Bryan Miller, JIS Writer

An artist's impression of the UWI Western Jamaica campus, as depicted on the sign identifying its location, just opposite the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. - JIS Photos

For most ambitious persons, tertiary education is a stepping stone to fulfilling dreams.

But for students like Shanique Brown, who lives in western Jamaica, it would take years of sacrifice and smart saving to attend the University of West Indies (UWI), Mona. Well, that was the prospect then.

"Now there is no need for boarding accommodations and other expenses; I have avoided that additional cost because I live right here in Montego Bay," she boasted.

Located near the Sangster International Airport, the Chatwick Gardens property went through its latest metamorphosis in August. It was once a private home, then a hotel, and later an office complex. Now, the doors of the UWI are open there.

History making

The pioneering group of 120 registered students at this, the fourth UWI campus, was part of history in the making. The UWI started operations in October 1948 with its first batch of 33 students from across the Caribbean.

Over the years, many professionals, business persons and students who reside or work in western Jamaica have been clamouring for the opportunity to have easier access to UWI programmes.

Principal of the Mona campus, Gordon Shirley, said the establishment of the MoBay campus formed part of a new five-year strategic plan which was developed by the university.

"We expect to start fairly slowly this year, but expand the facility quite substantially within a year and to have all stand-alone programmes or mostly stand-alone programmes here to cater to these needs," said Shirley.

Dr Thelora Reynolds, director of student services and development at the Mona campus, explained that the new satellite facility would begin operations with two faculties, namely, Social Sciences and the Humanities and Education.

Only undergraduate

Students of the University of the West Indies Western Jamaica campus disembark the bus which is used to transport them to school daily.

"This is a campus within its right and people will be able to complete their degrees here. For a start, we will only be having undergraduate degrees, but I am sure as we grow and develop we will be offering master's and PhDs right from this campus," she said.

She noted that the new western Jamaica campus even has a hall of residence to accommodate students who are from outside Montego Bay.

Minister of Water and Housing and Member of Parliament for West Central St James, Dr Horace Chang, described the opening of the Mona institution as a historic achievement.

"I am happy because in today's world of global competition, when so many overseas universities are opening doors in Jamaica, UWI continues to rise and to exceed its standards in tertiary education in the face of these challenges.

"And we welcome this competition because UWI stands as an indigenous Caribbean institution, which has made significant contributions globally, with a proud tradition of high achievers," he said.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lloyd B. Smith, said that after many years of lobbying, his organisation was delighted that the new addition to the academic landscape of the city had become a reality.

"A university brings intellectual depth ... . Montego Bay has suffered from a brain drain over the years with persons leaving either for Kingston or for overseas, so I think this university will help to bring in fresh blood that can assist us in the process of providing even better tertiary education," he said.

Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.