THE UNIVERSITY of Technology (UTech), will join forces with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA's) Reunion in the City and Meritone's Family Reunion, from October 13 to 23, to showcase and sell Kingston as a tourist destination. The theme for UTech's homecoming celebration is 'A Taste of Home'.Gloria Dawkins, UTech's Alumni Officer told The Sunday Gleaner that the university decided on the combined activities because a number of activities take place around that time and it is an attempt to bring together alumni of the 46-year old institution.
"We want them to participate in the life of the campus and we think the Heritage Week activities is a good time to bring everyone together," Mrs. Dawkins said.
Activities include the Meritones Family reunion, Port Royal Seafood Festival, Caymanas Park Alumni Colours Race Day and Air Jamaica Domino Tournament.
According to Mrs. Dawkins, careful attention to detail went into the planning of the homecoming so that their events would not overlap with the JHTA's and participants would have a wide range of choices of what to do during the 10 days.
ATTRACTIVE PACKAGES
Air Jamaica, the Hilton Kingston, Knutsford Court, The Courtleigh, Jamaica Pegasus and Altamont Court hotels have all joined together to offer attractive packages to the large number of overseas alumni and visitors expected to come home for the event.
"The hotels are trying to encourage everyone to use their accommodations rather than stay with family," Mrs. Dawkins said, adding that so far 30 persons from the Toronto chapter of the alumni association have confirmed attendance.
UTech hopes to bring back the fun and party mood of the good old days of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST). The fun will kick off with a parade from Half-Way Tree to Papine and marchers will include beauty queens in classic cars, marching bands and uniformed groups. It will culminate in the opening ceremony around the sculpture park on campus.
There will also be a craft market of locally produced goods, public lectures, a free concert at which the dress code will be white, a CD presentation, panel discussions, a barn dance, sports day, golf on campus, and a church service followed by brunch.
Meanwhile, alumni can attend nightly Merritone's fétes, the fish and bammy festival at Port Royal, the domino tournament at the Hilton Kingston Hotel and races at Caymans Park on Heroes' Day.
