Tribute to Elder G. Ralph Thompson
Author: Hayden McKenna
On May 20th 2023, Elder George Ralph Thompson, finished with the troubles of this world, was called to rest. The administration, faculty and staff, students, alumni and friends of the University of the Southern Caribbean express our deepest condolences to the family, relatives, ministerial colleagues and many friends of Elder Thompson. We also join in the celebration of a life of one of our favourite alumni sons whose long, distinguished and praiseworthy tour of duty and service in this world, will long be remembered and brilliantly historicized by our church.
George Ralph Thompson, the son of George Gilbert and Edna Thompson, was born on March 20, 1929 on what was then the British colony of Barbados, (now the Republic of Barbados). His early life was nested in the hamlet of Connell Town in St. Lucy, Barbados’ rugged northernmost parish. His parents, members of the Pilgrim Holiness Church, raised G. Ralph as a protestant Christian. In his youth, G. Ralph displayed noble qualities and tremendous promise that did not go unnoticed by members of his community. Young G. Ralph apprenticed as a tailor in nearby Checker Hall with Mr. Fred Greaves who was a member of the Checker Hall Seventh-day Adventist Church. Fred Greaves gave a copy of The Great Controversy to the lad. The inquisitive young man read the book and was intrigued.
When A.R. Tucker the then principal of Caribbean Training College (CTC) – a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school in Maracas Valley on the island of Trinidad, visited Barbados on a recruiting expedition, he, abetted by Fred Greaves prevailed upon young G. Ralph Thompson’s parents to send the intellectually curious young man off to CTC.
On March 22nd 1946 George Ralph Thompson entered CTC . It was in this fertile valley, that lifts its eyes on the south-face of El Tucuche that his preparation for a historic, five-decade long career with the Seventh-day Adventist Church germinated. It was on the CTC campus that G. Ralph Thompson was baptized by A.R. Tucker and became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was at CTC that he was exposed to a fourteenth-grade curriculum that prepared him for entry into the gospel ministry. In Elder Thompson’s own words, “It is here that my educational horizons were opened up, and apparent impossibilities became challenging and intriguing realities… I can say today with absolute conviction, all that I am, and whatever I might have been able to achieve, I owe to that school in the Maracas Valley in Trinidad.”
It is at CTC too that a youthful G. Ralph Thompson also found the time to dabble in constructive extra-curricular activities that deepened his affection for Adventist culture and contributed valuable addenda to his preparation for ministerial service. For instance, he was a member and one of three first tenors in an outstanding male vocal ensemble called the College Heralds. Their debut performance was held in the College Auditorium in January 1950. Donned in impressive livery, they opened with a memorable rendition of Where are the Boys of the Old Brigade.
G. Ralph Thompson had two graduations from Caribbean Training College. He graduated from the twelfth-grade – the equivalent of secondary school completion – in 1948. Two years later, with advanced schooling, he graduated again having completed a two-year diploma course in Theology ,which qualified him, by the standards of the time, for entry into the gospel ministry.
Elder G. Ralph Thompson began his long and fruitful career as a minister of the gospel in the La Brea and Point Fortin areas of southwestern Trinidad as an intern pastor under the supervision of Pastor Samuel L. Gadsby. His devotion to God, teachability, genuine love for people, giftedness as an evangelist, and staunch commitment to the mission and unique message of the church quickly attracted pastoral success. Throughout G. Ralph Thompson’s remarkable denominational career, he remained steadfastly loyal to these helpful character traits and aptitudes.
In the 1953 to 1954 academic year, Elder G. Ralph Thompson briefly joined the faculty of CUC as a teacher in the secondary school division of the college. This may have been an institutionally organized pre-requisite to availing an opportunity for him to study abroad at Atlantic Union College (AUC) in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, USA. In 1954, he left for AUC, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1956. After his graduation, he was employed as a pastor and teacher in the Lake Region Conference in the United States.
In 1959, he returned to CUC as a member of the faculty. In August of that very year, he was ordained to the gospel ministry in the College Chapel. On June 14 1961, Elder Thompson left for Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA to complete a Bachelor of Divinity degree at the seminary. He returned to CUC in 1962 and between 1962 and 1964, he rose to the status of the Head of the Theology Department and Pastor of the College Church. As head of the Theology Department, he was careful to ensure that the Ministerial Association (the fraternal society for ministerial students) was always vibrant, keenly engaged in public evangelism and spiritual formation activities. One memorable public evangelism campaign of the period, was a series Elder Thompson conducted on Jackson Street in Curepe, Trinidad. In this effort he was supported by his eager students.
Elder Thompson also taught a famous history class of the campus titled “European Survey” which had an elegantly paginated tome for a textbook. This class was famous for its demanding intellectual rigour and its fine tutelage.
Elder Thompson was also a cherished mentor to his students and members of his pastorate.
He would succinctly, yet eloquently share ways of seeing and being that would inspire his students to be accomplished but humble. One of the many students he taught, led to Christ and baptized, recalls him advising that when one receives a promotion one should “step up humbly” and at its end, one should “step down graciously”.
The prodigious progress of Elder Thompson as an extraordinary evangelist, pastor and teacher was carefully followed by the Adventist constituency in Barbados and by extension the eastern Caribbean. In 1964, the thirty-five-year-old Elder Thompson, was asked to serve as the President of the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, headquartered in Barbados. Permitting no one to despise his youth, Elder Thompson stepped up humbly to this important assignment. He served the East Caribbean Conference as its president for two consecutive triennia.
The demands of the presidency did not attenuate Elder Thompson’s passion for the public proclamation of the gospel. In April of 1967, he established the Faith for Today Radio Broadcast. It aired locally in Barbados and to the islands of the eastern and southern Caribbean.
A flight of denominational elevations would pursue Elder Thompson’s outstanding work and preternatural devotion to service. In 1970, he was elected to the presidency of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Among the many duties that came with this new role was the chairmanship of the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, dear old CUC. Through his steadfast obedience to God’s leading, he acquitted himself well at Rookery Nook.
In 1975, Elder Thompson was asked to serve as one of the general vice-presidents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In 1980, in the midst of theological commotions in the world church, Elder George Ralph Thompson was elevated to the position of Secretary of the General Conference. In this position, he served for four consecutive quinquennia, and towards the end of his tenure, briefly acted as President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. His two decades as Secretary of the General Conference, spanned the presidencies of Elders Neal C. Wilson, Robert S. Folkenberg and part of that of Elder Jan Paulsen. Elder Thompson’s twenty unbroken years in this office, makes him the longest serving Secretary of the General Conference in the history of the organized Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was also the first person of colour and undiluted subaltern heritage to serve in this esteemed position.
Early in his tenure as Secretary of the General Conference, Andrews University conferred the honourary Doctor of Divinity degree on this worthy recipient in 1983.
The world church experienced institutional development and tremendous membership growth during Elder Thompson’s long stewardship as Secretary of the General Conference. In his report to the 57th General Conference Session in Toronto, Canada in 2000, (his last report as secretary of the world church) he shared that in 1999, an average 2,989 persons joined the church each day or 2.08 each minute of that year.
As high as God elevated his trusted Barbadian servant, he never lost the common touch, his love for people, and his distinct Caribbean personality. There are countless stories of his official and unofficial visits to the Caribbean especially to Barbados and Trinidad and his stubborn habits of visiting and conducting devotions at the major Adventist institutions there, and making house calls to old friends and colleagues. He manifested none of the trappings of pride and power distance that high office could easily summon.
Elder Thompson retired in 2000 after five decades of exemplary denominational service. Even after his retirement, he remained an asset to the church, serving as a field representative for the Ellen G. White Estate and delighting and inspiring congregations with the word, on the special occasions he took to the pulpit.
Elder G. Ralph Thompson was also the devoted husband and father. He married Imogene Clotilde Barker (also a Barbadian) on July 19th 1959 in New York, USA. Imogene Thompson was an alumna of CTC and studied at the college from 1948 to 1951. She is remembered as a “strong singer” on the campus. Imogene Thompson, had an accomplished career as a graduate nurse who worked in Barbados, Trinidad, New York and Washington D.C.
He and his Imogene were partners in long life, ministry and in parenthood. Together they lovingly raised three children: Carol Jean, Gerald Randolph, and Linda Mae. They were also grandparents to four girls. Imogene preceded Elder Thompson in 2018.
On July 10th 2023 Elder G. Ralph Thompson’s body was laid to rest in Naples, Florida, USA. Heaven has marked the spot of his interment for disturbance on that great day. May the long life and rich legacy of this extraordinary servant of God to humanity, inspire us to go beyond excellence like Elder George Ralph Thompson managed to do in his lifetime.
Written by: Hayden McKenna
Special thanks to: Dr. Glenn O.I. Phillips, Dr. Vernon E Andrews, Ms. Norma Greaves, Mr. Ian Green, Mr. E. Lennard McKenna & Mrs. Anastacia Mulraine-Campbell, Forde Library, USC.
Welcome Gold & Silver Alumni
The University of the Southern Caribbean invites Members of the Class of 1973 and Class of 1998 to the 90th Graduation Celebrations June 30 to July 2, 2023.
Reconnect with old friends, reminisce, and rediscover the spaces that hold cherished memories. Participate in the Consecration, Baccalaureate, and Commencement services, and share your
experiences with the USC family.
Queries and Information: alumni@usc.edu.tt
Honouring the achievements and contributions of the Silver and Gold Alumni!
- Published in News
USC Hosts International Security Conference
On June 12 and 13 2023, the International Conference on Security, Intelligence and Defense will assemble key academics, strategists and practitioners from different parts of the world for two days of intensive presentations and debates at the University of the Southern Caribbean. The Conference will focus on seven main themes, namely:
- The Crime Challenge. (Including review of Regional Crime Symposium)
- Gangs, Violence and Crime
- Reintegration and Rehabilitation of FTFs, Women and Children
- Radicalization, De-radicalization and CVE
- Illegal Migration and Border Management
- Elements of Transnational Crime-illegal drugs, illegal weapons and human trafficking.
- Examination of Regional Security Institutions including CARICOM IMPACS, RSS and JRCC)
There will be five rounds of Q&A and highly interactive discussions with an aim of finding solutions to our crime problems. The Conference will feature over 30 speakers including:
- Professor Muqtedar Khan (University of Delaware)
- Professor Fabiana Perera ((William J Perry Centre)
- Professor Celina Realuyo (William J Perry Centre)
- Dr.Raghunath Mahabir (USC)
- Ambassador Dr. Manorma Soeknandan (Former Deputy Secretary General of CARICOM)
- Dr. Randy Seepersad (UWI)
- Dr. Wendell Wallace (UWI)
- Pastor Clive Dottin
- Ms. Casandra Seetahal (Ministry of the Attorney General, TnT)
- Commander Garvin Heerah
- Mr. Keron Ganpat (former Deputy Director SSA)
- Ms. Alana Wheeler (former Director, CTU
- Dr. Andre Clarke(IMPACS)
- Mr. Callixtus Joseph (IMPACS)
- Mr. Stevenson Byng (USC)
The conference will provide a timely opportunity to discuss many of the most difficult, and often uncomfortable questions on current security dynamics. From the need to quell the crime surge in TnT and other CARICOM countries to the need to understand the impact of returning women and children from previously ISIS held strongholds, from the need to provide strong and effective recommendations to the Region in dealing with Transnational Crime to the imperatives of ensuring stronger border management and from to need to challenge the elements of radicalization and extremism to the imperatives of reviewing our security institutions for the purpose of making them stronger and more effective. As always, a detailed agenda will not be published until the eve of the conference.
For further details and registration kindly visit: https://usc.edu.tt/icsisd/
Email: Dr. Raghunath Mahabir: mahabir@usc.edu.tt
- Published in News
USC Announces 90th Graduation Ceremony
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is pleased to announce the highly anticipated 90th Commencement Ceremony to be held on Sunday, July 2, 2023 on the USC Main Campus, nestled in the beautiful Maracas Valley, St. Joseph. This momentous occasion will celebrate the achievements of our dedicated graduates and mark the beginning of their promising futures.
The 90th Graduation activities take place over three days where graduates from various academic disciplines will be recognized for their perseverance, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
- Friday, June 30, 2023 at 7:00pm – Virtual Consecration Service
- Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:00am – Baccalaureate Service
- Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 4:00pm – Evening of Tributes
- Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 9:00am – Commencement Ceremony
The University of the Southern Caribbean invites all friends, families, and supporters to join in celebrating the remarkable achievements of our graduates during this historic milestone.
Further details can be accessed at usc.edu.tt/graduation.
- Published in News
Happy Administrative Professionals Week!
Authored by: Marsha Ramsamoojh-Harris, Director, HR
Administrative Professionals Week is celebrated every last week in April and this year it will be observed from April 23-29, with April 26 being Administrative Professionals Day.
Here at USC, Administrative professionals play a vital role in our journey Beyond Excellence. They are the backbone of the organization, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. It is essential to honor and recognize their efforts.
USC’s Human Resources Department honors and recognizes your invaluable contributions to the efficient daily operations of our beloved USC. We pause and reflect to say thank you to our “unsung heroes”. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and positive attitude. We are grateful for everything that you do, whether you serve at the Main Campus or the Satellite Sites, or in a School or Department. Continue to strive for excellence and be operationally efficient daily.
We appreciate you!
- Published in News
Olympiad 2023: The Return!
Author: Mr. Le-Roy Pierre, Director, Sport & Physical Department
March 16, 2023 is etched in the hearts and minds of all who attended and participated in USC
Olympiad 2023. What a return after a three-year drought due to COVID 19. Tobago Campus, South
Campus and the six schools of USC campus, namely Graduate studies, Theology and Religion, Social
Sciences, Science Technology and Allied Health, Education, and Business; were well represented at
our annual sports day. The Honourable Marvin Gonzales, Minister of Public Utilities and Member of Parliament for the constituency of Lopinot/Bon Air West, was on hand to take the salute from the march past teams and bring greetings to all in attendance.
The action was electrifying from the March Past to the invitational races and final event – USC fastest
man and woman. Each track event had spectators on the edge of their seats and on their feet with
nail biting finishes as participants competed in friendly rivalry for medals, points and bragging rights.
The novelty events that included races such as the Scots Man Strutt, Water Balloon Toss and Ride
the Horsey left competitors in fits of laughter.
A new addition to Olympiad 2023 was the invitational inter-university 100 meters and 4 x 100
meters male and female races. Both races were truly memorable ones.
UWI dominated the female version of both races, however, in the male version of the races the tables turned on UWI.
USC’s 100M specialist Njanu Bellamy obliterated the field of UWI athletes coached by Trinidad & Tobago’s Jehue Gordon.
It was time for the men’s 4 x 100M relay. MIC, UWI and USC took their places. Ezekiel Salvary, Shaun
Smith, Jasiel Toppin and anchor man Njanu Bellamy of USC smelt gold. The starter gave her
instructions and the whistle was blown. It was a close race from start to finish as all teams gave their
best performance. The race was very close at each change over, but USC men wanted it badly and
gave a truly magical and breathtaking performance coming from behind in the second leg crossing
the finish line. It took some time before the spectators could catch their breaths and settle down.
USC won in the closest of finishes.
At the end of Olympiad 2023 the results were announced:
Novelty Events
Victor Lodorum – Aaron Atwell – School of Social Sciences
Victrix Lodorum – Keslyn Harrow – School of Theology and Religion
Track Events
- Victor Lodorum – Njanu Bellamy – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
- Victrix Lodorum – Atiya Cummings – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
USC Fastest Man – Njanu Bellamy – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
USC Fastest Woman – Atiya Cummings – School of Science, Technology and Allied Health
March Past Winner
School of Science Technology & Allied Health
Champion School 2023
School of Business & Entrepreneurship
After the results, all left for their various destinations with commendations for a day well spent. Back
at the office and on the ground the buzz was about a successful day spent at Olympiad 2023 at Larry
Gomes Stadium.
Sound the trumpets, ring your bells as Olympiad 2024 promises to be grander than 2023.
USC and Community Partners Join Forces for FreeDOM Clinic: A Mission of Hope & Healing
By Simone Augustus & Peggy Guerrero
In a testament to the power of community collaboration and selfless service, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) partnered with United Hands Inc., to host the FreeDOM Clinic from March 13 to March 16, 2023. This initiative, organized by United Hands Inc., reached a significant milestone by offering free dental, optical, and medical care to the public at the USC Auditorium on USC’s Main Campus in Maracas Valley.
United Hands Inc., known as FreeDOM Clinic USA, has a remarkable track record of delivering vital healthcare services to uninsured or underinsured patients not only in Trinidad and Tobago but also across the globe, from the USA and Antigua to Ghana and South Africa.
Patients, recognizing the importance of this mission, began lining up as early as 2:00 a.m. each day, with doors officially opening at 6:30 a.m. The FreeDOM Clinic’s team of 15 volunteer Dentists, Optometrists, and Medical Doctors worked tirelessly to serve the community, embodying the spirit of humanitarianism.
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.
- Published in News, Office of the President
USC Announces New Leadership Appointments
USC Announces New Leadership Appointments
The University of the Southern Caribbean is pleased to announce the appointment of its new team of experienced leaders, following the decision made by the Board of Trustees on February 23, 2023:
- Len Archer (PhD), Provost
- Lena Caesar (EdD, PhD) Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
- Barbara Reynolds (EdD), Vice President of Administration, Advancement, and Planning
- Samuel Sankar, Director of Strategic Partnerships and University Relations
USC is also delighted to announce additional key leadership appointments:
- Susan Chand (PhD), Dean, School of Social Sciences
- Sharon Ramkissoon De Freitas ( MSc. ), Director of Business Development
- Nordian C. Swaby Robinson (MBA), Director, Institutional Research
We are excited to welcome these new leaders and their families to our team and look forward to the contributions they will make to USC. These leaders bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our institution, and we are thrilled to have them join our team.
Len Archer (PhD), Provost, previously served and Interim Provost at USC. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus since his retirement in 2020 from AdventHealth University where he served as the Vice-President for Academic Administration and Academic Dean for Undergraduate programs at AdventHealth University for 10 years.
Dr. Archer is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and received his undergraduate degree in Botany and Applied Botany at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad.
He completed a M.S. (Biology) at Andrews University and a PhD in Microbiology at Indiana State University. He joined the faculty at Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, now AdventHealth University in 1993. He created the department of Health and Biomedical Sciences and served as the department chair from 2000 to 2011. He has published in the area of Microbiology and presented at national meetings in student retention and student advisement at the American Association of College Registrars and Academic Officers (AACRAO) where he was a member of AACRAO national committees.
Dr. Archer has been a nominee for several teaching awards and a recipient of the Zapara Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2020, Dr. Archer was the recipient of the AdventHealth University Distinguished Service Award. He remains active as a consultant in academic administration, faculty development, and accreditation.
Dr. Archer has been married to Nichole Archer (nee, Bovell) for 45 years – a 1978 graduate of Caribbean Union College (now USC).
Lena G. Caesar, (PhD, EdD) Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, holds academic doctorates in Special Education and in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences/Speech-Language Pathology. Her experience in educational settings spans a range of levels and continents. Currently in her 12th year of teaching and administration at Loyola University in Maryland, Caesar’s teaching and administrative experience includes six years of service as a fully-certified secondary school teacher in St. Lucia and Guyana, almost five years as Program Director of the Institute of Modern Languages, at Montemorelos University in Mexico, and 15 years as Faculty & Chair of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Andrews University in the USA.
In addition to the scores of research articles which she has published, Caesar is also the recipient of multiple research grants, including a 2017 ASHA Foundation award that funded research on language acquisition in a Caribbean territory. Caesar is also nationally and internationally recognized for her partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In recognition of her research exploits while at Loyola University Maryland, Caesar has been twice nominated for the Distinguished Scholar of the Year award.
Dr. Lena Caesar is a native of St. Lucia, and is happily married to Dr. Lael Caesar, a former professor of Hebrew Bible at Andrews University who recently retired from the General Conference after 11 years of service as Associate Editor of the Adventist Review & Adventist World magazines.
She looks forward to giving back to her Alma Mater a portion of the wonderful legacy that she was privileged to receive as a student on this very campus several decades ago.
Barbara Reynolds (EdD), Vice President of Administration, Advancement, and Planning, is a native of the Guyana and has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Planning and International Engagement at the University of Guyana. Prior to this, Dr. Reynolds was Head of Education for Save the Children UK, having spent the previous two decades with UNICEF in education, child protection, women’s development/gender, and representation in emergency and non-emergency contexts. She currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent and as the Co-Chair of the CARICOM Digital Skills Task Force. She is an active human rights professional, and an experienced Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR), human rights and gender mainstreaming facilitator. She holds a BA Education (Caribbean Union College), MA in Curriculum and Teaching (Howard University), the Post-Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (University of London), EdD in International Education Development/Curriculum and Instruction (Columbia University), and the MSt in International Human Rights Law (University of Oxford). Dr Reynolds’ second working language is Portuguese.
Samuel Sankar, Director of Strategic Partnerships and University Relations is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and has over thirty-five (35) years of experience in marketing, selling and sales management, coupled with leadership training. In addition, he has experience in areas such as health care, leadership training, manufacturing textiles, printing, health foods manufacturing, agriculture, project management and industrial relations. He sits on a global round table representing Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean with over twenty-five (25) years as an executive and graduate of the IFEA. He is the founder of IFEA Caribbean, international award winner for the City Award for Trinidad and Tobago in 2012. He has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church managing protocol and diplomacy by enabling and supporting the hosting of events and celebrations since 1995. He has worked with foreign missions, embassies and Diplomatic corps. He has managed welcome receptions for representatives of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Inter-American Division, Caribbean Union Conference and South Caribbean Conference.
Susan Julia Chand, Dean, School of Social Sciences and professor of Anthropology has been working at USC since 2005.
Dr. Chand has a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Botany (Major) and Mathematics (Minor) from Spicer Adventist University (formerly Spicer Memorial College, 1987), Master of Arts in Anthropology (1988) and a Doctoral degree (PhD, 1997) in Medical Anthropology, both from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune (India).
Dr. Chand is a Medical Anthropologist with over 22 years of teaching and research experience in the tertiary institutions in India, namely, Spicer Adventist University and Roorkee Adventist College, and University of the Southern Caribbean in Trinidad and Tobago. She supervises students’ theses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and serves as external examiner for national and international universities. She is passionate about conducting ethnographic studies and have studied the indigenous/ ethnic groups in India, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Belize. Based on her studies, she has presented papers in several national and international conferences in India, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Mexico, Belize, Ecuador, and Netherlands. Her research articles are also published in peer reviewed academic journals and as book chapters.
Dr. Chand is married to Mr. David Chand, Assistant Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, School of Education and Humanities at the University of the Southern Caribbean.
Ms. Nordian C. Swaby Robinson, Director of Institutional Research is an avid supporter of Adventist Education. She has served the Seventh-day Adventist Tertiary Institution for over 20 years. Nordian has held various positions at Northern Caribbean University and University of the Southern Caribbean in Assessment, Research Officer, Quality Assurance, Online Coordinator and Lecturer.
Ms. Swaby Robinson holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing (USC, Trinidad), a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, and an Associate Degree in Business Administration (NCU, Jamaica). She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD).
Her accomplishment includes being a part of the team contributing to USC achieving its full accreditation status for both the Accreditation Council of Trinidad & Tobago (ACTT) and Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools (AAA) and the creation of the first student satisfaction survey for USC. Nordian led out, coordinated and published the USC Factbook 2022.
Ms. Swaby Robinson has a pleasant disposition and personality. She also enjoys interacting with and motivating individuals to meet their full potential. She strives for continuous improvement while propelling the University Beyond Excellence.
Sharon Ramkissoon De Freitas, Director of Business Development, is an Attorney at Law and a Business woman with over 26 years’ experience. She is an alumna of UWI, Staffordshire-UK and USC.
Mrs. De Freitas is the holder of a Master of Science in International Relations from the University of the West Indies and a Bachelor of Law from the University of London, England. Also has a Diploma of Law from the University of London and Diploma in Business from the Institute of Commercial Management, London. She is a member of the Panel of Duty Counsel and Legal Aid Scheme.
Mrs. De Freitas was employed as an Administrative Assistant from 1995-2005 at the South Caribbean Conference and then Secondary School Teacher for a seven year period. She also served as a Lecturer (part time) at the University of London.
Mrs De Freitas is married to Pastor Brian De Freitas, Minister of the Chase Village District of SDA churches in Trinidad and Tobago.
Mrs Ramkissoon De Freitas enjoys gardening, construction, recycling, and being of service giving voice to the voiceless.
- Published in News, Office of the President
Blitz 2023 Contacts to Impact!
Authored By: Mrs. Rachel Sealy, University Chaplain
USC student Blitz is one of the anticipated event on the school’s calendar. It is the time where students with a heart for service and mission get involved in conducting the Sabbath’s Day service and other evangelistic meetings at local churches throughout Trinidad. It is also used as an opportunity for promoting the academic programs of the University.
This year, under the theme, CONTACT TO IMPACT, over sixty students filled with USCIAN pride carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Debe, La Romaine & the South Orapouche SDA Church in the south of Trinidad. This is phase I of Blitz 2023.
This initiative, under the Office of Spiritual Development and in collaboration with the AY Society of the Caring University Church, harnessed and organized the six ministries under the Iconnect Ministry for impact. This is the first time that Blitz is being executed through the iConnect Ministry brand, which was developed four years ago by the Office of Spiritual Development as a vehicle for spiritual growth and engagement of students and faculty.
Branded with their individual iConnect T-Shirts, iPray, iPraise, iProvide, iPrevail, iProclaim, and iPreach, students led out in the various aspects of the church’s programming from the Sabbath School service, the Divine or mid-day Service and the AY Service. The members and visitors were blessed by the presence of the students. One church member even requested to join the iPraise ministry! His Luv Choir was also featured.
President Dr. Colwick Wilson also joined in the day’s activities bringing greetings and promoting the University. As the busses departed at the end of the day, they carried students back to campus who were filled with joy and thanksgiving to their God for the wonderful opportunity to make contact with the South Churches and to make an impact for His Kingdom.
- Published in News
USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
As Sunday dawned on March 5, 2023, 79 runners from across Trinidad & Tobago gathered at the starting line for the USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run. With excitement and energy buzzing in the air, runners prepared themselves mentally and physically for the task ahead.
From Good News SDA Chapel in St. Augustine, the run’s route was set along the trails and parks of the city, with the runners winding their way into the picturesque landscape of the Maracas Valley. The group’s determination was rewarded with clear skies and a light breeze, providing the perfect conditions as they made their way to the finish line at the USC Main Campus.
Along the route, runners were hydrated by water stations manned by USC Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators. Runners were escorted by mobile units of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service, while an ambulance from the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists brought up the rear.
Seemingly unfazed by the distance, runners seamlessly transitioned into an aerobic burnout. Compound movements and dynamic stretches ensured that sore muscles were in low attendance on Monday Morning.
Results
Results of the USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run are as follows:
- First Place Male Overall – Mr. Edmond Ramirez
- First Place Female Overall – Mrs. Camille La Fleur
- First Place Faculty/Staff Male – Mr. Rendell Francis
- First Place Faculty/Staff Female – Mrs. Ann-Marie Charles
- First Place Student Male – Mr. Tayne Alexander
- First Place Student Female – Ms. Heqpera Khafra
Trophies were presented by Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, and Mr. LeRoy Pierre, Coordinator of the the Sport and Physical Education Department (SPED).
