Shaneve Alberga, a final year BACAT student, proudly poses beside her project, ‘Pixels and Playgrounds’ during the final year BACAT Media Exhibition held on May 2, 2025, at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.
Media Magnified, the annual capstone showcase hosted by the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) programme, in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, University of Technology, Jamaica, was held on May 2, 2025 at the Shared Facilities Building, Papine campus. The event brought together students, faculty, special guests, and virtual attendees to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and innovation of the 2025 graduating cohort.
Co-hosted by final-year students Rajae Noble and Nishka Noble, the event featured a dynamic “media maze,” an open-air exhibition space that showcased a wide range of student-led capstone projects under the theme Creative Minds in Focus.
Professor Shermaine Barrett, Acting Deputy President and Provost delivers greetings at the BACAT final year media exhibition.
Delivering greetings at the exhibition, Professor Shermaine Barrett, Acting Deputy President and Provost acknowledged the significant workload students manage in their final year, including capstone projects, practicums, and planning the showcase itself.
She noted that Media Magnified is “an opportunity to see the creativity of our students” and for the students to “enjoy the fruits of their hard labour.” Prof. Barrett who is former Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, applauded the cohort for organizing the event without financial assistance from the faculty, recognizing that it as an unprecedented milestone. “It’s not just about raising funds for yourself; that’s another skill that you would have in your pocket,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and urging students to view such experiences as valuable preparation for careers in both media and the public service.
Professor Barrett also underscored UTech, Jamaica’s broader mission of producing “work-ready graduates,” highlighting how Media Magnified serves as a prime example of applied learning in action.
Dr. Granville Pitter, Acting Vice Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies addresses the gathering comprising students, parents, members of faculty and staff at the BACAT final year media exhibition.
Dr. Granville Pitter, Acting Vice Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies congratulated the students for their exceptional independence and entrepreneurial spirit, and commended them for the history making feat of for organizing and executed their capstone showcase without requesting financial assistance from the faculty.
Dr. Pitter underscored the unique value of the BACAT programme, pointing to its strong integration of theory and hands-on experience. “Throughout your four years, you’ve been immersed in a curriculum that merges academic rigor with real-world application,” he said, affirming the programme’s commitment to preparing students for both the local and global job market.
He recognized the guidance provided by faculty members including Mr. Joshua Paul, Mrs. Kerry- Anne Smith-McIntosh, and Programme Director, Mr. Andrew Smith, whose leadership helped shape the cohort’s success.
Dr. Pitter encouraged the future graduates to view their capstone work not just as a final assignment, but as a bold declaration of their readiness to lead, innovate, and make a difference. “Your achievements are not only a reflection of your hard work and determination but also a beacon of what is possible when creative minds are truly focused,” he asserted.
Mr. Michael Lavallee, Public Affairs Attaché, U.S. Embassy in Jamaica delivers greetings during the BACAT final year media exhibition.
Mr. Michael Lavallee, Public Affairs Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica in his greetings commended the BACAT class of 2025 for their creativity and resilience in completing their studies. Reflecting on his own journey from journalism to diplomacy, Mr. Lavallee emphasized the transformative power of storytelling and the responsibility that comes with working in media. “Journalism isn’t just a job; it’s a service,” he said. “It’s a front-row seat to the human experience, and when you tell the truth with clarity and courage, you can change lives.”
He encouraged the students to lean into their roles as future journalists, creatives, strategists, and public servants, reminding them of the profound influence they can have on society. “You hold enormous power, the power to inform, influence, and inspire, to build trust, not division; hope, not doubt and connected instead of despair,” he said. He cautioned the students that “With that power also comes responsibility. You must speak with integrity and listen with empathy.”
Message from Programme Director
Mr. Andrew Smith, Programme Director for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BCAT) programme congratulates final year students during their final year media exhibition.
Mr. Andrew Smith, Programme Director for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BCAT) programme, in his remarks, recognized the students for their perseverance, recalling how many of them began their studies online during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by the students, he congratulated them on their perseverance and determination in reaching this milestone, “I first met them online in Zoom, teaching them photography via Zoom in the midst of the pandemic.”
Highlighting the nature of the programme, Mr. Smith emphasized its strong “hands-on” focus, which culminated in over 49 self-funded capstone projects. These projects tackled a wide range of pressing social issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, autism, mental health, climate change, cultural tourism, sexual harassment, and both male and female empowerment. Students presented their work through a various platform, including video and audio documentaries, books, poetry, and advocacy campaigns with all of that being self-financed.
He also took a moment to recognize the families and friends present, noting their vital role in the students’ success. “We are a community of creative communicators, and this community involves family, it involves the support system which does include staff, lecturers, technology and administrative staff,” he said.
Filmmaker Gabrielle Blackwood Inspires in Keynote Address
Renowned Jamaican film director and cinematographer, Gabrielle Blackwood delivers the keynote address during the BACAT final year media exhibition.
A standout moment of Media Magnified 2025 came during the keynote address by renowned Jamaican film director and cinematographer Gabrielle Blackwood, whose award-winning career includes collaborations with global brands such as Adidas, Apple Music, and others.
Miss Blackwood delivered personal presentation speaking candidly about the realities of working in the creative industries highlighting the discipline, vulnerability, and mental fortitude required to succeed.
Framing her remarks through the lens of what can happen in just “20 to 30 minutes,” she used wit and sharp insight to reflect on the challenges of post-production, underfunded projects, and the “unglamorous” aspects of professional filmmaking. “There’s a lot you can do and think of creatively in a short space of time which may seem insignificant to you but may mean so much to someone else,” she said.
Emphasizing the importance of mental wellness, self-discipline, and adaptability, especially in an industry where creative professionals often wear many hats and face constant reinvention, Miss Blackwood shared her own journey from studying film in New Zealand to returning to a then-nascent Jamaican film industry.
She challenged the future graduates to value their voices and ideas, even when others don’t. “Having the courage not necessarily the confidence to pursue your creative thoughts regardless of what you think someone else may think of it,” she noted, is key to lasting creative impact.
Citing the power of storytelling in the filmmaking industry in international counties, she encouraged the cohort to develop a uniquely Caribbean cinematic language and to see themselves as ambassadors for Jamaica’s growing creative sector. “For me missing word means that the work I do for anyone outside needs to be done to the best of my ability because my intention is for our creative industry to grow and thrive. Whatever I do or any Jamaican does on the international scene becomes a reflection of that,” she noted.
Beyond Virality and Validation: Panelists from left: Mr. Jevaughn Gordon, TV and Radio Host, Television Jamaica, Mrs. Iyesha Foster Wisdom, Event Coordinator, Mr. Omarie Wilson (Student Moderator), Ms. Daindra Harrison, Content Creator and Mr. Gemmar McFarlane, Filmmaker and Creative Director discuss the topic Beyond Virality and Validation: Redefining Success in Media during the final year BACAT Media Exhibition held on May 2, 2025, at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.
The event also included a panel discussion titled Beyond Virality and Validation: Redefining Success in Media with media professionals Mr. Jevaughn Gordon, TV and Radio Host, Television Jamaica, Mrs. Iyesha Foster Wisdom, Event Coordinator, Ms. Daindra Harrison, Content Creator and Mr. Gemmar McFarlane, Filmmaker and Creative Director. The panel tackled the pressures of social media and the pursuit of success, with moderation by Omarie Wilson, Final year BACAT student.
Panelists explored the challenges of staying true to one’s voice amidst the noise of digital validation. “I’m always trying to find what’s going on in society, what’s important to people right now, not just what’s hot on TikTok – what do people care about,” Mr. McFarlane expressed, advocating instead for authentic storytelling that resonates strongly with the audience. Mr. Jevaughn Gordon emphasised the importance of networking and maintaining a strong personal portfolio in a fast-paced, trend-driven industry.
The conversation offered practical advice on balancing trends with substance, using emotional narratives to spark virality, and finding ways to stand out through individuality and intentional storytelling.
2025 BACAT Final Year Top Performers
(From left) Overall Top Student and Best Video Project winner Brianna Clarke, Best Campaign winner Rajae Noble, Best Audio winner Asheika Gutzmer, Best Website winner Keiba Gordon, and Best Text/Image winner Shara-Sydni Stewart are each presented with their awards by Dr. Granville Pitter, Acting Vice-Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies., during the Media Magnified 2025, final year BACAT students’ exhibition held on May 2, 2025, at the Papine Campus.
STUDENT EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS
Reanna Shakespeare, a final year BACAT student proudly holds a clapperboard next to the poster for her video documentary, “Cultural Tourism: Beyond the Beaches.”
Jordan Hines, a final year BACAT student poses with a clapperboard beside the poster for his documentary, “Beating the Odds: Traditional vs Non Traditional,” which highlights the stigma of non-traditional high schools.
Final year BACAT student, Brandon Scott poses alongside the poster for his media project: a podcast titled, “Mind & Memory: The link between Mental Health & Dementia.”
Watch recording of the BACAT Media Exhibition:
https://www.youtube.com/live/H-B_lE11Y_s?si=NNhr9Hwas3xTqDLt
End.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm
