USC Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2025: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
By Ms. Nadira Mohammed, Corporate Communications Assistant and Ms. Simone T. Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President
On March 16, 2025, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) hosted the highly anticipated Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant, celebrating academic achievement, cultural heritage, and artistic brilliance. This premier event showcased outstanding students excelling in research, community service, and creative expression. The evening featured captivating cultural performances and thought-provoking presentations, reflecting USC’s commitment to holistic education. The night culminated in the crowning of Michael Garcia and Alicia Lewis as Mr. and Ms. USC 2025.
The theme of the 2025 pageant, “Entrepreneurial Innovations: An Imperative for Sustainability in the Caribbean,” was carefully chosen to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 9—Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Over the course of eight months, eight dedicated delegates immersed themselves in research, mentorship, and community engagement, honing the skills necessary to be catalysts for economic sustainability in the Caribbean.
The evening held even deeper significance as it marked the final official engagement of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley in her role as the spouse of Trinidad and Tobago’s seventh Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, who officially resigned from office on March 16, 2025. Mrs. Clark-Rowley spoke passionately about the importance of excellence in education and nation-building. She praised the program for embodying the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s philosophy of holistic education—developing the head, heart, and hand—and emphasized that excellence must become a national mindset if the Caribbean is to thrive. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the mission of the Portraits of Excellence initiative.
In a moving address, Mrs. Clark-Rowley emphasized the urgent need to cultivate a national culture of excellence to advance the Caribbean region. “The University of the Southern Caribbean is responding to the contemporary challenges of the Caribbean by instilling a culture of excellence through recognition and reward,” she affirmed. “By doing so, you are ultimately contributing to a better way of life for our Caribbean people.”
As she concluded her address, Mrs. Clark-Rowley offered a lasting charge to the delegates, “As you set your goals in life and embark upon your respective journeys along the road to excellence, never forget that the witnessing of Christ has to be your highest goal.”
Rigorous Training and Transformative Learning
In August 2024, an extraordinary journey began—one of growth, perseverance, and excellence. The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Program, an initiative of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), embarked on yet another transformative cycle, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and cultural appreciation.
Since its inception in 2006, the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Program has been a cornerstone of USC’s mission to cultivate well-rounded scholars who exemplify intellect, service, and innovation. After a brief hiatus, the program was revived in 2023, reclaiming its place as a prestigious platform for recognizing USC’s finest students across its seven campuses. The program continues to thrive under the distinguished patronage of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, wife of the seventh Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who has passionately championed its vision since its revival.
The program’s intensive schedule included workshops on speech dynamics, resume writing, health and hygiene, emotional intelligence, and professional development, facilitated by esteemed professionals. These sessions provided delegates with essential tools for success beyond the competition stage.
However, the journey was not just about competition—it was about character. Each delegate completed a community outreach project, dedicating a minimum of 20 hours to a cause that aligned with their values and the theme. These initiatives, which contribute 15% of their total scores, reflect the essence of USC’s mission—to transform ordinary people into extraordinary servants of God to humanity.
Additionally, research projects within their respective academic disciplines accounted for 40% of their total scores, ensuring that they contributed to scholarly discussions and real-world problem-solving. Faculty mentors provided invaluable guidance, helping delegates present innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges.In addition to academic rigor, the delegates completed community service projects, dedicating their time and effort to making a meaningful impact.
A Grand Celebration of Intellect, Culture, and Talent
Held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2025 was a breathtaking showcase of intellect, culture, and talent. Hosted at USC, the event was the culmination of months of preparation, featuring research presentations, community service initiatives, and cultural showcases. Friends, family, and faculty members gathered in anticipation as delegates vied for the prestigious Mr. and Ms. USC titles. More than a competition, the night was a powerful display of Caribbean identity, resilience, and ingenuity.
Top Honors: The Crowning of Excellence
The most anticipated moment of the night arrived when Michael Garcia and Alicia Lewis were crowned Mr. and Ms. USC 2025, marking their triumph after months of dedication and hard work.
Academic and Research Excellence:
- Best Oral Research Presentation: Michael Garcia
- First Place – Overall Research Award: Alicia Lewis
- Second Place – Overall Research Award: Michael Garcia
- Best Community Project Award: Alicia Lewis & Asahel Joseph
These achievements reinforced that the competition was about more than just aesthetics—it was about shaping thought leaders and change-makers.
Cultural Wear Showcase: A Tapestry of Caribbean Identity
The Cultural Wear segment transported the audience on a visual and emotional journey through the rich heritage of the Caribbean. Each delegate’s ensemble was a storytelling masterpiece, embodying history, struggle, and triumph.
- Ahjea Jackson (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) embodied the powerful force of nature with a design inspired by La Soufrière Volcano and the national flower, the Soufrière Tree Blossom. The fiery colors and intricate embroidery symbolized resilience and rebirth.
- Alicia Lewis (Antigua and Barbuda) unveiled Aurora Futurum, a futuristic representation of Antigua’s sustainability movement. Her LED-lit headpiece symbolized innovation, while her cape depicted the island’s beaches and sargassum seaweed, which is being explored as a biofuel.
- Felesha Jack (Dominica) modernized the traditional Wob Dwiyet, integrating bamboo beading and Kalinago craftsmanship to highlight the entrepreneurial strength of the Dominican people. Her ensemble paid homage to the national bird, the Sisserou Parrot, a symbol of determination.
- Hansel Thomas (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) portrayed Wings of the Vincentian Spirit, honoring the legendary Garifuna warriors and the national Amazona Guildingii parrot. His costume reflected the strength and unyielding spirit of his ancestors.
- Asahel Joseph (Antigua and Barbuda) stunned the audience with Freedom Flyer, an elaborate tribute to the national frigate bird, with wings spanning across his back to symbolize Antigua’s journey to independence and economic resilience.
- Michael Garcia (Trinidad and Tobago) merged two cultural icons—the Midnight Robber and the Steelpan—into The Pan Midnight Robber. His powerful presence and bold storytelling reminded the audience of the intersection between tradition and entrepreneurship.
- Marques Bruce (South Campus) took on the role of Papa Bois, the guardian of the forest, with a costume crafted from eco-friendly materials. His portrayal reinforced the urgent need for sustainability in the Caribbean.
- Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq (Trinidad and Tobago) transformed into Tourist Annie, showcasing the vibrancy of local industry, from cocoa farming to steelpan innovation.
Best Cultural Wear Awards:
- Female: Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq
- Male: Michael Garcia
Talent Showcase: An Explosion of Creativity and Passion
The talent segment was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving the audience in awe as contestants delivered performances infused with Caribbean rhythm, storytelling, and emotion.
- Ahjea Jackson electrified the stage with Success, a powerful Afro-soul and spoken-word fusion celebrating women entrepreneurs. Her performance concluded with a dramatic reveal of a painting honoring the event’s patroness.
- Alicia Lewis delivered an inspiring spoken-word piece transitioning into a soulful song about sustainability and entrepreneurship, challenging students to create solutions to food waste on campus.
- Felesha Jack brought energy and empowerment through her original song You Could Be Your Own Boss!, encouraging self-made success through resilience.
- Hansel Thomas took the audience on a journey of self-doubt and perseverance with a contemporary dance to Weight in Gold, symbolizing the struggles and victories of entrepreneurship.
- Asahel Joseph delivered a musical storytelling piece about overcoming financial hardship, using reggae beats and a compelling narrative to show his evolution from struggle to success.
- Michael Garcia performed a theatrical and comedic retelling of steelpan history, blending humor, music, and heritage to highlight its cultural significance.
- Marques Bruce presented a deeply spiritual and moving dance piece set to Jehovah, expressing faith and perseverance through elegant choreography.
- Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq delivered Vibert is King, a dramatic monologue blending spoken word and steelpan rhythms, portraying the transition from hardship to triumph.
Best Talent Awards:
- Female: Ahjea Jackson
- Male: Michael Garcia
Scholarships and Recognitions
The competition not only honored artistic and academic achievements but also rewarded students with scholarships to support their future aspirations.
- People’s Choice Award: Felesha Jack
- Congeniality Award: Marques Bruce
- 25% Tuition Awards: Ahjae Jackson, Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq, Marques Bruce, Asahel Joseph
- First Runner-up (Female): Felesha Jack
- First Runner-up (Male): Hansel Thomas
A Lasting Legacy of Excellence
The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2025 was more than just a competition—it was a movement. The event showcased the brilliance, resilience, and innovation of Caribbean youth, proving that they are not just future leaders but present-day change-makers. As the curtains fell and the champions exited the stage, they carried with them more than just titles; they bore the torch of excellence, ready to shape the Caribbean’s future with vision, artistry, and unwavering determination.
Judges and Sponsors
Pageant Night Judges:
- Mr. Kivonne Ramsawak (Chief Judge) – Film Director and Editor, Film Production Unit, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
- Dr. Helen Cumberbatch – Vice President of Student Affairs at COSTAATT.
- Mr. Derron Sandy – Spoken Word Poet & Performer, Creative Education and Artistic Director.
- Dr. Raymond Weekes – Lecturer of Theatre Arts, Creative & Festival Arts at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
- Mrs. Shawna Steede-Nicholas – Business Strategy Manager, Grace Kennedy (Trinidad and Tobago)
Pre-pageant Judges:
- Written Research Projects: Dr. Justin Zephyrine, Ms. Natalie Maharaj, Dr. Barbara Constance
- Oral Research Presentations: Dr. Fiona Rajkumar, Dr. Paul Richards, Dr. Kyra McGowan-Santana
- Community Projects: Dr. Glenda Hinkson, Mr. Michael Perez, Pastor Malverne Mentore
Special Thank You to our Sponsors
RBC Royal Bank, Eastern Divers Group of Companies, Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited, UNIPET, Western Scientific, Lesli & Durey Arthur, IADPA, College Health Foods, Eve Anderson and Associates, Bakers Flags & Emblems, Executive Office Supplies, Matvern Limited, M&M Insurance, FLOW, North American USC Alumni Association, Drs. Orville & Phyllis Woolford, Dr. Leon Wilson, Dr. Dale Alexander, Neville & Alma Elder, Zwade Studios, Better Listing Foods Ltd., M’Saydez Campbell, NATCO, Blue Waters, Forward Industries, TovaTickets, Heavenly Gardens.
Extraordinary Servants of God to Humanity: An Industry Perspective | By Fitzroy Harewood
Editor’s Foreword
We are extremely delighted that Mr. Fitzroy Harewood consented to guest-write our monthly feature this November.
Mr. Harewood, an engineer by training has occupied important technical and leadership roles in very
high-valued industries in Trinidad and Tobago, ranging from telecommunications to energy, hydrocarbons and petro-chemicals. He currently serves as the President of Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited (PLNL).
Mr. Harewood self-identifies with the USC alumni community as a graduate of the Andrews University
MBA programme that was taught on the campus of then Caribbean Union College.
Mr. Harewood is a committed ordained elder of the Cochrane Seventh day Adventist Church, Guapo in
deep south-western Trinidad and freely lends his talents and influence to advancing that congregation,
the South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and the Caribbean Union Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists, through special ministries like ASI and memberships on various committees and advisories.
Our university continues to benefit from his openhandedness with his expertise and his affection for the church and its institutions. At USC’s 91st Graduation Commencement Ceremony, Mr. Harewood was a most worthy recipient of the Spirit of USC Award (see Celebrating Excellence: Mr. Fitzroy Harewood Honored with 2024 Spirit of USC Award).
In this excellent read, we get an industry insider’s perspective on the invaluable traits and character
orientations that are in high demand for successful careers in public and private sectors and in
entrepreneurial adventure.
Extraordinary Servants of God to Humanity: An Industry Perspective
Contemporary organizational psychologists posit that context matters and that individual and group behaviour within organizations usually occur within a context and is rarely capricious. This understanding, that context matters, can also be applied to our understanding of the current and emerging macro and micro economic drivers within in the region. Indeed, these drivers are influencing employers and business owners alike, to the extent that emerging employees and entrepreneurs who understand these “drivers” are better prepared to add sustainability to the world of work and business. As I examine some of these contemporary “drivers” I will highlight the complementary behavioral traits that are valued by employers and then hypothesize that faith-based institutions of higher learning such as the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) are well-suited to prepare their students for their future roles as employees, leaders and entrepreneurs.
A brief examination of the current regional ethos shows that the Caribbean region – post the Covid-19 pandemic – is experiencing moderate and deliberate growth even as the region’s challenges remain in sharp focus by leaders and the population at large. Indeed, those countries that are heavily dependent on tourism are seeing steady improvements in visitor arrivals, hotel occupancies and cruise ship arrivals. Moreover, event tourism has picked up, particularly in sporting events like the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Cricket World Cup and the Caribbean Professional League. Regional territories reliant on extractive industries like oil, gas and mining are also experiencing strong resurgence with Guyana and Suriname also benefiting from new growth experiences based on new discoveries and field developments. Amidst all this, the region continues to focus on improved resilience against the adverse effects of climate change including the adoption of a several energy transition initiatives such as the implementation of renewable energy projects within several countries. Regarding industrial activity, the region continues to be led by enterprises with varied ownership structures including several family-owned businesses, government owned state enterprises and special purpose companies, public-private- partnerships, multinational companies and regional subsidiaries of global entities. Consequently, in the furtherance of continued industrial development, the governments of the region are all focused on increasing foreign direct investments and facilitating robust and regular trade within the world’s global markets.
It is in this context that both industry and government(s) are reliant on the human capital within the region and are investing in education and training to ensure that the skills and competences needed in the short, medium and long terms are available in sufficient numbers to support the growth agenda of the future. Additionally, given that all of this is happening within the shadow of the COVID 19 pandemic, there is also a strong focus on the health and wellbeing of the population and the provision of adequate healthcare services.
However, the global economy (including the Caribbean) is also concerned about ethical behavior and performance in doing business. At first this seems counterintuitive – businesses being concerns about ethics as opposed to just profits? However, after the Enron disaster in 2001 and the financial crash of 2008, the banking and lending agencies of the world have doubled-down on their demands for honesty, forthright disclosures and ethical business practices in the private as well as the public sectors. It is now normal for industrial enterprises to assert and express their commitment to ethical business practices within their corporations and expect the same from those supply chain entities that provide them with goods and services, locally and globally.
This translates into a new reality, that is, prospective employees and entrepreneurs are expected to demonstrate moral and ethical uprightness in addition to skills, competences and certification.
Indeed, present day employers and potential business partners have developed screening and assessment tools to examine these qualities and behaviors in new employees and service partners. They have also institutionalized polices related to whistle blowing, protected disclosures and established compliance departments to provide assurances around ethical behaviors across the length and breadth of the workforce.
This is the world into which tertiary level graduates within the region are entering. A world where the demand for specific skills and competencies is high, as well as the expectation that each graduate will always exhibit moral and ethical behaviors – whether as an employee or as an entrepreneur/service provider.
In my experience, some of the traits that are now valued by businesses and employers include integrity, collaboration, team skills, innovation, resilience and learning capability. This is not an exhaustive list but highlights those traits that I heard being routinely discussed by CEOs and human resource managers across the region and across industries such as government services, healthcare, education, oil and gas, mining, transport, tourism etc.
Some aspirants to the workplace may be foolish enough to think these “ideals” do not really matter but, to adopt such a position, only undermines your value to the workplace and can result in non-sustainable employment or little-to-no business success.
What then are synopses of these few traits?
Firstly, it is well accepted that integrity is about consistently doing the right thing – even when no one is watching. This does not mean that people will not make mistakes, as that is only being human, but the employee with integrity will own up to mistakes when they occur and be willing to disclose same. In the manufacturing world – as in other businesses – such disclosures often save time and money as supervisors usually initiate changes to work processes to reduce the reoccurrence of such mistakes in the future. Moreover, shareholders and business investors have greater assurance around their investments when they know that integrity is valued in the entity of which they are a part.
Collaboration and teamwork are about our ability to get along and to work together to achieve a common objective. From a young age we are taught to collaborate within our families and participating in sporting activities reinforces the value of teamwork. If graduates are to be of value to the region’s industries, they must accept that “no man is and island” and that being able to work with others is a non-negotiable requirement for success.
When it comes to innovation, there is a false belief that new employers and businesses are only looking for the next big idea and consequently some new employees find the grind of routine work, boring. Well, I am of the view that intimacy with the nature of one’s work and enterprise is a natural forerunner for innovation. Think of sports personalities at the top of their game and you will recognize that before they became exceptional, they demonstrated mastery at the fundamentals of their sport. This is true of Usain Bolt, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Virat Koli, Brian Lara and the list goes on and on. So, certainly there is a need for today’s employees to be innovative and to consider and propose new approaches to working in this fast-changing environment. However, please prioritize the mastery of your assigned tasks and innovative solutions will present themselves.
Then there is the trait called resilience. Another contemporary belief that is gaining acceptance in the corporate world is that “people make mistakes”. Notwithstanding our best efforts, employees and entrepreneurs of the region (and the world) make mistakes and sometimes we get things wrong. If this understanding of human vulnerability is readily accepted, then we would be motivated to build more robust work systems with significant checks and balances to limit the consequences of human error. However, this also means that employees and entrepreneurs must have the fortitude to “bounce back”
after an error, a loss or a defeat. The old adage “Don’t cry over spilled milk” is applicable here! Resilience is tapping into that capacity within us to rise when we fall and keep on going.
The final trait on our limited list is “learning capability”. In this regard, graduates who are entering or wish to grow the world of work are expected to leverage the learning capabilities developed during their tertiary education. Today’s environment is a rapidly changing one and with the burgeoning access to knowledge – through technological advancements – employers and businesses are looking for employees and business partners who can quickly learn the nuances of the business/industry and apply that knowledge to the success of their organizations. Being able to assess, analyze and apply are the three “A’s” that must be part of the toolkit of the emerging employee. Your learning will not stop at graduation, in fact, an inherent passion for learning is expected for the rest of our lives. This also means that we need to “grow where we are planted”. Learn the job and learn the business! Understand very intimately what you do and learn what others and other departments and businesses do that impact your job and the enterprise of which you are a part.
Having reviewed context and the required traits it is easy to conclude that a learning institution preparing and providing graduates who are able to function in accordance with these traits remains relevant and valuable, now and in the years ahead. This is the value of a faith-based tertiary education institution like the University of the Southern Caribbean to the Caribbean region.
If USC and the other regional institutions can produce graduates with the skills and competencies needed during this time of regional growth and energy transition, who also possess the complementary traits we discussed, then their (USC and other tertiary institutions) value and relevance to the world is beyond question. This is not a time to shy away from promoting faith-based values but a time to herald and reinforce them.
Today’s enterprises, including those in the Caribbean region, are desperately in need of skilled and competent workers who can serve their organizations with integrity, resilience, a willingness to collaborate, work easily in teams and a passion for continuous learning as the macro and micro economic environment constantly changes.
All of this, in my view, sounds like real opportunities for preparing and sending “extraordinary servants of God to humanity”.