UTech, Jamaica 60th Anniversary Newspaper Supplement

Special Advertisement 3 THE DAILY OBSERVER SUNDAY JULY 22, 2018 twitter.com/jamaicaobserver www.jamaicaobserver.com As the University of Technology, Jamaica celebrates its Diamond Anniversary, the theme “Pioneering Past, Bright Future” reflects the sentiments of the Jamaican people who are proud of its record of achievement and look forward with confidence in its capacity to meet the challenges of the future. Jamaica owes a debt of gratitude to the outstanding educators and administrators who have guided the growth and successes of this institution over six decades. UTech, Ja. has its roots in the Jamaica Institute of Technology established in 1958 and incorporated as the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) in 1959. Jamaica had then embarked on a major transformation of the economy with the addition of two modern sectors – manufacturing and mining. The then Premier Norman Manley was among the earliest leaders in the developing world to appreciate the critical role of technological capacity in the building of a modern economy. And it was his vision that guided the establishment of CAST as the tertiary institution for graduates of the upgraded technical high schools island wide. The role of CAST as a technological institute was to provide the specialisation and technical knowledge required in the labour force serving the new modern sectors of the economy. In the first decade of its existence, the graduates of CAST established their capacity to provide the technological expertise required in mining and manufacturing to help modernise the economy. Their engineers, entrepreneurs, construction managers, hospitality professionals and Information Technology experts were sought after and guaranteed employment even before graduation. The period since the transition to the University of Technology, Jamaica in 1995 has been one of sustained growth. The institution which started with just over fifty students and four programmes in 1958 is now an internationally recognised university with a student population of over 12,000 and over 100 programmes. More recently, it has also become acquired an enviable reputation as a ‘factory’ for World Class Athletes. Jamaica’s prospects for sustained economic growth and the building of a globally competitive economy are tied up with the future of the University of Technology, Jamaica. There is no other institution with the mandate to take the lead in the education and training of a labour force with the requisite technological capacity. The world is changing rapidly and The University of Technology, Jamaica has a major role to play if Jamaica is to place itself in the vanguard of change. Let me invite the Jamaican people to celebrate with you on the achievement of this major milestone, as we all look forward to an even greater contribution to Jamaica’s development. Peter D. Phillips Leader of the Opposition Helping to Modernise Jamaica’s Economy I heartily express my congratulations to the University of Technology on this significant occasion, as I thank the organization for the active partnership it has maintained for 60 years, as a key stakeholder in the development of tertiary education in Jamaica. Its achievements, while delivering to more than 12,000 students annually, over 90 programmes at the certificate, diploma and degree levels through it'sfive faculties and three colleges, have not gone unnoticed. I further celebrate with you the theme being used to observe this significant milestone, ` “Pioneering Past; Bright Future”. It demonstrates that the University of Technology has realized its critical role as an institution of higher learning, as a key player in the development and growth of our economy. There is also the need to equip our students with the requisite knowledge and skills to help Jamaica at this critical juncture, realize its 2030 vision of a developed country. Higher education is a very important aspect of human development. It is an avenue for economic and social growth. It also underpins the possibility of economic competitiveness. As we move to celebrate your 60thAnniversary, this should not only be used as a time to reflect on activities and achievements of the past, but we should also use the opportunity to measure achievements in the present, and plan for the future. Through the fostering of a culture of excellence, the University of Technology has added even more prestige to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. It is my prayer that this institution will continue to transmit an extraordinary light into its immediate and worldwide communities. May God continue to bless your noble institution. Best wishes for a successful year of planned activities and for the future. Senator The Honourable Ruel Reid, CD Minister of Education, Youth and Information Fostering a Culture of Excellence