By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a defining moment in the history of healthcare and has brought the dedication and bravery of healthcare professionals to the forefront. They have put their own lives at risk to care for the sick and have been instrumental in fighting the spread of the virus. Despite the challenging conditions they faced, they remained steadfast in their commitment to helping others and never lost their compassionate spirit.

The Health Ministry Department of the Caring University Church, led by Dr. Sandra Reid, recognizes the tireless efforts of our healthcare professionals and the critical role they play in our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the incredible sacrifices they make to help others and has shown us the importance of valuing and supporting those who care for us in our time of need. Their dedication and bravery are an inspiration to us all and serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

On Thursday, February 9, 2023 Dr. Colwick Wilson and Pastor Terry John presented plaques to healthcare professionals of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) and Medical Associates (St. Joseph) as tangible tokens of recognition of and gratitude for their dedication to service. These presentations were made on behalf of the University of the Southern Caribbean in partnership with the Caring University Church.

They have been on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, working tirelessly to find ways to mitigate its effects and prevent further spread. Their work has been critical in ensuring that those who have been affected by the virus receive the care they need, and their contributions will have a lasting impact on our society.

We say, “Thank you!”, to all healthcare professionals for their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to serving others and for being a beacon of hope during these trying times.

Debate History

On Monday 14^th November, USC relaunched its annual intracampus debate competition. This tournament usually hosted by the School of Education and Humanities, in partnership with the Division of Student Services and Enrolment Management, had as its patron this year, its President, Dr. Colwick Wilson. He re-launched the debate in anticipation of its continuation and developmemt.

The competition first debuted in November, 2013. At that time, it was titled the USC Future Leaders’ Debate Competition. Subsequently, in 2015, it was named in honour of Dr. Shirley McGarrell, a stellar figure and former leader on the campus. The competition was held, during the years 2013 and 2017, but was unintentionally curtailed as the university became involved in other important debate fora and then was further delayed when the pandemic struck. The recent passing of Dr. McGarrell, as well as USC’s 95^th Anniversary celebration, propelled its re-launch.

Debate Highlights

This semester two teams, from two Schools, qualified for the finals: the School of Theology and Religion and the School of Social Sciences. The resolution debated: 

Be it resolved that the continued existence of the Commonwealth of Nations is merely a remnant of colonial nostalgia.

This resolution focused on the relevance of the Commonwealth of Nations, which the Queen headed, and is now to be led by King Charles III. The debate teams, with their natural abilities, and a mix of little or no experience, were trained, and presented admirably as they dueled for and against the moot. The School of Social Sciences’ team argued in the affirmative. The School of Theology and Religion’s team opposed the moot.

The timekeeper for the debate was Mr. Hayden McKenna, University Writer and Editor. The Dr. Shirley A. McGarrell’sFuture Leaders’ Debate Committee members are Mr. McKenna, Dr. Terencia Joseph, Mr. Roland Sealy and Ms. Shelley Lyons.

An external panel of adjudicators deliberated and provided appropriate feedback to the debate participants. They were: Chief Adjudicator, Mrs. Petronetta Pierre-Robertson; Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Randall Hector, and special judge and radio personality, Mr. Dale Enoch. Each judge represented an area of expertise to be judged: research skills, argumentation skills and presentation skills.

Dr. Colwick Wilson, President, and Dr. Len Archer, Interim Provost, were present and participated in the prize-giving.

A special guest, alumna, and the current Presiding Officer of the Tobago House of Assembly, Ms. Abby Taylor, was also in attendance and brought greetings from the THA.

Debate Results

The School of Theology and Religion emerged as the winning team.

The School of Social Sciences did very well, falling short by just six points. The most memorable lines came from the SoSS, with Daniel Anthony ending his speech by asking: “Why isn’t the wealth common, in the Commonwealth?” and Brenda Gordon-Rasool taking a cunning jab at team theology in their dapper ties and suits, teasing that they showed up “very colonized in their dressing”. These jabs thrilled the audience.

The members of the teams, who represented in their School colours were:

School of Theology and Religion (Red)	School of Social Sciences (Blue)
Devon Ramlal – 1st Speaker	Ceanna Cyrille – 1st Speaker
Termin Ferdinand – 2nd Speaker	Daniel Anthony – 2nd Speaker
Dillon Bazil – 3rd Speaker	Brenda Gordon-Rasool – 3rd Speaker
Shanka Serrant – Rebuttal Support	Abigail Collins – Rebuttal Support
Ashanti Prescott – Reserve

The other special prizes earned included:

Best Debater, won by Devon Ramlall of the STAR

Best Researcher, won by Ceanna Cyrille of the SoSS

Best Teamwork, the team of Social Sciences

Attractive prizes are to be delivered to the winning teams, inclusive of their special prizes, to the sum of $20,000.  The winning team is also to dine with the President, in the near future, as a part of their reward.

Deans and faculty members came out to support. The audience was very responsive, and members of the USC campus community who attended or viewed the debate on YouTube were pleased with the performance of the teams and are eager about the event going forward.

A cocktail reception was held post-debate, at the university’s Board Room with all judges and debaters, organizers, and the President, in attendance.

The competition can be viewed by clicking on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olfd6mwiem4&t=328s

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

Team United Hands/FreeD.O.M Clinic team has been getting us into the game! From October 14-21, 2022, the University of the Southern Caribbean hosted Dr. Don Bovell, Mrs. Ann Burnett and Ms. Grace Daley as they prepared for an upcoming mission trip to Trinidad and Tobago in 2023.

The team’s schedule kept a pace that was only outdone by their energy. During this time, in addition to making key connections through several courtesy visits, the team has been touring primary and secondary schools to affirm the gospel message with their unique blend of fun, faith and fitness.

Learn more about United Hands/FreeD.O.M Clinic at: united-hands.org and freedomclinicusa.org

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) proudly revived its celebrated tradition, “Portraits of Excellence,” after a decade-long hiatus. This event, which is deeply rooted in the university’s mission of transforming ordinary individuals into extraordinary servants of God to humanity, brings together students from diverse territories to showcase their skills and talents while fostering personal and professional growth.

Launched in 2006, Portraits of Excellence has been an integral part of the USC student life experience. It’s a seven-month journey that embodies the holistic mission of the university, combining intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of learning.

The theme for Portraits of Excellence 2023 was “Rethinking Education: Reframing Realities, Reshaping Opportunities,” emphasizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. The event encourages participants to explore a comprehensive approach to education, fostering a well-rounded development of skills and knowledge.

Eight delegates represented their respective countries, including Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago, as they competed in several categories, including Research Presentation, Community Outreach Project, Talent, and Cultural Wear.

Portraits of Excellence 2023 featured a series of smaller events assessed and recorded throughout the seven-month journey, leading to the grand finale Gala Event. During the Gala, scores from the delegates’ pre-Gala presentations, as well as the presentations during the Gala, were tabulated to determine the recipients of Scholarship Awards.

The winners of Portraits of Excellence 2023 were:

• Mr. USC: Jad Isidore
• Ms. USC: Abigail Collins
• First Runners Up: Mr. Kahlan Roach and Ms. Anya Nero
• Best Talent Female: Abigail Collins
• Best Talent Male: Kahlan Roach
• Best Cultural Wear Male: Jounathan Peters
• Best Cultural Wear Female: Monique Lively
• People’s Choice, Congeniality and Research Project: Kahlan Roach
• Best Community Project: Anya Nero

The event was held under the patronage of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, attorney and wife of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honorable Keith Rowley, adding prestige and significance to this year’s Portraits of Excellence.

Portraits of Excellence 2023 Sponsors: A Crucial Pillar of Support

USC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who made Portraits of Excellence 2023 a resounding success. These sponsors played a crucial role in supporting the event’s mission of fostering excellence, personal growth, and holistic development among the USC student community. Their contributions allowed the university to provide a platform for students to showcase their skills and talents while promoting a comprehensive approach to education.

The listed sponsors not only provided financial support but also demonstrated their commitment to promoting excellence in education and personal development. Their contributions allowed USC to reintroduce Portraits of Excellence and ensure that the event lived up to its legacy.

With the successful revival of Portraits of Excellence 2023, preparations are already underway for Portraits of Excellence 2024. This tradition, deeply embedded in the fabric of the University of the Southern Caribbean, continues to be a platform for students to shine and showcase their excellence while promoting holistic growth and personal development.

Author: Dave V. Cassie, EdD, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

The University of the Southern Caribbean held a simple tree planting activity to commemorate Earth Day & World Environment Day 2022 under the themes “Invest in Our Plant” and “Only One Earth” respectively. The tree planting activity took place on July 14, 2022 on a small mound overlooking the recreation field between the Maracas SDA Primary School and the La Realista Building on the main campus, Maracas, St. Joseph. Seedlings were donated by WASA’s Adopt the River Program which included fruit trees as well as wood trees. In the photo, below a small party of officials were gathered to plant a Five Finger tree as a ceremonial gesture to highlight the events as well as mark the further collaboration of WASA’s Adopt the River Program and School of Sciences, Technology & Allied Health on a river project in the coming academic year.  

WASA’s Adopt the River Program has been associated with the School of Sciences, Technology & Allied Health since 2020 just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and participated in the Science Week 2020 Symposium: Water & Climate Change. Due to the many restrictions related to the pandemic there has been limited engagement over the last two years but it is hoped that in the new academic year 2022_2023 that a river project will be initiated involving the community stakeholders, students and faculty and staff of USC. Certainly this is an investment for the future of the Maracas Valley, the country and the planet as a whole.

Author: Caribbean Union Health and Well-being Study (CHWBS)

The Caribbean Union Family Life, Health, and Women, Children and Adolescents Ministries departments, the University of the Southern Caribbean, Loma Linda University, Johns Hopkins University and Oakwood University have teamed up to conduct the Caribbean Union Health and Well-being Study (CHWBS). This is a ground-breaking study of the adult Seventh-day Adventist population in the Caribbean Union focusing majorly on mental health, family, and women issues.

A section of the study focuses specifically on Pastors. The findings from the study will be used to provide data driven ministry initiatives to improve the health and well-being of our members in the Caribbean Union and provide invaluable information on the experiences related to the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19). The study is fully endorsed and supported by the Caribbean Union Conference Executive Committee.