University of Technology, Jamaica 6 PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEW Over the course of the reporting period UTech, Jamaica recorded various developments which are highlighted in the ensuing pages of this Annual Report. In May 2019, the University of Technology, Jamaica, joined with all Jamaica in sadness upon the passing of our distinguished Chancellor, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Order of the Nation, Privy Counsellor, former Minister of Community Development and Welfare, former Minister of Finance and Planning, former Leader of the Opposition, scholar and activist. Mr Seaga served as the Chancellor of the University from 2010 to the time of his passing on his birthday on May 28, 2019. During this period, he was a major source of inspiration and a guide to the leadership of the University. He was instrumental in annual meetings of the University and lent his wealth of experience and expertise to all aspects of the University’s work. He was also Pro-Chancellor at the University of Technology, Jamaica between 2008 to 2010, another position which allowed him to offer direction and drive to the University’s efforts as a national institution. As the Chancellor, Mr Seaga was always determined to advance the progress of our University. He made efforts both behind the scenes and publicly to support the cause of staff members at UTech, Jamaica; he introduced us to persons in the private sector who, in his view, could collaborate with the University; and he presided over our Graduation ceremonies with his traditional elan. Jamaica continues to mourn the passing of Mr Seaga, and so does the University of Technology, Jamaica. His family members, his large universe of friends and colleagues, world leaders and Jamaicans generally have been touched by his practicality, sound judgment, and commitment to his beloved country. During the last quarter of the period, beginning in March 2020, the University, like other institutions of teaching and learning, was greatly impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica. In a challenging and uncertain environment, in order to maintain measures to stem the spread of the COVID19 virus in keeping with health and safety protocols outlined by the Government of Jamaica, the University made continuous adjustments to teaching, learning and operational modalities in the best interest of our students and the well-being of staff. In this regard, classes continued to be delivered using a blended approach of online learning systems, web-conferencing, in-person sessions, labs and clinical modalities, based on the course of study requirements of each College or Faculty. Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD President
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