By Nadira Mohammed & Nykhya Gardiner, Corporate Communications Interns

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) welcomed its 96th academic year with the much-anticipated annual President’s Convocation Ceremony held on Monday, October 2, 2023. The event, held under the theme “Changing Mindsets: Self, Systems, and Strategies,” served as a pivotal moment for USC, setting the stage for the institution’s upcoming centennial celebrations scheduled for 2027.

The President’s Convocation brought together USC’s students, administrators, faculty and staff. This year’s convocation held a unique distinction as it welcomed, for the first time in its history, two special guests of honor: Mr. Leslie Hislop, Principal of the Caribbean Union College Secondary School, and Mrs. Charmaine Jardine-Brisbane, Principal of the Maracas SDA Primary School.

The evening commenced with scripture readings presented by representatives from both the Maracas SDA Primary School and the CUC Secondary School, followed by warm acknowledgments of the special guests by Provost Dr. Len Archer, and greetings from the Deans of USC’s various schools. The audience was serenaded with a piano instrumental by Mr. Steve Marcelle before the keynote address by Dr. Colwick Wilson, USC’s 29th President, who has been in office since July 1st, 2021.

Dr. Wilson’s inspiring speech centered on the theme, “Changing Mindsets: Self, Systems, and Strategies,” emphasizing the need to break away from outdated approaches and embrace the path to becoming “#USCSTRONG.” He eloquently stated, “You cannot put new wine into old wine skins,” underscoring the importance of evolving and adapting to the changing times.

In his address, Dr. Wilson stressed the inclusivity of the Maracas SDA Primary School, CUC Secondary School, and USC, forming a “Partnership at Home.” He echoed the sentiments of Dr. Susan Chand, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, by expressing a commitment to “walk with you through this valley,” signifying a united effort to overcome challenges.

One of the key highlights of Dr. Wilson’s speech was the vision for an improved campus life encapsulated in the Strategic Plan 100 (SP100). Over the next four years, Dr. Wilson, along with Pastor Bertie Henry, Treasurer of the Caribbean Union Conference, will work on plans for 25 campus buildings. These plans are expected to revitalize the university and enhance the overall educational experience for students.

Reflecting on the success of the “Get On The Bus” Campaign, which raised TTD$1.4 million, Dr. Wilson announced the launch of a new fundraising initiative called the Capital Campaign, scheduled for November 18th, 2023. This campaign will provide the necessary resources to bring the ambitious projects discussed during the President’s Convocation to fruition.

In conclusion, the President’s Convocation for the academic year 2023-2024 was an evening filled with profound insights and a vision for USC’s future. It left both the audience and speakers with a renewed sense of purpose and direction as they embark on a journey towards “Changing Mindsets: Self, Systems, and Strategies.” As they move forward, USC is poised to continue its legacy of excellence while embracing innovation and inclusivity in the pursuit of educational excellence in Miracle Valley.

View Flickr Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usctt/albums/72177720311686802

View Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mikz5hPYLU0

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

A new era of accessible, cost-effective, and improved healthcare dawned in Maracas Valley on Sunday, September 17, 2023, as the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) and the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists (TCH) proudly inaugurated the TCH-USC Urgent Care Clinic.

This partnership ushers in a new era of healthcare excellence, making quality medical services accessible to the university community, and more than 3000 residents in Maracas Valley. The collaboration between USC and the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists represents a commitment to providing cost-effective and improved health services in the heart of the university campus. This initiative ensures that students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community can enhance their overall well-being through access to high-quality healthcare resources and services provided by Doctors and Nurses of the Community Hospital.

The Grand Opening and Health Fair, held at the TCH-USC Urgent Care Clinic directly opposite USC’s Main Campus on Royal Road in Maracas Valley, St. Joseph, were attended by a diverse crowd of community members, faculty, staff, and students, all united in their excitement for this transformative healthcare initiative. The event provided an opportunity for all attendees to benefit from a wide range of free healthcare services and resources, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.

Legacy of Service Commended in Inspirational Address:

In his address, MP Forde reflected on the timeless message of Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever,” emphasizing the unchanging principles that guide the Seventh-day Adventist community’s mission, including their medical missionary work. He shared historical anecdotes, such as the arrival of Miss Stella Colvin, a trained nurse from the United States, in Trinidad in 1894 to provide medical care, highlighting the denomination’s long-standing legacy of medical outreach.

MP Forde also paid tribute to the Port of Spain Community Hospital, established in 1962, and its significant role in supporting government medical services and relieving the strain on existing hospitals. He noted the historical significance of September 17th in the Seventh-day Adventist community’s engagement with medical and community health.

MP Forde celebrated the collaborative effort of USC and the Community Hospital, recognizing the clinic as a bold step that complements the government’s healthcare services

Highlights of the Health Fair included:

Vision Screenings: Attendees availed themselves of comprehensive vision screenings, promoting early detection of eye-related issues.

Doctor’s Consultations: Highly qualified medical practitioners offered individual consultations, addressing a variety of health concerns and providing expert guidance.

Blood Pressure Testing: Free blood pressure testing allowed individuals to monitor and maintain cardiovascular health.

Blood Sugar Testing: Complimentary blood sugar testing aimed to empower attendees to manage and prevent diabetes through early detection and education.

Nutrition Consultations: Nutrition experts were on hand to provide valuable insights into maintaining a balanced diet and its profound impact on overall health.

The event was a celebration of community, wellness, and collaboration, bringing together families, friends, and colleagues for a day of learning and proactive health measures. The TCH-USC Urgent Care Clinic embodies the shared values of education, community engagement, and holistic well-being.

As it opens its doors to the public, the clinic invites everyone to embark on a journey toward a healthier, happier life. This collaborative effort between USC and the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists represents a beacon of healthcare excellence in the heart of Maracas Valley.

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The recently concluded Grant & Proposal Writing Workshop, held from September 11 to 13, 2023, has left a lasting impact on participants from various Seventh-day Adventist entities across the Caribbean. The workshop, hosted by the ADRA & Health Ministries Department of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (CARU), in collaboration with Loma Linda University (LLU) and the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure vital funding for their projects and initiatives.

The three-day workshop was a resounding success, thanks to the guidance and expertise of its facilitators, Dr. David P. Harris, Vice President of Information Systems at Loma Linda University, and Dr. Albin Grohar, Senior Advisor for Foundations and Grants at Loma Linda University. The facilitators brought a wealth of experience in grant writing and proposal development, making this event an invaluable opportunity for participants to learn from experts in the field.

Participants Representing Diverse Entities:

The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, hailing from various Seventh-day Adventist organizations and missions across the Caribbean. Notable attendees included:

• Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (CARU)
• South Leeward Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
• Tobago Mission of Seventh-day Adventists
• St. Vincent & the Grenadines of Seventh-day Adventists
• St. Lucia Mission of Seventh-day Adventists
• North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
• ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency)
• Community Services of Seventh-day Adventists
• Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
• East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
• South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
  

The diverse representation underscored the critical importance of grant writing and proposal development skills across a wide range of organizations focused on community development, healthcare, education, and humanitarian work.

Key Takeaways:

Throughout the workshop, participants gained practical insights into various aspects of grant writing, including identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and establishing strong relationships with funders. Interactive sessions and hands-on activities allowed attendees to apply their newly acquired knowledge in real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing their understanding of the grant-seeking process.

One of the standout features of the workshop was the emphasis on tailoring proposals to meet the unique needs and expectations of different funding organizations. Dr. Harris and Dr. Grohar stressed the importance of aligning project goals with the mission and priorities of potential funders to increase the likelihood of success.

USC Administrators, Faculty, and Staff at the Forefront:

The enthusiastic participation of USC’s administrators, faculty, and staff members underscores the institution’s commitment to a culture of lifelong learning, academic excellence and the development of its community members.

On the cusp of celebrating its centennial in 2027, USC has set ambitious goals for its next century of service to the Caribbean region. These goals include expanding academic offerings, increasing research and development initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with local and international organizations. The Grant & Proposal Writing Workshop directly contributes to these objectives by equipping USC’s community with essential skills to secure external funding for research, projects, and community development initiatives.

As our participants further build upon the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop, USC is poised to make even greater contributions to the region’s development. This collaborative effort exemplifies USC’s commitment to excellence and its unwavering dedication to empowering its community for a brighter future.

By Simone Augustus & Peggy Guerrero

Wednesday, March 15, 2023, marked a special day for the FreeDOM Clinic as it received a visit from distinguished individuals, including Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for St. Ann’s East; His Excellency Arthur H.W. Williams, High Commissioner for Jamaica; His Worship the Mayor Alderman, Joel Martinez, Mayor of the City of Port of Spain; the Honourable Esmond Forde, Member of Parliament for Tunapuna; the Honorable Corey Selvon, Councillor for Maracas/Santa Margarita, and Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of the University of the Southern Caribbean. Their presence highlighted the significance of this collaborative effort in addressing healthcare disparities.

Over the course of four days, the FreeDOM Clinic’s dedicated team provided services to an astonishing 1,225 individuals. This included addressing 214 medical cases, aiding 495 individuals with vision services, and providing dental care to 516 people. These numbers not only underscore the pressing need for affordable healthcare but also highlight the incredible dedication of the medical professionals and volunteers who made it all possible.

The success of the FreeDOM Clinic would not have been possible without the generous support of partners and sponsors. The Nursing Council of Trinidad & Tobago, Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Optometrists Association, Blue Waters, Caribbean Health Foods, Nestle Trinidad, USC’s Food Services and Nurse Education Departments, the Rotary Club of Port of Spain, MP Esmond Forde, Councillor Corey Selvon, the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists, the South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, and the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists all played pivotal roles in making this mission a reality. Their contributions ensured that vital medical services reached those who needed them most.

The mission was graciously hosted by MP Esmond Forde, who, alongside other contributors, facilitated community transportation, promoted the clinic in various communities, and provided essential volunteer assistance. 

The Rotary Club of Port of Spain also made significant contributions to the mission, providing invaluable support in promotion within various communities, volunteer assistance, and corporate sponsorship. Their innovative suggestions, such as implementing a pre-registration drive to gauge prospective attendance were instrumental in the mission’s success.

The contributions from various donors, including providing daily meals for physicians and volunteers were pivotal in realizing the mission’s goals.

United Hands and Freedom Clinic didn’t stop at providing medical care; they extended their outreach through a week of prayer at the Caribbean Union College Secondary School, Maracas SDA Primary School, University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), and other outreach programs at various SDA schools in Trinidad. United Hands and Freedom Clinic also donated 14 laptop computers to the Maracas SDA Primary School, ensuring that the gift of education continues to uplift the community. These initiatives reinforced their commitment to holistic health and spiritual nourishment.

The impact of this mission is profound and enduring. United Hands has committed to returning in 2025 to continue providing invaluable service to the community. Their work, which seamlessly blends medical care, spiritual nourishment, and community upliftment, stands as a shining example of the profound impact of selfless service.

In the words of Ann Burnett, Executive Director of United Hands, “Helping those in need” is not just a motto; it’s a calling that has transformed countless lives. The unity of hands in service has woven a tapestry of hope, healing, and community care that transcends the present and inspires us all to continue working together for a better future. The USC and its partners are immensely proud of this impactful collaboration, and they look forward to future endeavors that will continue to transform lives.