#Kingston, February 12, 2019 – Jamaica – The University of the West Indies (UWI) is being encouraged to provide ongoing support, through research, for accelerated economic and social development in Jamaica.
Minister without Portfolio in the Finance and
the Public Service Ministry, Hon. Fayval Williams, noted that as a “knowledge
producer”, the UWI is well positioned for this undertaking.
She also urged well-thinking Jamaicans to join
the “research revolution” challenge issued by the UWI during its 20th
Research Days events, from February 6 to 8.
“I accept this invitation and we all should.
Research is about discovering new knowledge, which can lead us to innovation
and technological change,” Mrs. Williams said.
The Minister added that “research is the diligent,
systematic inquiry of validating, refining and generating new knowledge, which
can lead us to social and economic development”. She was speaking at the UWI’s Annual Research
Days awards ceremony at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge on February 8.
The ceremony recognises individuals for work
embodying the best cutting-edge research undertaken during the academic year
under review.
In his remarks, Pro Vice Chancellor and UWI Mona
Principal, Professor Dale Webber, noted that the University’s role in delivering
high-quality research led to its inclusion among the leading tertiary
institutions listed in the top five per cent globally.
The Times
Higher Education World University Rankings designation placed the UWI at 591st
out of the 1,258 institutions making the list.
“Research was 50 per cent of that ranking,” Professor
Webber said, while urging the awardees and, by extension, the rest of the
university community to own and “take control” of the achievement.
Professor Webber emphasised that the ranking
must be maintained and can be done through the impact and pursuit of the
research.
“I urge you to reach for the stars, reach out
for your faculty and your friends so that we can build collaborative research,”
he said.
Among the over 30 awardees, three were presented
in the category of the Principal’s Awards for Public Policy. They include: Director of the Office of
Social Entrepreneurship in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. K’adamawe K’nife,
who provided technical and research support for the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) and Entrepreneurship Policy, which was reviewed and a new
policy tabled in the Houses of Parliament in July 2018.
Also awarded was Professor of Child Health
and Child Development, Maureen Samms-Vaughn, for two key research projects
leading to policy development, including the creation of the National Strategic
Plan for Early Childhood Development 2008 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018, and the
National Parenting Support Policy of 2011.
These supported development of the National
Parenting Strategy and the National Parenting Programme Standards.
Senior Lecturer in the Marine Division of the
Department of Life Sciences, Dr. Karl Aiken, was recognised for his work on
fish sanctuaries, which contributed to the Fishing Industry (Special Fishery
Conservation Area) Regulations of 2012.
Release: JIS
Contact: Chad Bryan
Header: Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, looks on as University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Dale Webber (left), presents the Public Policy Award to Director of the Office of Social Entrepreneurship in the UWI’s Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. K’adamawe K’nife. Occasion was the UWI Annual Research Days awards ceremony at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge on February 8.
Insert: Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams (left), shares a light moment with University of the West Indies (UWI) Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Richard Bernal, during the UWI Mona Campus’ Annual Research Days awards ceremony at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge on February 8.
Adrian Walker Photos