cardiac surgical techniques. “It is best thought of as a ‘flight simulator’ for cardiac surgery.  Using this device, a resident and a teacher can perform an entire cardiac surgical procedure from cannulation to going on bypass to CABG/aortic valve replacement/aortic root replacement/etc, to coming off of bypass.  It is possible to introduce adverse events, hemodynamic instability, emergency situations, etc and the trainee is required to deal with these events in

a manner which is identical to a real operation, with real consequences that can be reproduced with hi-fidelity,” Ramphal explained. 

The device uses a pig’s heart, which is explanted and specially prepared, then placed in a simulated chest cavity and re-animated by pneumatic balloons in the ventricles.  Artificial blood is circulated within the vessel and the cardiac chambers and it is possible to place the heart into an authentic, though modified bypass circuit.  The heart beats with various rhythms and its mechanical movements are tied to a real-time simulated vital signs monitor with displays that correspond to situations that are encountered during the course of a real operation.

Ramphal, a Kingstonian by birth, grew up in Canada, where he obtained his first degree in biochemistry at McMaster University in 1984. He returned to Jamaica for medical school at The University of the West Indies,

Mona. “I was one of the early second generation UWI medical students - my father was UWI Medicine 1956-62,” he said.

UWI Mona also holds another special memory for Ramphal, who met his wife, Nadine Parchment, there. The couple married in 1989 and have two sons, Jacques and Jean-Luc.

Ramphal also spent three years in Glasgow, Scotland, where he studied cardiothoracic surgery, which put him on the path to his current endeavours with the cardiac surgical simulator. “There, I would practice aspects of heart surgery on a pig’s heart that I would get from a butcher shop that was near where I lived. I found that this model really helped me to learn how to do many of the things that, otherwise, I would learn by trial and error in the operating room, though under supervision to make sure nothing bad happened. With the practice I was doing

vip: very important pelican

12

Page 13: UWI Connect August 2012

on the pig heart, however, my learning curve appeared to be significantly shortened,” he explained.

Returning to Jamaica, Ramphal spent four years working in the Department of Surgery/Faculty of Medicine at The UWI, eventually securing tenure as a senior lecturer. He decided to revisit his practice with the pig heart in 2001 and, within a few months, developed a working model.  “I was helped by Norma Chin of Universal Meats, who gave me however many hearts I needed free of charge, because she found what I was doing to be fascinating!” he shared. “I also approached Dr Daniel Coore of the Department of Mathematics and Computing at UWI Mona and Dr Michael Craven, a visiting fellow in Electrical Engineering from Nottingham University who was on sabbatical at UTech.  We collaborated to develop an early computerised version of the simulator.” 

The simulator has been used years in a number of educational fora, including the annual Cardiothoracic Technology Symposium in Cincinnati, Ohio since 2008 and was the inspiration for the annual Thoracic Surgery Directors Association Boot Camp in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, also from 2008. The simulator has been endorsed by a number of organisations, including the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association and the Society of Thoracic

Surgery.  “We are presently engaged in a beta study, where eight copies of the simulator have been installed in centres across the USA (Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt, Washington, Stanford, UNC, Rochester, Massachusetts General and Johns Hopkins) where a scientific study is being performed to quantify and develop a teaching curriculum for simulator-based training in cardiac surgery,” said Ramphal.  “It is the opinion of the ABTS and the TSDA that this simulator may well be the lynch-pin for all future cardiac surgical training programmes in the USA and Canada and then, most likely, the world soon after.

“I have received numerous requests from institutions from Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand as to how they could purchase a device for their various institutions. I have also been approached by representatives of cardiac surgical device manufacturers, who have seen the simulator in action and have realised that their products could very easily be demonstrated/tested using the it rather than a live animal procedure or an actual operation on a human patient,” he continued.  Ramphal explained that the simulator is now ready to be taken to the market. However, there is a roadblock as The UWI “has little or no expertise in taking an invention from the stage of a neat idea to a commercially viable product. I am concerned that we will miss the window of opportunity to grab the

market as the first device of its kind,” he lamented.

Despite the challenges he is presently experiencing, Ramphal is positive about his entire UWI experience, both as a student and now a faculty member, recently receiving a professorial appointment. He recounts days of “reasoning” with his fellow students on politics, religion, social issues, science, as opposed to his experience in Canada where student discussions were mostly about “alcohol, partying and the opposite sex.  I was truly struck by the difference in how the UWI students approached their university experience as a treasured opportunity to improve their lives and their minds,” he stated.

i have received numerous requests from institutions from

Canada, the usa, australia, new Zealand and thailand as to how they could purchase a device for their various institutions. i have also been approached

by representatives of cardiac surgical device manufacturers, who have seen the simulator in action and have realised that

their products could very easily be demonstrated/tested using the it rather than a live animal

procedure or an actual operation on a human patient,”

Close up view of the cardiac surgical simulator

Dr Ramphal and his family - wife Nadine and sons Jacques and Jean-Luc

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Students using the cardiac surgical simulator

Page 14: UWI Connect August 2012

salisEsmona 50/50 ConferenCe

Fifty/fifty is a research project designed and organized by the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES) at The UWI, Mona. It included a series of seminars based on sectoral and thematic studies around the central theme of reviewing the past 50 years of independence and looking forward to the next 50.

One of the seminars was the UWISTAT Mona Corps roundtable discussion. The theme was  ‘The next 50 years of Independence: Discussion on strategic directions’.  The session commenced with a video presentation featuring the discussants and various youth leaders from across the Caribbean. These astute young adults took the opportunity to express their views on the meaning of independence and shared their sentiments on regionalism and CARICOM.

The general view emanating from among them was that, as a region and as individual nation States, we have come a far way along the path of development, however there is a great task ahead of us to make the next 50 years significantly better than the last 50. The various discussants including UWISTAT Ambassadors Shavar Maloney and Stephanie Abrahams focused across a wide array of spectrums including youth participation in sustainable development, youth creativity and the creative industry and the convergence between youth and regionalism.

A general consensus coming out of the session was the need for singularity of purpose and vision among the various youth groups, in an attempt to facilitate greater efficiency in propelling the youth agenda.

the general view emanating

from among them was that, as a region and as

individual nation states, we have come a far way along the path

of development, however there is a great task ahead of us to make the

next 50 years significantly

better than the last 50.

uwistat

Participants at the SALISES 50/50 Conference

Page 15: UWI Connect August 2012

sCenes from mona: postgrad orientation

uwistat at CoMMonWEalth yoUth

forUM

15

UWISTAT Ambassadors engendering Pelican Pride and loyalty amongst graduates. They also did the same at undergraduate matriculation ceremonies across the four UWI campuses.

UWISTAT Corps representatives from all four campuses were in attendance at the forum, which was held to foster a stronger spirit of unity amongst youth in the region.

uwistat

Page 16: UWI Connect August 2012

highlights from

CavE hillhanding over The UWISTAT team at the Cave Hill campus introduced their new executive in April after bidding farewell to members who were graduating and becoming UWISTAT Alumni Ambassadors.

haynesville UWISTAT sponsors the Haynesville Children’s Home in St James, Barbados. The team spent the day having fun with the children, reading to them, flying kites, swinging, playing and more. 

CommonwealthUWISTAT Cave Hill also took part in the ‘Commonwealth Conversation’ with the Royal Commonwealth Society, along with the British High Commission, where members met with the High Commissioner. It was an event for different groups to come and discuss the role of the Commonwealth Society and other issues plaguing the region relating to legislation tackling regionalism.

uwistat

16

Ambassadors with British High Commisioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean His Excellency Paul Brummell

Ambassadors at the handing over ceremony

Ambassadors at the UK High Commission Education Cocktail

Chatting with residents at the Haynesville Children’s Home

Ambassadors at the Haynesville Children’s Home

Making connections at the Haynesville Children’s Home

Page 17: UWI Connect August 2012

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UWistat international

Coastal CleanupOn Saturday, September15, UWISTAT participated in the International Coastal Clean Up Day with JET. UWISTAT Ambassadors supported the campaign and invited SCOPH. Special thanks to SCOPH for also joining UWISTAT; your efforts are appreciated.

This effort was a part of UWISTAT’s continuing promotion of their Disaster Mitigation Risk Management Mandate, of which environmental protection and conservation is a key factor.

Sir Shridath Ramphal, Chancellor Emeritus of The UWI and renowned Caribbean Scholar officially launched his book, Caribbean Challenges - Sir Shridath Ramphal’s Collected Counsel on June 18, 2012. The featured speaker was former Prime Minister of Jamaica and fellow regionalist The Most Hon P J Patterson. Other regionalists such as Professors Ian Benn and Norman Girvan also attended.

The book captures Sir Shridath’s work on the Caribbean’s journey to regional integration and critically assesses issues such as federation, law and diplomacy, leadership, external trade negotiations and the environment. Both Ramphal and Patterson were heartened to meet and see the support of members of the regional Vice Chancellor’s UWI STAT Ambassador Corps, who were in attendance and who have as one of their mandates the promotion and support of Caribbean Integration and the CSME.

The Director of Alumni Relations, Celia Davidson Francis, who founded and developed the UWISTAT Corps noted that Sir Shridath’s book is timely as 2012 marks 50 years since the collapse of the Federation as well as the Independence of both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. All proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Rex Nettleford Foundation, of which Sir Shridath is Chairman.

Former and current regional UWISTAT Presidents and Ambassadors at the launch

sir shridath raMphal laUnChEs nEW book

Sir Shridath Ramphal (left) with former Jamaican Prime Minister, The Most Hon PJ Patterson

uwistat

Page 18: UWI Connect August 2012

nEW stUdEnts rEady for lifE at UWi

The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus, held its annual UWI life orientation programme for new students from August 29 to September 1 at the UWI Sports and Physical Education Centre (SPEC).

Rebranded as the First Year Experience (FYE) and themed MY UWI LIFE, this year’s edition aimed to encourage students to embrace the tenets of LIFE – Learn, Imagine, Focus, Engage – which will help them succeed throughout their academic careers. The programme comprised three separate events, each targeting a specific group of newcomers to The University.

UWI Life Support took place on August 29. Here, the parents, guardians and spouses of new students gathered to learn what to expect now that their loved ones are university students and how to provide the best support system for them during their time at UWI. The featured speaker, Dr Dianne Douglas, clinical psychologist, spoke to parents on how they can help their children thrive throughout their studies and become independent adults. The event ended with a question and answer session,

where members of the audience were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and have them addressed by members of the administration.

UWI Life Student followed on August 30, when all first-year and first-time undergraduate students filled the UWI SPEC to learn about life at UWI. The day opened with tassa and drumming and the lively atmosphere it inspired continued throughout the day. The morning session was hosted by TV/radio personality, Jason Williams and featured entertainment by the Department of Creative and Festival Arts’ (DCFA) Arts in Action group and Drama Making a Difference (DMAD).

During lunch, students were invited to mingle and get to know each other while visiting the information village’s booths set up by different departments and offices on Campus. They then trekked back to the UWI SPEC for an entertaining afternoon, hosted by local comedienne, Nikki Crosby.

UWI Life Prime, the final event of the campus’ annual orientation, took place on September 1. This event was for first-year postgraduate and first-year part-time, evening and mature undergraduate students, aiming to provide this more mature group with the necessary tools to balance work, family and academics, and to help them shift from the work arena to student life. Philomena, another local comedienne, was the host for the event. Current UWI postgraduate student, Hazel-Ann Luke-Douglas, delivered the feature address, where she spoke of her own experiences as a mature UWI student. The event ended with remarks by Evening University Coordinator, Kristy Smith, who invited the audience to participate in a question and answer session with members of UWI’s administration.

rebranded as the first year experience (fye)

and themed my uwi life, this year’s edition aimed to encourage students to

embrace the tenets of life – learn, imagine, focus,

engage – which will help them succeed throughout their academic careers.

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first year experience

Scenes from The UWI St AugustineFirst Year Experience - MY UWI LIFE

Page 19: UWI Connect August 2012

rEflECtions on the sona ConferenCe in mexiCo

As a student ambassador with the Vice Chancellor’s Corps and a representative of the UWISTAT (UWI Students Today Alumni Tomorrow) student group, I was afforded the wonderful opportunity to travel to Puebla, Mexico and take part in an academic conference hosted by the Consortium of North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC). I went as a student representative of the University of the West Indies to the sub conference hosted by the Student Organization of North America (SONA). The UWI was invited to take part in this symposium for the first time and I was excited to be included, though acutely aware of the representative role I would undertake on behalf of our student body.

Upon arrival at the cultural complex of the Benemérita Universidad

Autónoma de Puebla on the first day, we were immediately swept into the frenzy of welcomes, introductions, conference packages and the other ‘hunt and gather’ activities that leave your arms full of branded stationery. As a student, few things rival free stationery, so I was quite pleased. Throughout the three-day conference, many of the participating universities had booths showcasing the programmes, facilities and cultural exchange opportunities available through their institutions.

Most of these were from the Latin American Diaspora, but I was impressed to meet representatives from Quebec, Germany and even as far as Saudi Arabia, taking part and enthusiastically encouraging students to explore what their universities have to offer. The mixture of persons, places and potential was

rich and invigorating. I felt fortunate to be a part of the UWI’s debut into this marketplace of ideas.

The SONA conference took the theme ‘Young Entrepreneurs in Search of a More Collaborative World’. We heard student speakers on the topics of leadership, creating a life project, studying law in Mexico and the effects of competency evaluation in the shaping of student attitudes on one college campus. Mine was the only presentation to be delivered solely in English and I was somewhat apprehensive at first. However, I was grateful to learn that my recollection of GCSE Spanish, though rather moth-eaten, combined with a nervous smile would be just enough to win the favour of my audience.

leaders who serve

by Krista Nottage

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Page 20: UWI Connect August 2012

I made a presentation that focused first on what the UWI was and what it stood for, then talked about UWISTAT. What we felt UWISTAT had to offer was a model for student engagement that provided a framework for involvement on campus and cultivated a commitment to the broader attitude of citizenship among alumni in the future. Despite the language challenge, the presentation was among the best received. My fellow student participants listened intently and asked questions with great interest. They wanted to know all about the UWI, from the inner workings of how funding decisions were made and executed with so many member countries sharing ownership, to the specifics of course offerings and exchange opportunities for students like themselves. Their interest in what we had to offer was both exciting and overwhelming.

The exchanges continued during lunch, when our Mexican hosts carefully explained each dish, where it was from, when it was traditionally eaten and whether the gourmet chef had got the taste just right. They relished in introducing me to Agua de Jamaica, a lighter, less sweet twist on the drink we know as sorrel. To say they were welcoming would be an understatement. They accepted me as a long lost link in a chain of ideas, one that we made immediate plans to strengthen and lengthen in the future. In fact, the energy and atmosphere at that luncheon table reflected the overall response of the conference to our contingent from the UWI. Our Vice Chancellor, Professor E Nigel Harris, shone on each of the two occasions in which he addressed the larger conference assembly. The accolades I received on his behalf from the students alone were tremendous and made me a proud Pelican. We were integrated into the fabric of the conference from the welcoming remarks to the closing farewells and wishes for a reunion in the near future.

I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to take part in the CONAHEC conference and I hope that we will move forward stronger in our growing networks and continue to let the ‘light from the West’ shine brightly.

they accepted me as a long lost link in a chain of ideas, one that we made immediate plans to strengthen and lengthen in the future. in fact, the energy and atmosphere at that luncheon

table reflected the overall response of the conference to our contingent from the uwi.

our vice Chancellor, professor e nigel harris, shone on each of the two occasions in which he

addressed the larger conference assembly.

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Nottage with other participants at the conference

Nottage with other participants at the conference

Nottage displays a certificate of participation

Page 21: UWI Connect August 2012

many first year students who resided on preston hall for

the academic year 2011-2012 could agree that they had the

pleasure to have known melbourne douglas. he is well known his passion for music. ray Charles’s quote gives a perfect description of his love for music. when douglas was approached to be featured in uwi Connect, he gladly accepted the offer to share his love for the art of music. in his own words, this

was his story:

Page 22: UWI Connect August 2012

making musiC withMElboUrnE doUglas

I grew up in the humble community of Deeside, St Catherine in Jamaica. My father had a sound system and it provided the means for my brother and I to try out to be disk jockeys. Our stage was beneath the clothes my mother had hung out to dry. My first performance was at my basic school graduation, where I performed the welcome speech. This was my cue to take the stage. My love for the performing arts followed me to Glenmuir High School. There I participated in activities such as speech, drama and choir. For the first three years of high school, my performance in speech was not quite up to par. As a result, I always had to cope with taking home a bronze medal in many contests. My turning point came in fourth form and this time my work paid off, with the gold medal around my neck and my chest held high. For me, that moment was my greatest achievement. While at Glenmuir, I became the entertainment co-ordinator for the student council, president of speech in fifth form, president of the sixth form association and president of the choir. My participation in the choir was a stepping stone. It granted me the opportunity to receive a half scholarship to The University of the West Indies.

After being accepted to the University to study Cultural Enterprise Management, I

lived on the Aston Preston Hall. This hall offered the opportunity for me to expand my performing arts abilities. At the annual Fresher’s Concert, I participated in speech, drama, dance and chorale, taking the lead in all. This led to further participation on a wider scale as later I joined the University Drama Society and Pop Society, where I performed at many of the university’s events. These opportunities subsequently led me to become part of a tour in England during the 2012 Olympic festivities. I had a very successful first year at the University of the West Indies. While living on AZ Preston Hall, I entered Mr and Miss Preston annual contest, where I won the male segment. My success journey continued as the year progressed. I was also awarded the position of cluster representative for Burgplatz and was given the responsibility of co-ordinator for speech and drama. I also had the opportunity to be featured in the university calendar, participated in several ads and was also offered a role in the upcoming film Good Country People.

I am grateful for the many opportunities I have been given. My love for entertainment and hopes of being an internationally recognised performer are strengthened by my hobbies. Music is a must. I enjoy all genres, but at the top

of the list are reggae and classical music. My favourite artistes are Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Sizzla and classical artiste Andrea Boccelli. I often switch over to my musical personality ‘dBURNS’ and record music in my bedroom studio with other upcoming artistes. Video games like Zombies and Plants are my favourites to play. They help to relieve stress as they require brain power to focus.

My hope for the future is to tour the world. This was a decision solidified by my recent tour to England with the university and Florida with the Glenmuir High School Choir. I am hoping to impact others through my music which focuses on hardships, struggles and freedom. The themes are similar to those of our predecessors, from which motivation and inspiration are drawn. The aim of my music should be profound so that it impacts lives and changes views. It is not as fascinating and glamorous as it sounds because balancing academics and performing is hard. However, it has to and must be done as overall excellence is a must. My passion is performing, the stage is my playing field and performing is my sport.

-

featured student

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As told to Myoka Bryan

Page 23: UWI Connect August 2012

uwiaa

sir frank worrell blood drive in dominiCa

World blood donor day

uwiaa st luCiast lUCian

alUMni gathEr

The UWI Open Campus Dominica will host the Sir Frank Worrell Blood Drive on Friday, September 14, 2012 in association with the Princess Margaret Hospital Medical Lab and Dominica Red Cross Club 25. Fifty years ago, Worrell, demonstrated his heroism when as the first Black captain of the West Indies cricket team, he was the first to step forward and volunteer to donate blood to the then Indian captain, Nari Contractor who had been critically injured during his team’s practice match in Barbados ahead of their West Indies tour.

Worrell served as warden of Irvine Hall at UWI Mona from 1963 to 1965. Additionally, in 1965, he served as Dean of Students and Director of Sport at UWI St Augustine. Since his passing in 1967, the University has kept his memory alive through the Frank Worrell Oval at UWI Mona, the Frank Worrell Cricket Field at UWI St Augustine and the Sir Frank Worrell Residence Hall at UWI Cave Hill.

Dr Francis Severin, the Head of the UWI Open Campus in Dominica, notes that Worrell recognised that certain events necessitate noble acts and encourages persons to follow his example. He expects the event to be supported by the public, alumni and members of the UWIAA Dominica Chapter.

The much-anticipated gathering of St Lucian UWI Alumni took place at Government House on Wednesday, July 11 under the distinguished patronage of one of the UWI’s most distinguished local alumni, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy. And what an evening it was!

Upon arrival at Government House, alumni were treated to a red carpet reception as they entered and were individually welcomed by Her Excellency and Chancellor of The UWI, Sir George Alleyne. Alumni entered to the festive strains of The Eastern Folk Band, who provided the musical accompaniment for the evening. They were later joined by former Calypso Monarch Wulstan Alfred (Walleigh) who treated his fellow alums to a special rendition of his Calypsoes for 2012.

A gracious welcome by Her Excellency was followed by a rousing speech given by the Chancellor, in which he exhorted alumni to re-engage with the UWI and acknowledge with pride the sterling contribution that their regional university had made and continues to make daily, to the development of the Caribbean region. Peppered with entertaining anecdotes, his speech focused on various ways in which Alumni could harness the full force of the UWI Pelican Pride in their daily lives and make the UWI their life-long personal and professional partner. Alumni were also introduced to what Alleyne called “a painless way of giving back to your alma mater” by way of the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank /UWI Visa Credit Card, available exclusively to UWI Alumni, staff and students.

Speaking on behalf of the evening’s main sponsor, CIBC FCIB, Kim Noel reiterated in more detail the value of the Credit Card which, in addition to having the most competitive interest rate in the region, benefitted the UWI by automatically making the user a donor. In a special message relayed to Alumni on behalf of the Director of Alumni Relations, Celia Davidson-Francis, graduates were encouraged yet again to become actively involved in and to remain connected to their alma mater.

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Chancellor of The UWI, Sir George Alleyne

Participants in the 2011 blood drive

Page 24: UWI Connect August 2012

uwiaa

uwiaanEW york ChaptEr

The UWIAA New York Chapter felt great about the Brunch & Lyme Event that was held on June 10. Dr Gerald White-Davis was pleased with the turnout and noted that “the camaraderie, mixing of alumni and friends and goodwill expressed toward the UWI and the Caribbean was priceless.” The brunch, graciously hosted by Dr Carol Wilson-Smith, was held Caribbean backyard style and featured a wide variety of regional food, drink and music that made for an enjoyable event.

Dr White-Davis noted that the highlight of the evening was the Director of Alumni’s presentation, which was well received by an audience ‘hungry for information. Celia Davidson Francis highlighted the new University Strategic Plan for 2012 – 2017 and the role alumni can play. She also spoke about the UWI campuses, the requirements for continued development and achievements, the significant contributory role that international alumni can play and the role of the new UWI Regional Headquarters.

Davidson Francis also spoke about the continuing financial needs of students to underscore the relevance of alumni philanthropy. Her interaction with alumni throughout the evening and the way she answered questions at the end of her presentation was energising and Dr White-Davis noted that her presence made a big difference and that this interaction with international alumni should be augmented, to promote the university and help with the on-going mobilisation and recruitment of alumni. The event raised funds towards the annual UWIAA New York Chapter scholarships and laid the foundation for the inaugural launching of the Chapter’s Pelican Awards, tentatively set for June 2013. 

uwiaa Cayman takes part inCivil sErviCE garagE salE

UWIAA Cayman was a part of the CI Government Civil Service Garage Sale at Garage on Saturday, August 11. The event enabled UWI grads to connect with each other and they were encouraged to engage with the UWI and join the Alumni Online community.

To join the UWIAA Cayman Chapter, register at The UWI Open Campus, Olympic Way, PO Box 12228.

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UWiaa ottaWaa literary Celebration’

Jamaican High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Sheila Sealy Monteith and C Lloyd Stanley

Attendees at the UWIAA New York Chapter gathering

Former UWI staff member and celebrated author Olive Senior, UWI graduate Rachel Manley, winner of the 1997 [Canadian] Governor General’s Prize for Non-Fiction and classical pianist Fay Jarrett, joined Third World Players in ‘Celebrating Jamaica’s Literary Excellence’, under the distinguished patronage of UWI alumna, Her Excellency Sheila Sealy Monteith, to help mark Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence. UWIAA Ottawa Contact C Lloyd Stanford, president of Third World Players, reports that the event was judged to be “a great success.” Jarrett played Chopin’s Valse, Op 69 no 1; Senior, a former editor of the Jamaica Journal and The UWI’s Journal of Economic and Social Studies, read from her novel Dancing Lessons, while Manley read from her forthcoming novel.

Barbadian born retired professor of classics at the University of Ottawa and friend of The UWI, John Harewood, made a presentation entitled ‘How I came to Jamaican literature’. The authors signed copies of their books and Manley left some for sale, with the offer to give 50 per cent of the proceeds to The UWI’s scholarship fund.

Page 25: UWI Connect August 2012

Celebrating excellence

uwi hon grad and legendary fast bowler

WEs hall knightEd

Wes Hall, the legendary West Indies fast bowler who inspired successive generations of great Caribbean pace men, has been knighted in the Queen’s Birthday honours list for 2012. The 74-year-old, who went on to head the West Indies Cricket Board and also become a colourful figure and speaker in public service, in government, business and religion in Barbados, would be made a Knight Bachelor (KB) for his “contribution to sport and the community.”

Hall, a charismatic figure on and off the field, took 192 wickets in 48 Tests during an 11-year test cricket career that has earned him a place in the West Indies Cricket Hall of Fame as the first West Indian to take a hat-trick in a Test match, a feat he achieved in India in his first match in 1958. He went on to take 30 wickets in the five-match series and become a permanent fixture in the star-studded West Indies side that included the incomparable Garry Sobers, Conrad Hunte and Rohan Kanhai. Hall was one of the heroes of the historic first tied Test against Australia at Brisbane in 1960, claiming match figures of nine for 203 and bowling the dramatic final over as West Indies claimed three wickets to earn the first tie in 84 years of Test cricket.

His playing days over, Hall began a new life in public service in business and government with new careers in industrial and public relations, politics and religion that drew on a talent for colourful and humorous public speaking. For example, as the minister for tourism and sports in the Erskine Sandiford administration, he has been credited for developing the sports tourism industry in Barbados. He became an ordained minister in the Pentecostal Church in 1990. He also served West Indies cricket as Administrator, from Selector to Team Manager and ultimately West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President from 2001 to 2003. Hall now adds a knighthood to an Honorary Doctor from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and a lifetime achievement award from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

antiguan wins dEll soCial innovation

pEoplE’s ChoiCE aWard

Ruthlyn Matthias, a student of the UWI Open Campus, Antigua and Barbuda Site reading for a BSc in Accounting, has won the 2012 Dell Social Innovation Challenge. The Dell Challenge is open to students around the world, inviting them to enter ideas that could possibly solve community problems and change the world.

Matthias’ project is called ‘Duckweed: A Green Solution’. The aquatic flowering plant, found in slow moving water like ponds, has water purification and insecticidal properties. The proposal is for this plant to become a green solution in eradicating the dreaded mosquito, which causes millions to die annually from various diseases.

The duckweed project was a strong contender in the challenge, always ranking in the top 50. When voting was completed on May 13, it was awarded the 2012 People’s Choice Award in Health, with additional the ranking of being second place out of 224 projects in Health and 20th overall out of 1,783 projects.

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Celebrating excellence

pEliCan roosts in

WashingtonJamaica has named Professor Stephen Charles Vasciannie as Jamaica’s new ambassador to Washington. Professor Vasciannie was a lecturer in the Department of Government and Former Head of the Norman Manley Law School.

Vasciannie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (first class honours) from The University of the West Indies, a PhD in International Law from the University of Oxford, a Master’s degree in International Law from the University of Cambridge (first class honours with a mark of distinction for work of special merit), and a Bachelor of Arts’ degree in Jurisprudence from Oxford.

He also won The University of the West Indies Open Scholarship in 1978, the Jamaica Rhodes Scholarship in 1981 and the Commonwealth Scholarship ( Jamaica) in 1984.

uwi grad wins norbErt

frEinkEl aWard

UWI Gradate and University of Maryland School of Medicine Dean E Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, has been named the 2012 winner of the prestigious Norbert Freinkel Lecture Award, presented by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for his work in gynaecology focusing on maternal foetal medicine.

Reece presented Norbert Freinkel Award Lecture, titled ‘Unraveling the Biomolecular Mechanisms of Diabetic Embryopathy’, which examined how diabetes can potentially harm a foetus during pregnancy at the association’s 72nd Scientific Sessions on June 10 in Philadelphia. Reece, who is from Jamaica completed, a PhD in Biochemistry from The University of the West Indies, Mona.

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US President Barack Obama with Jamaica’s new ambassador, Professor Stephen Vasciannie Dr E Albert Reece

Page 27: UWI Connect August 2012

shErnEttE saMpson

at the launCh of ChoCodots

at Carlos Cafe

Chocodots is an online chocolate company that provides exotic Jamaican chocolate. The company was launched on February 7, 2012. Chocodots aims to use local chocolate in the processing of its confections and to form integral partnerships with cocoa farmers by giving back to rural communities.

The experience that owner Shernette Sampson had at The UWI has developed her solid entrepreneurial skills. Sampson attained a BA in Geography from The UWI in 2003 and was a part of Quality Leadership Programme, which helped to develop business skills and social philanthropy. A part of her team’s work in The UWI leadership programme was developing a playground for children living with HIV/AIDS at the Mustard Seed home in Jamaica.

faces of entrepreneuship

see JamaiCa withCJa toUrs

cJa tours is operated by Oshanie McKnight and Shakarah McCrae. Together, they aim to provide quality service to local travellers as they showcase the beauty of Jamaica, its hidden treasures and historical landmarks. CJA Tours provides services for office, church and school trips and offers a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere to ‘see JA’, from which the company’s name is derived.

The CJA Tours team is committed to working with patrons to make their trips enjoyable and relaxing at an affordable price to suit any budget. Services are available Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 6pm and Friday from 9am to 3pm.

about the proprietorsOshanie McKnight holds a BSc in Applied Chemistry, Zoology and an MSc in Food Science and Technology from The University of the West Indies Mona and St Augustine Campuses, 2010 and 2012 respectively. Shakarah McCrae holds a BA in Media and Communication from The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. She graduated in 2009.

CONTACT:Email: [email protected] Call: (876) 816-9487

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faces of entrepreneuship

JavEttE nixon:

pointing your business in the right direCtion

raqUEl roxannE:

telling JamaiCan stories

Javette Nixon is the founder of Point global marketing, a marketing, design and brand development firm which operates from the Technology Center at the University of Technology. He graduated from The University of the West Indies with a BSc in Political Science (2006) and Economics (2011) and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science Degree in Sustainable Development (Environmental Economics) from the University of London. Prior to forming Point Global, Nixon founded Leisure Point Global Services, which operated as a management company to two e-commerce websites used to sell and market Jamaican products overseas.

Nixon has gained experience working in the various industries in the United States He has worked as the manager in Special Projects at Edgechem Jamaica Limited; the MCIS Advance, where he had responsibility for coordinating sales and marketing activities associated with vehicle expenses, management and the Advance brand, Capital and Credit Merchant Bank and the Walberg Cepeda Lending LLC in the United States.

Nixon has contributed extensively to community work and served as vice-chairman for the St Thomas Association of Youth Organisation from 1999-2003 and has founded the Social and Economic Alliance for Development, a policy-oriented organisation that supports national development programmes, advocacy, policy making and multi-functional approach in fostering national progress in 2009.

His interests include volunteerism and philanthropy, web development, economics, commerce, media, e-commerce and banking.

Raquel Roxanne graduated from The University of the West Indies, Mona, with a BA in Media and Communication in 2005. She is currently the managing member and producer at White Witch Entertainment, LLC. A film enthusiast, Roxanne has written, directed and produced several of her own ‘shorts’ and has worked on commercials and music videos. One of her notable films, What Makes Jada Click? was screened at the Spike Lee screening room in Brooklyn, New York. Currently, she runs an independent production company in Brooklyn, where she resides with her husband.

Roxanne’s upcoming project will be the film,  The Rebellion, “an entertaining critique of the period of British colonialism in Jamaica.” The film, which is inspired by the tales surrounding the Rose Hall Great House in St. James is expected to begin filming as early as February 2013. A marketing campaign using various online media has been launched as part of a funding process, along with a crowdfunding campaign on KickStarter which allows interested persons to contribute to the project. She expects to receive enough income from these sources to shoot one compelling scene that can be used to persuade other investors to contribute.

Roxanne is very confident that The Rebellion will be a great success, despite works by other producers who are working on another Rose Hall inspired film; she is currently in discussion with a major studio regarding the marketing and distribution of the film once it is completed. She is focused on making the film one that is authentic and captures the very essence of the period and culture it was created in.

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faces of entrepreneuship

grahaM roWEhelping JamaiCans

find suCCess ClivE dEvErs: auditor

extraordinaireGraham Rowe graduated with a BSc in Banking and Finance from The University of the West Indies, Mona in 2010. He is the Technical Director at Merchant Credit Bureau, with responsibility for overseeing the daily operations of the company and interfacing directly with clients. Rowe is also the promoter of Smirnoff Signature as well as the proprietor of EGS Placement Limited.

The company was established in 2010 and aims to assist in matching qualified Jamaican candidates with client requirements. During the selection period, candidates are screened using proven psychometric questions and are entered into the company’s database. As requests are filed by clients, EGS scans its database to finds the most suitable candidates for the interview based on their résumés and results from the psychometric analysis. EGS Placement is fully certified by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and provides clients with professional candidates and interviews. The service provided by EGS is free to the client; however, a onetime fee is deducted from the candidate’s salary at the end of their first pay cycle.

Outside of work, Rowe is also the Youth Ambassador for Entertainment and Culture in the National Council on Youth Development, Ministry of Youth. He is also a member of the Jamaica 50 Planning Committee in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Prime Minister’s Youth Awards Selection Committee, Dynamic Speakers Club and Toastmasters International. In 2010, he attended the Freedom Forum as Jamaica’s representative to the International Young Democratic Union in Panama.

During his free time, Rowe enjoys chess, current affairs, reading, writing short stories, weight training and music.

Clive Devers graduated from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, with a BSc in Livestock Science in 1975 and an MSc in Pasture/Soil as Agrostology in 1979. Devers is currently the Business Solutions Manager at CD Enterprises Corp, a Canadian international management consulting firm. He has participated as keynote speaker and organised seminars on business, quality and environment for several corporations.

Born and raised in Guyana, South America, Devers is a certified quality engineer, a certified quality auditor and lead assessor with the International Register of Certificated Auditors and an environmental auditor with the Environmental Auditors Registration Association.

CD Enterprises provides professional consulting services in Canada and other parts of North America and has developed a global practice working in the Middle East, Europe, the Eastern Caribbean and Australia. The company offers research, consulting, strategic planning and management services to businesses, NGOs and individuals and has the linguistic capacity to provide services in English, French, Spanish and Hebrew.

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faces of entrepreneuship

foUndation nEWs:

JaiME lEWis: a taste of bahamian art trEs MakEUp

artistry: auditor

extraordinaireJaime Lewis graduated with a BSc in History with first class honours from The University of the West Indies, St Augustine in 2009. He is the president of islandz, a Bahamian art company that provides artists with innovative ways to distribute their work.

The 29-year-old entrepreneur started his business, which markets cell phones, iPod covers and flash drives bearing authentic Bahamian art, by securing a grant from the inter-american development bank.

Islandz aims to redirect tourist money into the local economy and has recently started offering tours where participants can meet the painters and enjoy a meal. The ‘art in dying’ tours aim to have participants and painters bond, enhancing the tourist industry and encouraging commerce.

Danielle and Jeannette Small, along with their partner Trazzarra Bain are the owners of tres makeup artistry, a freelance makeup service operating in Trinidad and Tobago. Their do makeup for weddings, carnival, Halloween and other occasions, as well as glitter tattoos, perfect for children’s birthday parties.

Both Danielle and Jeannette graduated from The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

16th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Awards Gala

Save The DaTeWednesday, January 30, 2013The Pierre Hotel, New York, NY

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featured alumnaJEan loWriE-ChinJean Lowrie-Chin JP, MA, holds a BA (Hons) and an MA from The University of the West Indies. She is the founder and managing director of PRO Communications Limited, an advertising and public relations company known globally for more than 30 years and the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons Limited (CCRP). Lowrie-Chin is the author of a book of poetry and essays titled Souldance. She is also a weekly columnist with the Jamaica Observer.

Lowrie-Chin is a director for the St George’s College and Food for the Poor, Jamaica. She is a trustee at Rose Leon Memorial Trust for the Jamaican Women’s Political Caucus and a member of Consultative Monitoring Group for the Public Sector Transformation Programme and the Medical Council of Jamaica.

Some of Lowrie-Chin’s awards include the Alpha Academy Woman of Excellence, Kiwanis Club of New Kingston Distinguished Award, Special Olympics Hero Award, Bureau of Women’s Affairs Jamaica 50 Award for Communications, Women’s Media Watch Trailblazer Award, Peer Award, Press Association of Jamaica Award and Stella Maris Foundation Appreciation. She has also received awards from EAC/EOJ, Guiness, Lasco and RJR.

Lowrie-Chin’s voluntary contributions include being a former chairman of the Stella Maris Foundation, Justice of Peace for the parish of St Andrew, life member of the Women’s Media Watch and founder of the PROComm Scholarship Fund for Children in the inner-city community of Grant’s Pen.

faces of entrepreneuship

grEat bUsinEss idEas

start With a sEEd

Students at the Cave Hill campus of The University of the West Indies can now benefit from entrepreneurial training through the Student Entrepreneurial Empowerment Development (SEED) Project. The project has been offered as a co-curricular course since the academic year 2011-2012.

SEED is aimed at students who are interested in setting up their own companies, so the interactive sessions provide the information needed to guide them through the process from pinpointing their idea and writing the business plan to establishing and operating the venture.

Students will also be apprised of organisations that support small business development, relevant legislations and requirements and, of course, financing opportunities. Components of the SEED Project include:

• An Entrepreneur in Residence who delivers lectures and seminars and provides advice• Lectures featuring members of the Barbados business community

• Small, interactive workshops where students will gain hands-on experience in business planning and development.

Visit the SEED Facebook page for more information.

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Jean Lowrie-Chin and her husband, Hubert Chin

Page 32: UWI Connect August 2012

tyronE Wilson: from banking and finanCe

to new media pioneerWhen Tyrone Wilson entered the University of the West Indies, Mona in September, 2004, there was no uncertainty about his career goal; he was going to become a media entrepreneur and nothing would stop him from achieving that dream. Not even the little problem of being accepted as a Political Science major when he had applied for a different programme.

“I had wanted to do Accounting, so when I got accepted for Political Science, I requested a change and got into Banking and Finance,” he laughed. “I was very good at accounts, but I anticipated that Banking and Finance would really expand my knowledge, so I decided to take on that challenge.”

It turned out to be the right decision as the courses he studied have since helped him in the business world. Wilson founded the online publishing company eZines Limited in 2008, just as the world economy was imploding. However, his background and tenacity have helped him not only keep the business afloat, but keep it growing.

This January, eZines Limited expanded to become eMedia Interactive Limited, producing not just digital magazine but also video content on Jamaica’s first online television network, iVu tv.

For this ambitious expansion, Wilson raised US$350,000 through a private placement with PanCaribbeanBank. It was a rigorous process, but Wilson was

32

uwi grads on the move

running a fast-growing company like emedia

interactive takes a lot of work and it certainly helps that

wilson has entrepreneurship experience. while on campus,

he started two successful operations: eZone, which imported and assembled

affordable computers for his fellow students and the other,

selling jump drives, which had just become popular in Jamaica as the “floppy disk era” was drawing to a close.

Page 33: UWI Connect August 2012

prepared. “Doing courses in Regulatory Framework and electives such as Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation and Financial Accounting… really assisted me in understanding the terms and being able to sit in those negotiations and represent the company on a proficient level,” he explained, crediting lecturers Michael Williams and Shirley-Ann Eaton for their approach to the courses.

Wilson firmly believes that the future of media is online and leading the only online new media company in Jamaica certainly puts him ahead of his time. Playing the role of pioneer is not new to Wilsdon as he was one of the first people on campus to begin selling jump drives, which gained popularity as the ‘floppy disk era’ came to a close around 2004.

Wilson’s entrepreneurial endeavours on campus also included eZone, a company that imported and assembled affordable computers for his fellow students. The experience gained from these ventures, in addition to working at the Jamaica Gleaner as one of the founding members of the Youthlink team, have helped to shape the businessman he is today.

Wilson also left another indelible footprint at The UWI, Mona - and gained considerably more media management experience - as the Publications Committee Chairman (PCC) of the Guild of Students from 2006 to 2007. His committee successfully revamped the outdated TUSSLE magazine, managing to turn a profit. “Campus Beat was also making a profit and that was the first time in PCC history that happened,” he recalled.

He also conceptualised a venture capital competition for students, which was to be open to all three UWI campuses. It didn’t get off the ground in his time, but it was revived after he left and is still up and running.

In addition to his achievements, one of Wilson’s favourite memories as a student was being on campus during a student protest. “That made my first year experience even more exciting, to see a student movement and how powerful it was in terms of trying to represent the students’ interests,” he said.

Admitting that he “wouldn’t change a thing” about his UWI years, Wilson also encouraged current students to have a well-rounded experience. “Don’t just try to bury yourself in books; try to be a student leader,” he said. “Get involved in extra-curricular activities, because these experiences will help you in your own future businesses and, in the world of work, employers are looking for leaders.”

33

“don’t just try to bury yourself in books,” he said.

“try to be a student leader; try to get involved in extra-curricular

activities because employers are looking for leaders and it will also help you if you’re starting

your own business.”

Wilson with Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, at eMedia Interactive Limited’s annual conference, Your Money eZine Business Summit

Wilson receiving the certificate of membership to the Private Sector Organisation of Ja-maica from former president, Joseph M Matalon

Page 34: UWI Connect August 2012

34

UWi gradson the move

dr Katherine Ennis took the Hippocratic Oath and received 11 of the 12 sectional prizes awarded by the Faculty of Medical Sciences at UWI, Mona, including the Medicine Subject Medal which is awarded to the top medical student. Her father, Dr Lambert Innis is consultant anaesthetist and head of the Dept of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care and her mother is dermatologist, Dr Althea East-Innis.

dr gareth titus of South Boston, Virginia, has been included in the Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide Edition for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of invasive cardiology. Dr. Gareth Titus is a Cardiologist with the Halifax Heart Center. He received his M.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1995.

attorney-at-law Floyd green has been named President of Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional wing of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party.

david barrett is a professional specialising in energy for over 16 years and is now the principal consultant of ENBAR Consulting, an energy and environment service consultancy.

yvonne hall is now the executive director of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica. She holds a UWI Mona Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Chemistry and Zoology and a Master’s Degree in Food Science from Rutgers University.

dr Sara lawrence, Miss Jamaica World 2006, took the Hippocratic Oath on June 12, marking an end to her studies at the UWI Faculty of Medical Sciences Mona, showing beauty and brains make a powerful combination.

lydia osbourne is now the Market Resarch Manager of Accela Marketing, one of the leading marketing communications companies in St Lucia and the region. She holds a Master of Science in Demography and a Bachelor of Social Sciences from The UWI, Mona.

greg Parris is the new president of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE). He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from The UWI, St Augustine.

uwi grads on the move

Greg Parris Lydia Osbourne Dr Sara Lawrence

Page 35: UWI Connect August 2012

MEMoriEs froM thE viCE ChanCEllEry With

JoyCE EloisE bylEsJoyce Eloise Byles gained her education at the St Joseph’s Academy in Mandeville in 1947 and obtained a Certificate of Management and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the West Indies in 1975 and 1986 respectively. In 1963, she entered The UWI as secretary to the Senior Assistant Registrar and was promoted to secretary to the Vice Chancellor in 1965 and personal assistant to the Vice-Chancellor in 1970. During her tenure at UWI, Byles served as personal assistant to several prestigious Vice Chancellors including Sir Philip Sherlock (1963-1969), Sir Roy Marshall (1969-1974), Dr Aston Preston (1974-1986), Sir Alister McIntyre (1988-1998) and Professor Rex Nettleford (1998-2004).

As personal assistant, some of her duties included dealing with all correspondences, planning and organising retreats, conferences, functions and ceremonies including arrangements for hosting President Nelson Mandela, General Colin Powell, Princess Ann, Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburg; arranging Vice-Chancellor’s travel and accommodation and monitoring and preparing of relevant data for

facilitating Professorial Salary reviews.Byles shared that working with Sherlock and Nettleford especially added value to her life. She recalled one witty memory of Sherlock while she was his personal assistant: two Rastafarian men frequently visited his office to chat; curiosity struck another staff member who inquired what the frequent visits meant. Sherlock told her, “they saw me in a vision and I was never able to come out of their vision.”

Byles said that she cherished The UWI because it opened doors to a lot of opportunities. One such opportunity was the privilege of working and studying at the same time, although it presented some challenges. She noted that while pursuing her BA, she grew fond of philosophy because it taught her the difference between perception and interpretation.

On International Women’s Day, 1992, Byles was recognised by the Women and Development Unit of The University of the West Indies as a woman who consistently performed over and above the requirements of her expected role, displayed exemplary qualities as a role model for young women in the University

and served the University for more than 10 years.

In 1995, she received the Badge of Honour, awarded to her for her Long and Faithful service to The University of the West Indies. She was also privileged to have met Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Rev Desmond Tutu, Dr Harry Belafonte, Dame Eugenia Charles and other luminaries on their visits to The UWI campus.

Byles served on UNESCO’s Advisory Mission to The UWI. She was assigned to the UK/UWI Appeal Office in London for participation in planning of the Launch of the Appeal in 1989 and served as a Member of the Committee that reviewed assessments of Senior Administrative Staff.

Byles is the former Secretary of the Jamaica and Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee and Past President of Soroptimist International (Kingston Club). Currently, she is Secretary of Friends of the National Chest Hospital and Member of the Catholic Women’s League and Inner Wheel Club of Kingston.

memory lane

35

Joyce Byles L-R:Vice Chancellor Emeritus Rex Nettleford, Byles and Vice Chancellor Emeritus Sir Alister

McIntyre in the 1990s

L-R: Lady McIntyre, Former Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Marlene Hamilton and Joyce Byles in

earlier days

Page 36: UWI Connect August 2012

rappin’ with alumni

dr MaUriCE taylor

mediCal doCtor and owner of on Call Café

1. What is your name? Maurice Taylor

2. What country are you from? Jamaica 

3. What year did you enter the  uWi  and to what faculty? Pure and Applied at Mona in 2004, then transferred to Medical Sciences in 2005.

4. What is your first memory of the  uWi? Definitely the parties. Integration Thursdays was a good way to relax and get away from the books.

5. Who was your favourite lecturer and why? Dr DeSouza, our anatomy lecturer. He taught us how to think by focusing more on questioning our thought process than dictating. That’s the most valuable lesson I have taken away from  UWI – the ability to think logically. 

6. What gave you the idea to start your business? As a medical student and a doctor, I saw the challenge the hospital had and though of it as an opportunity, so I went for it.

7. What the biggest challenge you have come across? The biggest challenge has been overcoming the resistance faced whenever going against the grain. Anyone trying to create his/her own path will go through it. There is a saying, ‘success leaves clues’; this challenge is well spoken about in all the books I have read.

8. What’s the difference in lifestyle between medicine and business? They share a few similarities and some notable differences.  Both are arduous and mentally straining. Significant time and effort is required to just get through the day and even more is needed to be exemplary in your field.  However, the result is extremely gratifying, then a patient or customer’s day or quality of life has been impacted by your efforts.

The salient difference is that business is more of a passion for me. Every day I feel that I am fulfilling one of my life’s purposes. This makes daily challenges a bit more enjoyable and effortless.

9. have you gotten negative comments about your transition?  There will always be naysayers. If there are none, then you should be second-guessing yourself. It comes as a part of the territory. To focus on such distractions become counterproductive.

10. if you had to give two tips what would they be?a. Do some reflective thinking and discover what you want from life. Write it down and make step-by-step plans on how to attain it, then feverishly go after it.

b. You cannot be great at something you don’t love, so do something that you are passionate about and can make money doing.

11. Which hall did you live on? I was attached Taylor Hall 

12. if you could do it all again, what would you do the same and what would you change?  Yeah, I would do  UWI  again. I am fearful to change anything as I am glad with the outcome.

nine things people do not gen-erally know about me:

1. my favourite social media site is tumblr.

2. i notoriously read bbms and don’t reply unless they relate to business.

3. i am good friends with all my exes.

4. i like to socialise and party. i am a social eagle.

5. my favourite food is from tamarind restaurant.

6. my nicknames are gQ and piper.

7. my star crush is Zoe saldana.

8. i used to work as a caddy and a waiter in new york during my summer vacations.

9. i used to be the armourbearer for pastor franz fletcher at Church on rock.

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Dr Maurice Taylor

Page 37: UWI Connect August 2012

upcoming events

The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus is set to benefit from the CB Group UWI 5k to be held on November 18. This is the signature event of Grand Homecoming Jamaica, which began in Canada last August. The goal of the Grand Homecoming Jamaica is to create an awakening that will inspire Jamaicans in the diaspora to return home and connect with their country in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Grand Homecoming Jamaica has turned into a global initiative and has been creating social and economic opportunities for the country. Patrons include the Hon G Raymond Chang, OJ, the Hon Michael Lee Chin, OJ, and the Hon Douglas Orane.

The CB Group UWI 5K is designed to bring together families and sporting fans in a safe environment to encourage healthy lifestyles. The proceeds from this event will be used to provide bursaries for needy students and to support the UWI sports programme at Mona.

37

UWI student Jessica Yap has set up a model philanthropic scholarship - The Jessica Yap Pass It On Scholarship, which is designed to help other UWI students. It also encourages those who benefit to contribute in the future and ‘pass on’ financial benefits to students who will come after them. Alumni are encouraged to attend and donate.

JEss for Jazz

Jessica’s uniquely captivating talent with the violin helps her raise funds

Page 38: UWI Connect August 2012

birthdaygreetings

* June 4: I wish to say Happy Birthday to Kailash Jaikaransingh, who graduated with First Class Honours, having completed an undergraduate B.A. degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Literature in October 2009.  She was also Valedictorian of the Faculty of Humanities and Education.  She went on to complete her Master’s degree at the  London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) graduating in 2011 with her MA in Communication Studies. Kailash will celebrate her birthday on June 8, 2012. Kailash currently works with me at the Ministry of the Attorney General.

* Much congratulations to my big sister Marcia D. Joseph. I’m so proud of you. From Sharon

* Marcia Dian Joseph will be graduating with a BSc in Management Studies from UWI Open Campus (Antigua) this November.

* Happy birthday Kimberly Gonzales. Hope you had a great day from Prunella Mungroo , UWISTAT Alumni A,bassador

* With Each Year brings more wisdom, something you are not short of. Have a blessed day from your family at UWI STAT St Augustine. Happy B Day, PRU!!!

* Happy Birthday to Jade Harrison from Sasha Harrison, UWISTAT Mona President. Aim for greatness. Love you bro

Celebrations

38

CElEbrating knoWlEdgE

sharingUWISTAT facilitator and young entrepreneur, Lacey-Ann Bartley, was recently invited by Dr Hilary Robertson-Hickling to give a presentation at an organisational behaviour class in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Mona to share her knowledge. Bartley was very enthusiastic about the opportunity and this was felt during her lecture as she was able to hold the attention of more than 100 students for the entire session.

Bartley obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the UWI and used some of the knowledge gained for her presentation which had as its theme ‘Leading and managing a business in turbulent times’. During the presentation, she shared her own experience of managing her business Bartley’s, which produces furniture and jewellery made from authentic Jamaican wood. Bartley outlined the challenges she has faced and the solutions she has applied as well as practical tips and suggestions based on ‘real life’, which students can apply. She made a huge impact on the students and was invited to be the guest speaker at other organisational behaviour sessions, where she was videotaped so that the sessions could be shared with a wider audience.

Lacey Ann Bartley (right) and student participant

Bartley working in her factory

Page 39: UWI Connect August 2012

gregory delmar gaskinGregory Dalmar Gaskin, attorney-at-law and Chairman of COPS (Guyana) Limited, died tragically in a motorcycle accident. He was a former Queen’s College graduate and UWI graduate and was also president of the Guyana Association of Private Security Organisa-tions (GAPSO) for several years.

He was the son of Berkeley Gaskin, former British Guiana cricketer, West Indies board member and Manager of West Indies Cricket Team and Winifred Thierens-Gaskin, former Minister of Education and Guyana’s High Commissioner to the Commonwealth Caribbean, stationed in Jamaica. Gaskin spent his early years in the Guyana De-fence Force, eventually rising to the rank of Colonel. He also pursued legal studies and was admitted to the Guyana Bar. He was President of the UWIAA Guyana Chapter which was launched largely due to his efforts. His loyalty, dedication and enthusiasm for The UWI will long be remembered.

memorials

keith alvin st hope gardener, odBorn in 1929, the father of Jamaican hurdling will be remembered as a fierce competitor, an outstanding public servant, reliable volunteer official, coach and patriot. He was the first Director of Sports for UWI, Mona and was well known in the area of Physical Education and Sport, especially in Track and Field, and was a member of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association ( JAAA).

He was a remarkable athlete and first represented Jamaica at the CAC Games in Mexico City in 1954. He won gold medals in both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, silver in the 110 hurdles and a bronze leaping over seven meters in the Long Jump. He attended the University of Nebraska in 1956 and was known there as ‘the Jamaican Jet’. He achieved his lifetime goal of an Olympic medal, which he accomplished as part of the 4x400 relay team which won the bronze medal in Rome in the 1960 Olympic Games. He was the first Caribbean man to reach the finals of the sprint hurdles in the Olympics.

He was also Sports Director for the Police Federation in the late 70’s. He was a volunteer official with many sports bodies, coach/administrator at Excelsior, the Jamaican Constabulary and the Youth Development Agency. He was also integrally involved with the Multi-Care Foundation in downtown Kingston, giving opportunity and hope to many inner city youngsters – teaching life skills, community involvement and education, through sports. His service to his nation was recognised by the award of the Order of Distinction from the Government of Jamaica.

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in CElEbration of thEir livEs

Page 40: UWI Connect August 2012

As I take a retrospective view on me, do I embody the reflective practitioner I ought to be?Have I wrestled with past thoughts that have helped me to connect with future ideals?Does this reflection process enable me to understand my own experiences?Have I become more open-minded? Do I approach situations wholeheartedly?Am I just a technician certified to teach or do I question the values that underpin my practice?Am I making the strides I ought to see?Decision maker, researcher, facilitator, reflective practitioner, effective pedagogue, life saver and friend.Do these foregoing roles personify who I am suppose to be?Hmmm... I am proactive, certainly not reactive. An agent of change who will contribute to this paradigm shift; which will improve literacy rates and revamp teaching and learning in the classroom context. So I will spearhead many interventions but it starts here and now because I am not yet actualized. Critical dissonance is my bus pass and my destination is in view.                                                                                   Poem by Rica KellyUWI student (Future alumna)

poem

sElf ExaMination

to sElf rEalisation

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Remember you can donate to student scholarships 24/7 here.

Page 41: UWI Connect August 2012

happenings

st aUgUstinE* UWI student and star athlete, Jehue Gordon, competed in the finals of the Men’s 400m Olympic Hurdle on Monday,  August 6. Following his spectacular performance in the final race and throughout the games, the campus community has many messages of congratulations, pride, encouragement and support for him.

* UWI partners with the US Embassy to host a lecture by Lieutenant Governor of Florida, Jennifer Carroll, on Thursday, August 9 at 4pm, at the Noor Hassanali Auditorium (formerly the Faculty of Law Auditorium). Lt Gov Carroll will deliver her lecture on the topic, ‘The US elections, Florida and the Caribbean’. This lecture free and open to the public.  

* The UWI officially welcomed and inducted all new students to the St Augustine Campus at its annual Matriculation ceremony held on September 13 at the JFK Quadrangle. All academic, senior administrative and professional staff were invited to participate in the procession.

* The UWI’s Instructional Development Unit (IDU) collaborates with Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited to honour and celebrate teaching excellence at the St Augustine Campus with  The UWI/Guardian Life Premium Teaching Awards. Held every two years, this year’s ceremony is themed  ‘Learning in this Age of Technology: Are You Ready?.  The UWI/Guardian Life Premium Teaching Awards 2012 will be held on 28th September 2012, at 5pm, at the Daaga Auditorium.

* The Community School of the Arts provides quality instruction in various disciplines of the arts to members of the public, particularly children, on Saturdays from September 15 to November 17. Classes being offered include Adventures in Art, Piano, Recorders, Violin, Music Learning Activities, Steel Band, Ball Room Dance, Drumming, Dance, Guitar and Drama. All classes will take place at the DCFA, Gordon Street, St Augustine.

* Current students and staff of The UWI who wish to pursue graduate studies are now eligible for funding via the 2012 Mundus ACP Project. The project provides scholarships to fund graduate studies in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Students and staff

will have access to approximately eight full Master’s scholarships, two scholarships for mobility within doctoral programmes and two academic/ administrative staff scholarships. Grants will consist of a monthly scholarship ranging between 1,000-2,500 Euros, return airfare, health, accident and travel insurance and tuition fees to the host institution, where applicable. Applications must be submitted before October 31.

* The UWI St Augustine Campus hosts its first Research Awards Ceremony to showcase the outstanding work done by researchers at the UWI St. Augustine Campus over the past 3 years. This ceremony is themed ‘Celebrating Excellence in Research’ and is carded for October 3, at 5.30pm, at the Daaga Auditorium.

* The First Year Experience programme is a yearlong experience to help make the orientation and transition to University life a smooth one for all undergraduate and postgraduate UWI students. Some workshops currently taking place are UWI Clicks, The Postgraduate Experience, Study Skills and Career Seminars. Space is limited, so register today at  the Office of Student Advisory Services, for a chance to win padfolios and flash drives.

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Mona* UWI student Hansle Parchment secured the bronze medal during the finals of the men’s 110m hurdles clocking 13.12 seconds on Wednesday, August 8.  Parchment is the first UWI, Mona student to have medaled at the Olympics Games and the first Jamaican to have medaled in the 110M hurdles. 

* Hon Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, became the first female Prime Minister to be inducted into the UWI, Mona Park in Honour of Graduates who are or have been Heads of Government on August 7, during an official induction ceremony.

* Dr Julius Garvey, the son of national hero Marcus Garvey delivered a lecture entitled, ‘The Relevance of Garveyism in Jamaica Today: Fifty Years After Political Independence’ on Saturday, August 18 at the Undercroft, UWI, Mona. The lecture was a part of the 125th Garvey Anniversary (Earthday) celebrations in Jamaica set for August 17-19. * The Caribbean Accreditation

Authority in Medicine and the Health Professions (CAAM-HP) has granted full accreditation to The UWI’s medical programmes for the period 2012-2017. The UWI has gained institutional accreditation as a single School of Medicine programme, following on successful collaboration among the three Faculties at Cave Hill, Barbados, Mona, Jamaica, St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, as well as the Clinical Medical programme in the Bahamas.  

* The Department of Management Studies (DOMS) and The Mona School of Business (MSB) of The University of the West Indies, have merged to become Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) effective August 1, a single business school within the Faculty of Social Sciences. 

* Professor Verene Shepherd, University Director of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at The University of the West Indies (UWI) and Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGPAD), will lead a mission to the United Kingdom from October 1-5. The Mission is designed

to gather first-hand information on the situation of people of African descent in that country. Also participating in the mission are: Chair-Rapporteur; Monorama Biswas (Bangladesh); Mireille Fanon-Mendes-France (France); Mirjana Najcevska (The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and Maya Sahli (Algeria). 

* The University of the West Indies is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Yvette Jackson as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Graduate Studies with effect from August 1, succeeding Professor Ronald Young, who has retired.

A Jamaican, Professor Jackson joined the academic staff at the UWI Mona Campus as Assistant Lecturer in 1983, the year she completed the PhD in Chemistry and has risen through the lecturer ranks until her appointment as Professor of Synthetic Organic Chemistry in 2004. She was Deputy Dean for Student Matters in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences and since 2007 has served with distinction as Coordinator for Graduate Studies and Research, Mona Campus.

happenings

42

Page 43: UWI Connect August 2012

* The launch and inaugural session of the Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF) was held at the UWI, Mona on June 18 and 19 with the aim of identifying practical economic policy to induce sustainable economic growth in the Caribbean. The global financial crisis has compounded the Caribbean situation because of its adverse impact on tourism, remittances, oil prices, export earnings, and foreign investment. Discussions will fall under the overarching themes of competitiveness, entrepreneurship and innovation. The issues include international trade, tourism, human capital, sustainable development, economic convergence, creating a skilled workforce, and improving access to finance.

opEn CaMpUs* This is the fourth year that the Open Campus of The University of the West Indies (UWI) will hold its graduation

ceremony in a UWI country without a traditional campus, but which are served by the institution. The official graduation ceremony for the UWI Open Campus will be held in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis at the St Kitts Marriott Resort in Frigate Bay, on Saturday, October 13, beginning at  10am. At least 720 students will graduate with degrees earned from online, blended and face-to-face programmes offered at over 40 sites in the 16 countries served by the UWI and the Open Campus.

* Krissa Johnny has been selected as the 2012 valedictorian for the The UWI Open Campus St Kitts graduation ceremony. Johnny completed a BEd in Secondary Mathematics Education, while working at her alma mater, St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School.

CavE hill* Professor Betty Jane Punnett, Professor, International Business and Management launched her new book,

Management - a Developing Country Perspective on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. The book explores the issues of development and management in her classes and publications.

* Principal Beckles addressed the 13th biennial Inter-campus Staff Games, which were held from august 10-20, 2012. He extended a special welcome is extended to the Open Campus which is participating in the Staff Games for the first time as a separate campus. He noted that from their inception in 1988, these games have enabled the university community to build stronger relations and form new friendships, while facilitating for many an opportunity to visit a sister campus to sample its uniqueness and the culture of its host country.

happenings

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uwi alumni assoCiation Chapters

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Dominica, Florida, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, New York, St Kitts and Nevis,

St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Toronto, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Washington DC

uwi alumni assoCiation ContaCts

Cave hill CampusTel: 246-417-4544

[email protected]

Contact: Roseanne Maxwell

mona CampusTel: 876-927-1583

[email protected]

Contact: Charmaine Wright

open CampusTel: 876-927-1201

[email protected]

Contact: Daniella Hickling

st augustine CampusTel: 868-663-1579

[email protected]

Contact: Charmain Subero

the university of the west indies viCe

ChanCellor’s presidents Club

(inCludes all Current and former alumni presidents)

CaMpUs ContaCts

Coordinating Office, Alumni Relations, Institutional Advancement Division, UWI Regional Headquarters Please send all submissions, articles and suggestions to [email protected]

Alberta, Asean, Grenada, Guangdong, Guyana, Ottawa,

Suriname, Turks and Caicos Islands