The University of Technology, Jamaica Press, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, officially launched a text authored by social entrepreneur, Dr. Henly Morgan OD titled, “My Trench Town Journey: Lessons from Social Entrepreneurship and Community Transformation for Development Leaders, Policy Makers, Academics and Practitioners.” The text presents principles for integrating and improving societies and economies from a global perspective, informed by the author’s lived experiences.
Promoting ‘A Whole-Person’ Education
In his welcome at the launch ceremony, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica, congratulated Dr. Henley Morgan for contributing to critical national dialogue through his text. “It certainly presents a social enterprise approach to community development,” Dr. Brown said. “As Jamaica’s national STEM university, UTech shares in this concern for sustainable and inclusive development. The ideas advanced in this book align closely with our work and reinforce the role of universities as partners in national development” he added.
Further underscoring the connection between the developmental approaches explored in the book and UTech’s vision, the President pointed out that the institution promotes entrepreneurship across all disciplines and operates one of the Caribbean’s largest startup incubators, the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), which has supported more than 300 technology startups.
Dr. Brown also emphasised the importance of balancing entrepreneurship with service, noting that all students complete a 40-hour volunteer service programme as a requirement for graduation. “We want them to leave here not only technically competent, but well-rounded and humanitarian in their approach to life,” he said.
A “Seminal Piece of Work” from the UTech, Ja Press
Dr. Paul Ivey, Associate Vice President, School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship and Manager of the UTech, Ja Press, described the publication as a “seminal piece of work” in the Press’ catalogue. Dr. Ivey, who also wrote the epilogue for the book, mentioned that the text is one of a kind, declaring, “Jamaica needs this book…the world needs this book!” Highlighting the unique combination of personal narrative and rigorous analysis in the textual presentation, Dr. Ivey stated that Dr. Morgan’s publication is an “autobiography conjoined with scholarship.”
Reflecting on the author’s advocacy for asset-based community in his UTech, Ja 60th Anniversary distinguished lecture in 2018, Dr. Ivey further congratulated Dr. Morgan for providing a blueprint for policymakers, students and practitioners to further the action on social entrepreneurship and community development.
The newly launched book by Dr. Morgan is among the twelve titles published by the UTech Press since its establishment in 2018.
A Call for a “Revolution” in Social Entrepreneurship
Keynote Speaker Mrs. Michelle Chong, Founder, Honey Bun (1982) Limited and Chairman, Honey Bun Foundation, in her address challenged entrepreneurs to become a part of a “revolution” for change through impactful social entrepreneurship.
Amidst growing concerns about global instability exacerbated by climate change and economic disruptions, Mrs. Chong urged young people to “go into businesses that serve a nation and solve problems,” noting, “That is what true entrepreneurship is.” Continuing, she stated, “We need a revolution and I want to plant the seeds for a revolution…this is very important for Jamaica…it is critical because of all the things that are happening in the world.”
Reflecting on lessons she learnt throughout her philanthropic journey, Mrs. Chong urged Jamaicans to change their perspectives about marginalized communities. “Each of those boys, each of those girls has a personality. We need to spend time listening to them, understanding their passions. When they find their passion, they will fulfill their lives in a way that serves the business and creates new communities,” she concluded.
Intellectual Property as the Main Commodity
In his address, Dr. Henley Morgan spoke candidly about the journey that shaped the book and plans for the monetization of the Agency for Inner-city Renewal (AIR), his non-governmental organization based in TrenchTown. Since its establishment in 2007, AIR has undertaken several social intervention projects, including the development of JaMin Studio and Business Outsourcing Solutions (BOS), providing skills training and employment opportunities in the music and manufacturing industries to citizens of TrenchTown.
Dr. Morgan explained that individuals must understand that their intellectual ideas are meaningful and valuable assets. “The main weapon you have—the main commodity in transforming communities—is intellectual property,” he stated.
Expounding on the emotional toll of confronting inequality and vulnerability throughout his own social entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Morgan noted, “I am moved by driving on the street and seeing someone in need,” further noting that, “The heart of the problem is a problem of the heart.” He stated that compassion for humans and advocacy for human dignity go hand in hand with community development. He stressed that his presence in TrenchTown was never performative. “I didn’t go there as a businessman. I went there to learn from them,” he explained.
Dr. Morgan also challenged Jamaica’s economic structure and concentration of wealth. “Ten percent at the top control eighty percent of the wealth. Are you ready for a revolution? It’s a bloodless revolution—a change of heart and of the mind,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Dr. Morgan announced the March 11th relaunch of the JaMin Music Institute which has been expanded to what he describes as, “the most technologically savvy teaching studio in the Caribbean.” He noted that the facility will now function to train and certify the next generation of music engineers and entrepreneurs. He also revisited a challenge he first issued in 2018, urging UTech to become a “social enterprise university” that not only teaches the discipline but models it institutionally.
The book is available for purchase at UTech, Jamaica Press, 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 and online at Amazon and BookFusion.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
Corporate Communications Unit
University of Technology, Jamaica
237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Tel: (876) 927-1680-8 Ext: 2299
Cell: (876) 818-5893
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm
