U-Magazine

UMagazine A publication of the UTech Students’ Union | AY 2013/14 - SEM2

CONTENTS STUDENT EXCELLENCE EXECUTIVES REPRESENTATIVES WESTERN CAMPUS DIRECTORS TAG DRIVE THE J.N. WAY REGGAE JAMMIN’ CAMPUS TOUR COLLAGE

06 - 07 08 - 11 12 - 18 19 20 - 21 22 - 25 26 - 27 28 - 29 30 - 31

UTech Students’ Union “To Serve & To Represent” CHIEF IN EDITOR Dwayne Brown Writers Nikesha Miller Tameika Lee Dwayne Brown Proof Readers Dwayne Brown Shanna-Kay Heaven Marsha Holness Robert Grant GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dwayne Brown PHOTOGRAPHY Nikesha Miller Optifusion Media

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EXCELLENCE

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hevaughn Whyte, a twenty one year old UTech student pursuing a Bachelor of Education Degree in Family and Consumer Studies in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, acquired the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in the area of International Achievement while she was in her third year of study. Shevaughn was among the forty five (45) young people between the ages of 15-24 who were recognized on Sunday, March 24, 2013 with the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence at a ceremony held at Emancipation Park. Described by lecturers and peers as a persistent individual and one who believes in excellent performance and action, Shevaughn was selected to represent Jamaica on an international stage at the WorldSkills Americas Competition hosted in Sao Paulo Brazil in November 2012. She rose to the occasion and won a bronze

HIGHLIGHTS

medal in Fashion Technology. The competition hosted over 1,200 competitors from various states in Brazil and countries in the Americas. Upon returning to Jamaica, Shevaughn was nominated for the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in the area of International Achievement.

Shevaughn is humbled to have been selected for this award and expresses much gratitude to everyone who made it possible. Now in the final semester of her final year at UTech, she is doing an excellent job while on Teaching Practice. She does not take any credit for her achievements, she attributes it all to the grace of God.

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Shevaugn Whyte beams with pride as she accepts the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in the International Category from Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, ON, MP

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THEPRESIDENT “An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it…” one of the many quotes that have been used to ensure stability and productivity within the UTech Students’ Union for the Academic Year 2013-2014.

In this publication of the U-Magazine, the Council will briefly inform you our students of the many ways that we have corrected where we and others before us have erred in order to provide a better experience for you.

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ithout introducing myself into the portfolios of the rest of the team, I am proud to say that the UTech Students’ Union has partnered with major brands in Corporate Jamaica for the Academic Year 20132014 and this relationship has brought about positive changes and renovations for the UTech Students’ Union. We would like to take this opportunity now to thank some of our major sponsors who have been with us since the inception of the 20132014 Council, namely: J. Wray and Nephew Ltd. – Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum Pepsi Jamaica Ltd. – Pepsi and Ting Zip 103 FM Reggae Jamminz Red Bull JIS – Jamaica Magazine

We are grateful for the work that has been completed through your contribution and we hope that the relationships forged this academic year will be further enhanced in years to come.

The UTech Students’ Union evaluated the manner with which matters were dealt by the administration and ourselves, whether they were academic, religious, physical, or social, and as such we committed to ensuring that the students’ cries were heard. Through the respective portfolios, the Students’ Union expanded its offerings to include some of the following: Beach Sports, Softball, our annual Religious Concerts, weekly frolics (College Rave Thursdays), and the enhancement of knowledge surrounding Regulations 3 and 5 in the students’ handbook.

The UTech Students’ Union’s Community Service Initiatives

were all successful and we invite our students to participate in our Annual Teach the Youth Program during the Summer Session. We are grateful to those who participated in our Annual Tag Drive and we look forward to seeing you again next year. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Union was not able to host the 5k Run as intended however, we will announce with pride at our Handing Over Ceremony, that which has been reaped for the betterment of our neighboring society.

Representing at the highest levels of the University, we have, together, changed the face of student payments with the halfturn twist this academic year from a 70%-30% requirement to a 30%-70% requirement. We hope that in years to come this will improve to suit our students as we work together to improve

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our systems. Our students’ needs are welcomed from the level of Representatives, passed to Vice Presidents, taken to the College Board, Academic Board, Governance Committees where necessary, and the University’s Council. We have taken great pride and dignity in taking your cries to the administration and results have been forthcoming.

Policies and Procedures cannot be changed in a day but we have started new processes and we have continued and rectified where necessary, the old. I implore you to participate in Union events, attend Mass Meetings, and seek the knowledge you desire through the offices and respective social media pages used for dissemination. We are here for you. The Students’ Union Annual Report will speak in detail to the referenced items.

Please take this as your official invitation to our Handing over Ceremony to be hosted in our newly renovated Students’ Activity Centre (Barn) on April 4, 2014.

Representation beyond Expectations… Endless Service To Serve & To Represent

Greaville Smith -

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THE 1STVP ACADEMIC AFFAIRS The 12th Annual Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA) Conference The office of Academic Affairs represented Jamaican Tertiary Students at the ACHEA conference along with the Minister of Education, Mr. Ronald Thwaites. This conference provided an opportunity to voice various student issues and derive solutions Western Campus Visit(s) During the enrolment/registration period, our President Mr. Greaville Smith and I travelled to the Western Campus on multiple occasions to meet with our fellow students in the west to hear their concerns and issues as it relates to enrolment/ registration. Most of the highlighted issues have been resolved and steps were put in place to evade a reoccurrence.

Enrolment & Registration Extension As it relates to the registration and Enrolment deadline, the division of Academic Affairs lobbied with the University for an extension to facilitate the students and this was approved.

Release of Examination Cards to Students with Unsettled Balances President Greaville and I were adamant that students should be able to sit examinations if they have successfully enrolled and registered. Mr. President conveyed the matter to the University’s Council and I to the University’s Academic Board. Our plight was acknowledged and our suggestion supported. As a result, students with a maximum balance of $30,000/ US300 were allowed to sit examinations.

NO Cheating Campaign In the month of December the division re-launched the continuous no cheating campaign which was in aid of reducing the level of cheating in examinations. With the help of the Academic Affairs committee and the board of representatives Regulation 5 was highlighted. Regulation 5 speaks to academic misconduct. Notices were placed strategically around the campus.

Academic Misconduct Inquiry Panel Meeting and Special Appeal Committee Several Academic Affairs meetings were attended by myself and your Academic Advisor, Mr. Ivan Godfrey. We came under much fire where academic integrity is concerned thus new and innovative approaches such as an improved Know Your Rights (KYR) campaign will be undertaken in the future.

- Jovan Codling

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THE VP PUBLIC RELATIONS

Semester One proved to be a very successful semester for the Public Relations Committee and by extension the Students’ Union Council.

We started off the semester with a public forum themed “Tertiary Education Public Good or Private Investment?” The committee also established and maintained an Information Booth, with the theme; “By-Passing the Red Tape of Bureaucracy”. This information booth was geared at meeting the students more than half way to get information to them as well as to assist them with pertinent issues without the usual “run-arounds” from the University. Mass meetings and emergency mass meetings were held to facilitate students’ discussion on issues affecting us.

The committee was also successful in revitalizing the weekly email updates. Updates included activities and events as well as scholarship openings and so on. A British Parliamentary Debating Workshop was also held for a few weeks and it was widely received by students. After which the Inter-Faculty Debate

Competition was executed. This year for the first time it took the format of British Parliamentary Debating. At the end of the competition, Law emerged the winners. Congratulations to the Faculty of Law! In the month of October, something happened that UTech has never seen, experienced or heard of before. The UTech Students’ Union Online Radio was launched, (Link to Online Radio http://www. myradiostream.com/usuradio). Also remember to like the USU Radio facebook and twitter pages. This initiative incorporated students from various Faculties as DJs, and partnered with BCAT students from FELS. Thanks to all those who assisted in making the project a success and a continuation for Semester Two 2014. Monthly surveys were also carried out by the committee to get feedback from students about the performance of the Students’ Union Council and the services offered.

What to Expect in Semester Two ?

In semester two of the Academic Year 2013/14, expect more grand initiatives that are geared towards student development. Look out for: 1.

Public Speaking Workshops- open to all staff and students of UTech 2.

A Black History Month Celebration. The Committee will be working along ARCM as well as other organizations.

3.

A Speech Competition 4.

Know Your Rights Campaign (KYRC) 5.

UTech Students’ Union Newsletter- The Union The Public Relations Committee however will not be limited to these activities, of course we will continue to keep the student populace informed and entertained.

If you have any questions or comments please, feel free to contact us via email at info@utechstudentsunion.com. Please remember to also check out our facebook and twitter pages and also our website: www.utechstudentsunion.com Have a wonderful and successful semester from the Public Relations Committee!

Delta Wright -

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THE VP FINANCE The biggest questions students ask is What is the Students’ Union doing for me?

Acqusitition of Assets

Since the start of the 2013/14 academic year, the Students’ Union has acquired a variety of assets, ranging from a coffee machine in the Business Office, two (2) washers and one (1) dryer for the Students Laundromat,two (2) banners, tents, tables & chairs.

Items such as tents, tables & chairs were acquired due to the fact that whenever an event is being hosted by the Students’ Union or any other club or society, these item were not readily available and had to be sourced externally. The continuous renting of these items was realized to be very expensive, thus it was deemed necessary for the acquisition. Now any registered club and or society can visit the Students’ Union Business Office and make a request to use them as necessary.

As it relates to transportation, the acquisition of a 2013 Nissan Coaster Bus was initiated. The bus will serve mainly on the Western Campus as students there have no means of transportation, unlike Papine where the University’s fleet is partially available to students. The value of the bus is $7,215,000.00 and the Vehicle maintenance and Upkeep is $1,500,000.00. The bus should be at the Western Campus by March of 2014.

Branded Assets

In an attempt to increase the Students’ Union presence to the students on campus and the wider society we have chosen some Key branded Items to add to our assets log: 2) Feather Banners ($81,000.00) 2) Lit Metal Union Branded Counters for use at our social events ($198,000.00) 1) Lit LED Sign to be used at Union events (sponsored By Doj Marketing) 2) Branded Wray & Nephew and Ting Counters (Sponsored By Wray & Nephew / Ting)

1) Lit LED Dj Face for Use at events (sponsored by Wray & Nephew /Ting 2) pairs of Feather banners for both Western Campuses

Bursaries & Grants

Grants, Bursaries and Scholarships help students to pay for their education while at UTech. This Academic Year the budget was increased by $500,000 per semester to allow student bursaries.

Even with this increase, the cry from the students forced the Council to bend the budget even more and provide an additional amount of $700,000. With the aid of our VP Student Services, Mr Oshane Hall the semester one bursary total was $3,150,000. As it relates to Scholarships, all were increased by $20,000, the total value of each Students’ Union Scholarship this year is $130,000.

- Delroy Stennett

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THE EXECUTIVESECRETARY The year has been a successful one thus far as it relates to the Students’ Union Business office. The Permanent Secretaries (Mrs. Lucille Dixon, Ms. Loriann Letts and Mr. Bertram Duahaney) and I have been working assiduously to ensure that the Business Office operates not only effectively, but efficiently.

A Nescafe coffee machine was installed in order to increase the funds available to students for bursaries and other forms of assistance. Seating was also made available to allow students/ visitors to be more comfortable as they conduct business at the office.

The Executive Secretary’s portfolio also entails ensuring that the Students’ Union is well represented in the Orientation period as well as hosting ceremonies. As a result, the Students’ Union had a beautifully decorated and informative booth at Orientation 2013.

The Annual Teach The Youth Opening ceremony as well as a Closing ceremony for the extremely successful programme was hosted. A launch was also held for the Annual Tag Drive initiative which allowed sponsors as well as beneficiaries to exchange thoughts and express their appreciation.

Anelia Nelson -

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THE CARIBBEAN SCHOOL OF

ARCHITECTUREREP The first semester experienced by students at the Caribbean School of Architecture was one that strongly encouraged school/student comradery. This is because our school celebrated 25 years since its establishment in 1988. Since last semester the Students’ Representative Committee moved towards cementing comradery in the students by hosting the inaugural (ArchiCUPZ Drinkup- Integrative Edition) on August 31. This was a successful event as our new students were well integrated with the returning, and our new international students felt more comfortable outside of their respective territories.

Our Brother/Sister Programme has been a cut above the rest, with our second year Architecture Students paving the way for the new students, and consequently other years has shed some light of experience on the path of younger students.

In addition to this, the Students’ Representative Committee played host to our Architecture Symposium which was an inaugural event that sought to make students more cognizant of the future development happening directly around them. Our MP Andre Hilton made a wonderful presentation on the future development of the Papine Square to the “University Town,” an area set aside solely for communal and social gatherings for tertiary students traversing the vicinity.

Evidently, our wings of representation has been spreading widely as now we have cemented greater relations with the Member of Parliament. An informative and substantial event it was as students are now knowledgeable of the new developments presently happening within the Papine vicinity which were parts of the plans laid out by the Member of Parliament.

As this our 25th Anniversary, we are having a year filled with of activities and already, manifested under the Academic Administration of the school are, CSA’s Cake cutting ceremony, CSA’s Open House, and other small entertaining activities. We will continue to work as a student body in collaboration with the Academic Staff in sealing this year as one of the most memorable years of CSA’s history.

We plan on spanning the wings of our representation even wider this semester and to ensure that all students experience an exemplary year under the CSA parasol. Look out for our CSA week of events, and our school’s major event at the Student Activity Centre.

Just remember, they all know everything about one thing, but Architects know a little about everything!!!

- Andrew Blackwood

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THE SHTMREP (acting) 2013 was not very successful for SHTM in the sense of milestone accomplishments. A significant portion of time allotted was spent mending what was once a disjoined faculty busting with a wide array of talents and personalities but lacking vision and leadership.

I’m happy to report that after months of hard work and dedication we are now standing/ working together as one engine, (no pun intended) and a fine-tuned one indeed.

With this new found unity and drive we intend to approach 2014 empowered to venture beyond the box and to shift the status quo. With that said Let me take the time to recap SHTM 2013 and/or reiterate where needs be.

In 2013 our ventures were few but successful including but not limited to the following: • “SHTM SOCIAL” was successfully held at the green house on the 27th of September. We only had one (1) issue with the event, we didn’t get the full support from students of the faculty because of a strike the Universitys Staff.

• On the 7th of November”SHTM Car” Wash was held at the UTech Students’ Activity Center (Barn). Due to the weather we didn’t get the full support as projected.

By the grace of God, the support of the Union and the hard work of the dedicated SHTM team the remainder of the academic year will be filled with excellence!

Shawna Kay James -

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THE BUILDINGREP The past semester has proved to be a successful one in the eyes of the SBLM Students’ Representative committee. A lot of energy and time was pumped in as an effort to ensure that all objectives were properly planned and executed for the first half of the tenure. Believe me when I say there were obstacles that were set up to make us fail, but we believe that success is not gained by whether or not obstacles are faced, but by the way we react to these obstacles as they come along. We made every effort possible to label the interests of the “Building Massive” as a priority objective as it is our job to cater to their academic, spiritual, entertainment and cultural development.

In order to cater to the holistic development for our students we went ahead and invested our valuable time and efforts in small and large fundraising ventures, all of which were profitable. These included daily sales of snacks, drinkups, Dutch Auction, Building Sports Day and a party called “Inches”. Often times the religious students in the faculty are put in the dark but as fore-mentioned, all students’ interest must be catered for. So we went ahead and hosted a religious “Rap Session”. All these events helped to foster a desired bond among students from the faculty.

The work is not yet complete for there is more to be done in the second half of my tenure.

We promise to continue do what we are doing and improve in the areas where we are weak. However I beg all students from SBLM to generate a relationship with the SBLM Students’ Representative Committee so that our work that includes serving you will be optimized. May I extend prosperity for the path you will travel for the year and I pray that you will put God before whatever you do.

Darrian McGhanan -

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THE SOBAREP Despite the ups and downs of this seemingly roller-coaster ride, called Semester 1, the SOBA/JDSEEL Student Representative Committee managed to complete the ride successfully. The students were put first and our aim was to cater to their holistic development as well as to solve their issues before and as they fall due.

A pro-active approach was the order of the day and with the support of proper planning and forecasting we were able to hold it together even during the most terrifying periods.

We managed to make it to all the inter-faculty sports finals (male football, female football, volley ball), however we finished second in all those events.

We also managed to host two profitable fund raising parties (Red Light Green Light and College Xplosion). As mentioned earlier we wanted to cater to the holistic development of our students, hence, on October 25, 2013 we held the committee’s first ever religious forum. We also engaged in volunteerism, on December 12, 2013 we conducted voluntary service at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre.

This is only the half way mark, the journey does not end here. In the words of popular reggae artiste Buju Banton “its not a easy road….” So we must continue to work hard and continue to serve the students as best as we can. Despite the fact that we may get weary and the path may get dark we must remember the words of Rabindranath Tagore “night’s darkness is a bag that bursts with the gold of dawn”

- Cory Phidd

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THE SCITREP

The Office of the SCIT Students’ Representative worked diligently in bringing to our constituents a sense of loyalty and pride. As such several activates were held.

The Semester 1 activities included: 1. SCIT’s FIRST YEAR SOCIAL September 26, 2013 2. SCIT’s LAN Party October 31, 2013 3. ALGORIDDIM October 5, 2013 Other measures were taken where a clothing line called SCIT Apparel was created. This clothing line includeed: 1.

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SCIT Jerseys ($2000) SCIT T-Shirts ($1200) Armbands ($400) Oxford Shirts ($1800) SCIT Jackets ($3500)

SCIT Mentorship Program

One of the main aims of the Student Representative is the education and awareness of the students. As such we initiated a mentorship program for those students who had challenges with the module Programming 1 and 2. The Mentorship Program was launched on October 1st 2013 and continues for semester 2. If you need help, just visit the SCIT Students’ Representative Office

and help will be given.

We urge our students to keep themselves updated with all the activities that are happening in the school. Please like our Facebook pages SCIT Info, SCIT Social, and SCIT Jobs.

Sports

We would like to congratulate all our athletes who participated and represented the school in the different interfaculty sporting activities. We truly are grateful for you and we encourage other students to come, get involved and participate. This semester look out for Cricket, Basketball, Track and Field, and Cheerleading competitions. If you are interested, please visit the SCIT Students’ Representative Office.

- Monique Chen

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THEINTERNATIONAL STUDENTSREP I, Cole DeBique was given the opportunity to sit on the UTech Students’ Union Council 2013-2014 as the International Students’ Representative, with a mandate to be the bridge between the University of Technology Jamaica (UTech), UTech Students’ Union and International Students. To Aid any and all International students with pertinent issues that may impede their stay/experience/performance while here at UTech and by extension Jamaica. Expose the culture and heritage of all international students to each other and to the local student body. Now Semester one is in retrospective, while Semester two is in prospective.

Semester one

In retrospect, dating from August 18th to present to say everything was and is well would be a lie, but guess what?

There is nothing without struggles.

Taking on new challenges which deviates from a set template, took strength, courage, and support from the council members and my executive team and also the international students population/family. The agreement s and disagreements were the real battles in the planning phase, yet at the end there was an execution which showed success. In the midst of it all we overcame and conquered most obstacles so that we could forward. As we move forward, I want to look back and say, “THANK YOU for the help and support!”

Semester two prospects

Like an arrow we looked back so we could propel forward. Hence, let the good works continue as progression is the way forward although it had never stopped.

Lookout for greater happenings this semester: Community service (Charity/ outreach), Church visits and Events outings, the refurbishing of the front field mural, International day, International Soca Carnival Glow, A Special Project and development, Elections and Handing Over Ceremony. “This is not a journey, because every journey ends!” Richard Stevens. This semester I also look forward to stronger team support and bond as we do this with fun, love and laughter, yet we mean serious business.

Team work makes the dream works!

- Cole Debique

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COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCESREP

Semester 1 started August 26, 2013, and who knew that it would have ended so quickly?

After thirteen (13) long weeks of hard work and activities there is much to look back on and say thanks.

Accomplishments

Last semester we had events that started with Red Light Green Light, collaboration with the School of Business Administration. The collaboration was great and with the College and the School working together, our first event was a success. This event was followed by our mass devotion held on October 10, 2013. The devotion was themed ‘Shake off the Intoxication of Compromise’.

The devotion was a great one with many persons leaving with a blessed feeling. Also, as an accomplishment the interest for the sporting department was also stepped up at the beginning of the semester which was an objective my committee members and myself had set out to do. Sporting gears and rehydration fluids were provided for the athletes that participated in our activities. In everything we do we do in the presence of health and safety.

Our College was equipped with a water cooler that was serviced to ensure it no longer plays the role of a piece of furniture but the role of a water cooler to the College

populace. We were also, equipped with new notice boards around our College. Semester 1 was a great semester for the College of Health Sciences.

Challenges

The semester came with a few disappointments and mishaps, but through it all, we continued to slither carefully with eyes preying like an eagle getting ready to attack and using all opportunities in our favour just like the Cobra we represented. Some of our challenges came in the form of our students facing difficulties in the registration period, having adequate access to computer labs, equipped rooms for classes and also finding enough space for our students to sit when they are outside of the classroom.

Outlook for Semester 2

Our outlook for semester 2 will entail the first Jersey Day and first staging of Miss COHS. Looking forward to this event to be a successful one, that will be used to set the stage for many more Miss COHS competitions to come. Also, we will be having our Splash Car Wash and Experiment with this year’s theme being the ‘Continued Edition’. And right after Experiments we will be challenged by the other faculties, as we seek and will be defending our title as the Winners of the

Shayon Palmer -

Cheerleading competition for yet another year, and many years to come. Our College will be hosting the above fund-raising activities and also, will be having cake sales. These will be in the aid to accomplish all that we have planned for our semester 2 and to definitely, hold our head high like the Cobra, about to give our deadliest attack. Let’s get ready and attack together.

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#INSTA-FETE

OUTREACH

CA MP US

A college experience beyond any other, having over 600 patrons at Pier1, none could say “it neva shot.” With all the lights and glamour, thanks to Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum, the night was “Turned UP!”

The West Council adopted the Blessed Assurance Mustard Seed Children Home. A grand day was spent with the children. They were greeted with love from each Council member that was present.

TAG DRIVE

W ES TE RN

The event you dare not miss. Once again was nothing but a huge success. Students were out for all events for this week of activities. Nothing was left short of anything

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ELECTORAL - CHEVAN CASSELLS Clubs and societies were the main focus in Semester One with the aim of getting more clubs and societies registered, more involved in the students’ life and vice-versa as well as assisting them where possible to accomplish their targets. The Disciplinary Committee was formulated to handle relevant situation(s) if they emerged within the Students’ Union Council. No major event was held under this portfolio in the first semester but the second semester will be dissimilar with multiple activities. Clubs and Societies Day will take place in the Sculpture Park on January 30, 2014 (proposed date), Students’ Union Election on March 20, 2014 and Clubs and Societies Elections. I am asking each and every student to be involved in these activities as well as other Students’ Union activities to be held. Be free to contact me via email elections@ utechstudentsunion.com about any clubs and societies, electoral and disciplinary issues.

SPORTS - URIEL WILLIAMS The academic year 2013/14 for sports was expected to be a very exciting year and filled with new challenges and rivalries. The semester one sporting activities went well with Fusion (Dorm) winning the male football title for the third time running and the Faculty of Science & Sport winning the female football title.

Foss also won the netball crown with all events offering excitement and thrill to the students.

Second Semester will see the track and field gurus, basketball players, cricketers, cheerleaders, swimmers and softball players displaying their skills to the University.

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SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SHANIQUE FRANCIS

The Spiritual Development Committee 2013/2014 planned and executed its first major event for the academic year, Salvation PhD featuring Perpetual Praise. The event Perpetual Praise is usually held within the first semester and Salvation PhD is usually held second semester however the committee combined the events for the first time. The event had a good turn out which was due to committee members assistance with promotion at different institutions such as UWI-Mona, Short Wood Teacher’s College and Mico University College. As usual the Perpetual Praise team delivered a great performance and they brought friends such as: Papa San and Ryan Mark. Other events and initiatives that were executed by the portfolio included: the Students’ Union Prayer Breakfast, Love & Religion Arts in the Park, and Spiritual Development Committee online Feedback form. Events on the line up for semester 2 includes: West Praise and Praise in the Park.

COMMUNITY SERVICE JEROME GRAHAM Community Services is on a high on campus with students still talking about our events thus far. Teach the youth outreach programme which benefitted 5 communities: Kintyre , August Town, Tavern, Highlight View, and Sandy Park. The initiative for its 12th staging was a major success an set the pace for all other events for the Students’ Union on a whole, we were well sponsored this year and this was evident, the programme ran for the period July 8-26 2013 under the theme “Creating A Positive Impact on The Youths for Tomorrow.” All remedial classes were done for Math, English Language, Science, and Social Studies and the results were good. With that said we started the new academic year in high sprit this was channeled into our next event tag drive 2013 and promotion and registration was on high.

We break the record this year for number of participants, number of buses and funds collected. The initiative was done in the aim of assisting the Salvation Army School for the blind. The tag drive week of events was from Nov 10th -16th 2013. The week was filled with activities including jerk day and a celebrity dutch auction, Corperate drive then culminated in the rural drive and after party which was a major success.

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TAG DRIVE 2013

The University of Technology (UTech) Students’ Union launched this year’s Tag Drive with a full week of events starting from November 10 – 16 which was fully supported by the students attending the institution.

T

ag drive began 53 years ago when it was first known as “Cast Your Bread upon the Waters”.

It is a community service programme that focuses on raising funds to assist charities such as the Jamaican Association for Intellectual Disabilities, the Salvation Army School for the Blind and the Jamaica Juvenile Corrections Centre. The UTech’s Students’ Union puts on this event annually and uses it as a means by which members of the school community are able to put their time and effort into something that is meaningful and most importantly beneficial to the less fortunate of the society..

This year’s sponsors included Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Wray and Nephew White Overproof Rum, Reggae Jammins’, Supreme Ventures Limited, PepsiCola Jamaica Bottling Company Limited (Pepsi and Ting), Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Zip 103FM, and Crown Packaging; their sponsorship efforts can be

seen on the T-shirts that were worn by the students.

The week started off with allowing the students to sign up for the Corporate and Rural drives which would occur on the last two days of the week’s event, Friday November 15 and Saturday November 16.

‘Toll Day’ was the second event that took place where members were present at all entrances collecting donations towards the event. Jerk Day also occurred on day two which was fully supported by the students.

Day three commenced with the Tag Fashion Show where style and fashion dominated the runway as students from different faculties competed to be the most fashionable.

Celebrity D u t c h auction took place on day four as the excitement grew; artistes such as

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Franchize, Sainer and Loyal Famez, Bones were present.

The campus drive occurred on day 5 where classes ended at 12 noon and the donations began, the students all gathered to drive out to the Corporate areas such as New Kingston, Half-Way Tree, Downtown Kingston, Spanish Town, Constant Spring, Cross Roads and Duhaney Park.

The final day rolled around where the island-wide drive would begin. Thirteen (13) buses from the Papine Campus and two from the Western campus ventured out as early as 6 am the morning to the 14 different parishes targeted .

The main routes were: Negril, Montego-Bay, May Pen, Portland, Falmouth, St. Thomas and Ocho Rios.

The day’s activities concluded with an after party that took place in Ocho Rios at Pearly Beach where everyone came in from all over the island to attend. They had a bar that was well supported by the patrons and the DJ’s brought the vibe as the females danced the stresses of the day away.

One student attested to fruitfulness of the week of events she participated in. She stated that she travelled to various parishes she has never been before after which she headed to the after party in Ocho Rios. She stated “It was a great experience;

the cross country tour was good but unwilling givers frustrated her at times but it was a good experience nevertheless, the after party was awesome.

Another student from the Faculty of Science and Sport also praised the event, it was her first time attending and travelled on a bus to Montego Bay, she stated “My experience was one of a kind for my first time, going into the streets and asking random persons for money was a bit challenging at first. Then, seeing others made me feel more comfortable. When people give it provides a great feeling because I know the money will be going to children who are needy. The after party was pretty relaxing and it felt great to see everyone enjoying themselves after carrying out a day’s worth of good deed.”

The year’s event proved to be a very successful one as each event was successful, it garnered a lot of supporters from students and outsiders and the charities that will be benefitting are also extremely grateful.

Nikesha Miller

r b e v i r D Tag

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T

he annual Tag Drive brought, an array of fundraising activities beginning with registration where students contributed $100.00 to be registered to the National Rural Drive and after party. Details for the week of events are as follows:

income

DETAILS

FIGURE(S)

iture d n e p x E DETAILS FIGURE(S)

Registration

$100, 600

Toll Day Corporate Day Rural Drive

$31, 528 $59, 592 $561, 024

Tag Fashion (Gate)

$15, 450

Tag Fashion (Bar) Celebrity Dutch Auction

$12, 450 $19, 000

Jerk Day/Car Wash

$56, 380

Pearly Beach Permit + $30, 000 + $15, 000 Travelling Miscellaneous

Registration (Jerk Day)

$13, 910

Miscellaneous

$3, 500

After Party (Jerk)

$53, 000

Portable Restrooms

$15, 000

After Party (Bar)

$67, 000

Ice + Counters

DETAILS

FIGURE(S)

WEST Registration

$9, 000

Jerk Day

$44, 000

Rural Drive (Tins outstanding- 30)

$24, 180

N/A N/A N/A Miscellaneous (Saine, Bones, Loyal Flamez) Miscellaneous (Police) Miscellaneous

DETAILS

---$8, 000 $9, 000 $10, 000

$12, 000 + $10, 000 FIGURE(S)

n w o d k a e r

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DETAILS Slushy Sales

FIGURE(S)

DETAILS

FIGURE(S)

$36, 108

SPONSORSHIP Pepsi (Products)

$150, 000

Wray & Nephew (Products)

$150, 000

Supreme Ventures

$50, 000

SUB- TOTAL

$ 1, 203, 222

T

he figure, “SUB-TOTAL” aforementioned does not reflect the total sum of cash generated during Tag Drive but what is actually lodged and/or accounted for. The total figure is being withheld due to the acquisition of foreign currency, torn/damaged money and outdated coins which require these being converted at the Bank of Jamaica. The council estimates that this value will not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) given the volume of copper pennies (.5c and .25c) collected with the few foreign bills.

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JN Helping Young People to “Find a W.A.Y” “JN W.A.Y” is an acronym for “Wise Aspiring Youth,”

I

F Jamaica is going to achieve “developed country status by 2030,” as proposed in the National Vision Statement, then young Jamaicans urgently need to acquire better money management skills, to contribute to the viability of the financial and productive sectors,” says Denise Gocul, Marketing Operations & Special Projects Manager at Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

Conscious of this national target and the need to prepare “future leaders”, Jamaica National has consistently supported financial literacy programmes to influence young Jamaicans to enhance their appreciation for money management.

“Our signature School Savers Programme, established in 2001, in approximately 840 primary and high schools across the island, assists in cultivating the habit of saving from a tender age,” Miss Gocul stated.

To build on the Society’s legacy of facilitating the financial literacy of young people, the JN Group Marketing, Sales & Promotions team has developed a new programme, the “JN W.A.Y”, targeting young people between the ages of 12 to 35 years, Ms. Gocul explained.

She said that the “JN W.A.Y”, an acronym for “Wise Aspiring Youth,” will be an umbrella programme, to include the JN School Savers Programme and the recently established Youth Ambassador Programme, labelled ‘iRep JN’.

Under the School Savers Programme, students at the tertiary level can open a savings account, with as little as $500. Five students studying in the area of Architecture, Building and Land Management,

“We want young people to know that Jamaica National is a place that is comfortable and friendly for them” - Jason McNeish, JNBS Youth Marketing & Digital Media Officer.

U-MAGAZINE | 29 who have a JN account, have a chance to gain a one-year JNBS scholarship, once they have a minimum grade point average of 3.3 and participate in extracurricular activities.

Applications for scholarships should be made directly to the Financial Aid Office at The University of Technology, Jamaica.

College students with JNBS accounts may also access a 20% discount on driving lessons from the Jamaica Automobile Association.

“We want young people to know that Jamaica National is a place that is comfortable and friendly for them,” said Jason McNeish, JNBS Youth Marketing & Digital Media Officer. “That is why 25 iRep Youth Ambassadors were selected in September 2013 from ten participating educational institutions.”

The Ambassadors promote JN Group products and services among their peers. “The reception has been great on campus,” said Sean Castle, a UWI Law student and JN Youth Ambassador. “We continue to receive a lot of questions about the JN educational loan and its online banking services.”

The Society, under the JN W.A.Y programme, has already sponsored organisations such as The UWI Marketing Association competitions, The UWI/ UTECH championships, the Intercollegiate Basketball League and other events, Ms. Gocul stated.

And, the Marketing Operations and Special Projects Manager maintained that by assisting today’s students to be financially literate augurs well for the productive sector, and ultimately, the country’s economic future.

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REGGAE JAMMIN’CAMPUS TOUR

L

ove freeness? Well you missed it on Thursday February 13, 2014 at the Students’ Activity Centre (Barn). FREE burgers, FREE hot dogs, FREE jerk chicken and FREE photos were just a click away!!!

All you had to do was “like” the Reggae Jammins page on Facebook and that’s it!!! They gave away tickets to get either of the free foods as well as a photo with friends or by yourself in the photo booth.

ZIP 103 FM was on location to broadcast the event live. The event was hosted by ZJ Bambino and ZJ Chrome was the resident DJ. Popular dancehall artistes Agent Sasco and Wayne Marshall also offered live performances which was well received by the students.

Six young chefs had the chance to showcase their skills at culinary arts in one of the two rounds of burger cook offs. The guest judges included popular Chef Jamaican Brian Lumley, the owner of 689 Restaurant.

Dance and jingle competitions were a part of the day’s agenda and there were also lots of prizes and giveaways.

R

eggae Jammin’ started their series of campus tours here at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

As one of the main sponsors of the Students’ Union, the day was Legendary! Students were out in their numbers and enjoyed hot dogs and free burgers.

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