Get ready to mark your calendars and save the date for an event like no other! The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) proudly presents the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2025, happening
on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 5:30 pm in the USC Auditorium on Royal Road, Maracas, St. Joseph.
Under the esteemed patronage of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, Attorney at Law & Wife of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, this evening promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture, talent, and academic achievement.
This year's theme, “Entrepreneurial Innovations: An Imperative for Sustainability in the Caribbean”. The emphasis is on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9 : Decent Work & Economic Growth and Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure.
Our delegates from across the Caribbean are ready to showcase their academic prowess, cultural richness, and commitment to community service.
These remarkable individuals will compete for the prestigious title of Mr. & Ms. USC, showcasing their talents, intellect, and dedication to creating positive change in our community and beyond!
Delegate Name: Ahjea Jackson
Territory: VINADA
Age: 23
Major & Year: Biology, 2nd year
Career Aspiration: Public Health Specialist
Hobbies: Sewing, Singing, Videography.
Response to Question:
"The UN Sustainable Development Goals represent a vision for a more equitable and innovative future for developing regions like the Caribbean. To promote entrepreneurial innovation as a member of the United Nations General Assembly, I would advise development in sectors like sustainable marine tourism, aquaculture, and ocean technology. I would suggest that Caribbean nations focus on Blue Growth and Entrepreneurship, to achieve decent work for all, and develop sustainable infrastructure and industries - all while preserving the marine environment that is so crucial to our identity and survival in the Caribbean."
Delegate Name: Hansel Thomas
Territory: VINADA
Age: 19
Major & Year: Nutrition and Dietetics/ 2nd year
Career Aspiration: Registered Dietitian
Hobbies: Singing, dancing, reading
Response to Question:
"As a member of the UN General Assembly, I would implement networking opportunities between entrepreneurs and investors to create an avenue for Caribbean nationals to learn more innovative methods to sustain themselves. This can be done through mentorship programs, social media, industry conferences, and events. "
Delegate Name: Michael Garcia
Territory: Trinidad and Tobago
Age: 22
Major & Year: Management 3rd year
Career Aspiration: Entrepreneur
Hobbies: Music ,art and reading graphic novels.
Response to Question:
"If I were a member of the United Nations general Assembly one recommendation I may give to promote entrepreneurial innovations in the Caribbean would be the implementation of more socially inclined engineering and entrepreneurial development based curriculum to invoke a sense of and nurture creative thoughts concepts and to foster the development of an innovative mindset where the mind is geared to powering innovative problem solving and entrepreneurial implementations. "
Delegate Name: Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq
Territory: Trinidad and Tobago
Age: 20
Major & Year: History 3rd year
Career Aspiration: Criminal Lawyer
Hobbies: Content Creation, Debating, Watching Documentaries, and Shopping
Response to Question:
"As a representative in the United Nations General Assembly focusing on SDG 8 and SDG 9, I would advocate for inclusive policies that promote sustainable economic growth by improving access to funding for marginalized groups. A key initiative would be creating regional venture capital funds in partnership with financial institutions and investors to provide startup financing. In Trinidad, this approach would especially benefit historically disadvantaged communities fostering greater economic participation and development. "
Delegate Name: Marques Bruce
Territory: Extension Campuses
Age: 26
Major & Year: Nursing 3 year
Career Aspiration: Minister of Health
Hobbies: Teaching Dance, Sewing
Response to Question:
"If I was a member of the United Nations one recommendation I would suggest to Caribbean Countries as it relates to entrepreneurial innovation would be to enhance entrepreneurial education and training in the Caribbean particularly among the youth population and marginalized community paying special attention to cultural products and services "
Delegate Name: Felesha Jack
Territory: Dominica
Age: 19
Major & Year: Biology, Year 3
Career Aspiration: Reading, Sewing,Hiking, Scrapbooking, Listening to Podcasts.
Hobbies: Reading, Sewing,Hiking, Scrapbooking, Listening to Podcasts.
Response to Question:
"In this position, I would recommend developing a 'Regional Entrepreneurial Innovation & Development Program (REID)' where entrepreneurs from Caribbean states are eligible beneficiaries.
This initiative would bring together key resources (e.g. grants) and mentorship for entrepreneurs who present innovative business proposals. The REID program would also offer access to the global market, investment opportunities, and training programs that focus on ensuring businesses align with SDG’s and are diverse. There will be opportunities for regional partnerships to network and encourage regional trade.
The REID program would benefit all stakeholders as it promotes decent work, a diverse industry and economic growth."
Delegate Name: Asahel Joseph
Territory: Antigua
Age: 21
Major & Year: Bsc. Computing, 3rd year
Career Aspiration: Dental Technician.
Hobbies: Gaming, Music, Football, and Reading
Response to Question:
"If I were a member of the United Nations General assembly, one recommendation I would make is to introduce a platform for youths in the Caribbean to learn innovative ways to manage their time. This can be done by implementing innovative hubs that will use collective efforts among the youths of the Caribbean to share ideas that will benefit them."
Delegate Name: Alicia Lewis
Territory: Antigua
Age: 18
Major & Year: Accounting, 3rd year
Career Aspiration: Singing, Voice Acting, Content Creating and Event organizing.
Response to Question:
"If I were a member of the United Nations General Assembly, one recommendation I would give to promote entrepreneurial innovations in the Caribbean is to ensure that tertiary institutions are equipped to prepare students for entrepreneurship.
Tertiary institutions serve as crucial hubs for nurturing entrepreneurial skills as it is. I would recommend the creation of programs within universities throughout the region that focus on not only teaching business skills but instill the importance of establishing businesses that can implement solutions to elevate the region’s quality of life and also protect its natural resources."
