UTech, Jamaica 2015-16 Annual Report

Page 88 University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT OP RATIONS AND PROJECTS DIVISION cont’d effect greater on-campus traffic management, a ring road system has been implemented involving the establishment of a one-way system along the newly- named Jamaica Boulevard. Additional roads have been named and signs erected. Some of these signs were underwritten by Guardian Life Insurance Co. Extension of Public Sewer System The construction and extension of the public sewer system is currently being done to facilitate the connection of the campus sewage collectors into the public system. The contract was awarded by the NWC and work commenced in March 2016 with a projected completion date of December 2016. UTech is contributing to the cost of implementing the works. Shared Facility Complex The Shared Facilities complex, the ‘flagship’ of the enhancement project, is scheduled for completion by the end of August 2016. The complex will provide 20 classrooms and three lecture theatres The Learning Technologies Support Unit was instrumental in helping to determine the equipment needed to make it a ‘smart building’. An outdoor amphitheatre will also be constructed. Sutherland BPO – Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) On November 17, 2015, a MoU agreement between UTech Ja and Sutherland Global Services was signed. This agreement paves the way for establishing a Sutherland- operated Business Process Outsourcing facility on the UTech, Ja Papine campus. Under the agreement, the parties will explore opportunities to enhance the Sutherland University Model, which allows students to work while on campus. Ganja labs – Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) The University of Technology, Jamaica in partnership with Ganja Labs, LLC, USA on Tuesday November 10, 2015 officially broke ground on a site at the Papine campus for a state-of-the-art Medical Marijuana Research Grow and Extraction facility. This follows the receipt by UTech Ja, of a license on May 14, 2015 from the Government of Jamaica to cultivate marijuana for scientific and medical research. Cultivation of marijuana plants is currently underway. UTech Ja. Well Exploration Project Long Term Proposal: Discussions have commenced with a private sector entity around an unsolicited proposal to explore the potential for implementing a ground water well for extracting potable water on the Papine campus. This exploration would be undertaken entirely at the expense of the proposer. If the results are feasible, UTech Ja could enter into a business agreement with the company. It is estimated that the development company would sell water to UTech at approximately 50% of what is currently paid to the public utility company, National Water Commission. The proposed Prof. Colin Gyles (2 nd left), Acting President and Peter Michel (3 rd left), Assistant Vice President – Global Finance, Sutherland Global Services display the MoU signed between the two entities on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the Papine campus. Sharing in the occasion is Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites (3 rd left) Minister of Education, Dr. Claire Sutherland (left) Senior Director, International and Institutional Linkages UTech, Ja. and Ms. Odetta Rockhead, Country Head, Jamaica and AVP, Sutherland Global Services.