Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

Garfield Higgins (left), student services manager at the UWI's WJC in Montego Bay, St James, chats with students Winston Davis (centre) and Etienne Fraser. - photo by Sheena Gayle

Western Bureau:

With an increase in developments in western Jamaica, the move by the University of the West Indies (UWI) to open its doors to students within the area is being seen as a refreshing addition to academia in Montego Bay, St James.

During the official opening ceremony and dedication of the UWI's Mona Western Jamaica Campus (WJC) in Montego Bay on Saturday, UWI Principal, Professor Gordon Shirley, revealed that it was after years of planning, and seeing a need to complement the region's educational need at the tertiary level, why the decision was made to expand to western Jamaica.

Strategic plan

"We recognised the growing demand for tertiary level educational institutions and the growth and development in western Jamaica. It was also in keeping with our strategic plan why the move to open a facility in Montego Bay was imminent, Professor Shirley stated.

He added that since the institution opened in August, more than 200 students have enrolled at the state-of-the-art facility, which is ideally situated along Queens Drive in the Second City.

Minister of tourism and member of parliament for East Central St James, Edmund Bartlett, lauded the UWI's decision to launch out into the western end of the island.

Bartlett said the introduction of the UWI's western campus would not only benefit the educational contribution to the region, but also create areas of opportunity for many more Jamaicans to contribute to the growth and development prospects of western Jamaica.

sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com