Lloyd Carney Installed as UTech, Jamaica’s Third Chancellor

The Hon. Steadman Fuller, CD, JP (right) Custos Rotulorum of Kingston, congratulates Mr. Lloyd Carney (2nd left), Chancellor, University of Technology, Jamaica on his installation following the Ceremony for the Installation of the Chancellor held on Monday, February 13, 2023 at The Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus.  Minister of Education and Youth, the Hon. Fayval Williams, MP and Professor Colin Gyles, CD, Acting President, UTech, Jamaica share in the congratulatory moment.

University of Technology, Jamaica hosted the Installation Ceremony for its Third Chancellor, Mr. Lloyd Carney on the evening of February 13, 2023 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, at the University’s Papine Campus.  The historic occasion was witnessed by a distinguished gathering which included Custos Rotulorum of Kingston, the Hon. Steadman Fuller, CD, JP who represented the Governor-General His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD who is also statutory Visitor of the University; the Hon. Fayval Williams, MP, Minister of Education and Youth, other members of government, the business sector, heads and members of tertiary institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, students and other well-wishers.

Miss Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar escorts the Chancellor into the auditorium followed by mace bearer, Mr. Tavoy Barrett, Students’ Union President.

Prior to his formal installation, Mr. Carney was conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa by Acting President, Professor Colin Gyles, CD, welcoming the Chancellor into the community of honorary graduates of the University.  A Jamaican by birth, the citation on Mr. Carney delivered by University Public Orator, Dr. Warrick Lattibeaudaire cited his illustrious career in the IP (Internet Protocol) networking industry spanning over 30 years, as well as his impactful philanthropic initiatives in Jamaica, South Africa and Haiti focusing on health care and children’s needs.  Mr. Carney’s distinguished career has taken him from the shores of Jamaica to North America and beyond, where he has been making his mark as an Information Technology engineer, entrepreneur, and venture capital investor of high repute.

Administering the installation procedures, Acting President, Professor Colin Gyles stated: “Dr. Lloyd Carney, I have the distinct honour to express the profound satisfaction of the University of Technology, Jamaica, that you have consented to accept the high office of Chancellor and Head of this University,” and invited the new Chancellor who in turn made the declaration: “ to faithfully uphold the privileges and rights of this University,” pledging, “I will endeavour, at all times, to promote the objects and purposes for which this University exists, so far as in me lies.” 

The installation was formally completed with the Chancellor’s receipt of a copy of the University of Technology, Jamaica Act, representing his “instrument of authority,” presented to him by the Hon. Fayval Williams, MP, Minister of Education and Youth, who formally appointed Mr. Carney as Chancellor of the University on August 22, 2022 for a period of seven years on the recommendation of the University’s Council.

 

The Hon. Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth presents Mr. Lloyd Carney, Chancellor with a copy of the University of Technology, Jamaica Act. At centre is Miss Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar.

 

Mr. Carney in his 15-minute inaugural address began by expressing the importance of having a plan.  “Without a plan, any path will take you there,” he advised, adding that whilst one must operate within the parameters of a plan, it is also important to be flexible as circumstances change.  It is in this context, that Mr. Carney shared that a year ago his plans included continuing his work on a few boards, making new investments and teaching, having previously taught as a guest lecturer at Stanford University, USA impacting approximately a class of 90 students.  Noting that he embraced the opportunity to amend these plans to serve as Chancellor of the University of Technology, Jamaica, Mr. Carney expressed that “If you think about the opportunity here, this is beyond my wildest dreams; instead of 90 students, I have 12,000 students that I can positively influence and mentor.”

Referencing aspects of his life’s work and philanthropic ventures involving giving back to his alma mater, Wolmer’s Boys School and other organisations, (which were presented in a short video ahead of his address), Mr. Carney shared that “I’ve always wanted to do more than just write cheques,” noting the value of also giving back his time and expertise.

Speaking to his plans to support UTech, Jamaica’s advancement as the “premier technical school on the island,” and its continuing development as a premier university in the region and the world, the Chancellor reiterated his mantra of the importance of harmonizing all aspects of the “virtual circle” of alumni, the government, staff and students working together,” noting that this common thread is reflected by the world’s top universities. In this regard, Mr. Carney called on the university to improve on its outreach to its alumni and to the business community to assist with specific projects needed at the institution.  He also emphasized the importance of the university’s partnership with the government “to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the government and that we are getting the resources that the government can afford to give us", acknowledging the government’s inability to fully fund the operations of the university. 

The Chancellor also spoke to the value of all members of staff.  “Everyone on the campus that works here is valuable to us, and is important to the success of this institution and we need to treat them with dignity and respect and value them," he stated to applause from the gathering.  By the same token, he underscored the importance of valuing service to students and prioritising decisions based on “what is best for our students.”  He also reflected on the significance of providing opportunities for staff and students to study/lecture abroad as part of the thrust in developing a world-class institution through the sharing of ideas and learning from international best practices.

Remarks were received from the Governor-General His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, delivered by his representative Custos Rotulorum of Kingston, the Hon. Steadman Fuller, CD, JP. The Governor General’s message congratulated Mr. Carney on his new appointment and expressed that “his success story can provide the stimulus for students to realize that they too can achieve their goal through hard work, dedication and commitment,” adding that his “innovative ideas and unique perspective will be invaluable in helping the university to continue on its path to growth, and providing students tools and skills they need to succeed in their careers.”  The Governor General’s message also expressed hope that UTech, Jamaica will benefit from Mr. Carney’s “leadership and guidance, as it navigates the challenges of the future, and in so doing, UTech, Jamaica will be a cutting-edge tertiary institution.”

In her remarks Minister of Education and Youth, the Hon. Fayval Williams, MP, joined in congratulating the new Chancellor on his appointment and installation, noting that Mr. Carney has joined the university “amidst great opportunities and great challenges, including the financial model that needs strengthening, longstanding labour issues, and infrastructural issues.” The Minister expressed confidence in Mr. Carney’s leadership in navigating these issues, asserting that “we have great expectations” and affirmed that “with a distinguished career in business grounded in the technology sector, you have demonstrated visionary leadership and we are confident that you will bring your business acumen and vast experience to UTech, Jamaica.” 

Guests were entertained by musical selections from the UTech, Jamaica Choir who performed the selection “Many Rivers”, by Chevaughn Clayton and by student, Miss Rhoni-Ann Parkins, accompanied by Mr. Javille Wright, Saxophonist who regaled guests with one of the Chancellor’s favourites, “I Can” by Chronixx.  The Jamaica Military Band was in customary fine form, adding to the pomp and pageantry of the milestone occasion.

The ceremony which lasted just over an hour, was followed by a reception at the University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) training hotel.

The ceremony was streamed via the UTech, Jamaica Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq662wI9Ah4

 

Following the Installation Ceremony, Chancellor Carney took the time to greet his many guests who extended best wishes for his tenure.  At left Mr. Carney greets Professor Dale Webber, Principal, The University of the West Indies (Mona), Dr. David McBean, Executive Director, UWI Mona School of Business and Ms Minna Israel, Chair of the Board , UWI Mona School of Business  and UTech, Jamaica alumna.  At right the Chancellor shares lens time with alumni Ms Jacqueline Daley (left) and Ms. Joan Latty.

 

Mr. Lloyd Carney, Chancellor stood tall in a photograph with members of the Jamaica Military Band whom he specially thanked for their excellent service at the Installation Ceremony.

End.

Contact:
Michelle Beckford 
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 970-5299 
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm