The School of Business and Entrepreneurship of the University of the Southern Caribbean, in what has become a traditional annual activity of the School, held its  9th Annual Business Development Seminar entitled “The Role of Entrepreneurship and Trade in Economic Development with Reference to Entrepreneurial Financing” on 9th April, 2019.

This seminal function which is one of the School’s flagship calendar events, witnessed the gathering of a galaxy of government Ministers, seasoned academicians and, a showcase of alumni of the school who have gone to become successful entrepreneurs in various areas; representatives from the university administration, faculty, staff and a large contingent of students for whom the event was designed to benefit.

In keeping with its traditional design, this year’s seminar was also divided into three segments. After a soul warming musical rendition by Johnatan Blackman, the first segment witnessed special greetings from the president of the University of the Southern Caribbean Dr. Hilary Bowman, Dr. Leon Wilson (Provost) and, guests of honor Senator the honorable Allyson West who represented the Minister of Finance Mr. Colm Imbert, Senator the honorable Paula Gopee-Scoon – Minister of Trade and Industry who was represented by Ms  Frances Signoret – Permanent Secretary (Ag); Ms Susan Shurland, Deputy Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts who represented  Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts (MCDCA) and Mr. Albert Chow, CEO – National Entrepreneurship Development Company Ltd. NEDCO.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Bowman admonished students to get started, innovate and create opportunities for themselves and to strive to be self-employed.

In the same vein, Dr. Leon Wilson reminded the audience that “it is the strategic role of USC to foster relationship with community agencies and government, to let them know that our role is not only to “pontificate knowledge”, but to be involved in the pragmatic needs of the society”

In his welcome address, Dr. Raghavalu Ramella, the Dean of School of Business emphasized the critical importance of entrepreneurial finance for SMEs. He said that for SMEs to survive and grow, adequate access to finance and enhancement of their productivity was a critical factor. “In addition to finance, supporting industry and promoting the internationalization of SMEs is key to stimulating inclusive economic growth, he averred”.

The reality according to Dr. Ramella is that in the Caribbean region, SMEs continue to have poor access to finance. This situation is further aggravated amid the continuing global financial uncertainty, as stable access to appropriate funding sources has become even more difficult for SMEs. The financial crisis impacted SMEs and entrepreneurs disproportionately, worsening their traditional financing. In addition to limited finance, the financial conditions of many SMEs were further weakened by the drop in demand for goods and services, amid tightening credit.

Senator the honorable Allyson West in her remark highlighted the important initiatives introduced by her ministry to promote entrepreneurship in the country. Before reeling off the various incentives provided by her Ministry either directly or through the Ministry of trade, the minister reminded the audience of the current state of the economy. She said inter alia, that the collapse of commodity prices in 2014 affected all the economic sectors of the country. “Given recent economic events, it is unclear whether we will get back to peaks of revenue that were generated between 2011 and 2014. Those were special times. Our budget went up to $63 billion in 2014 which is the highest ever. At the moment, we are operating within the region of $15 billion which is a significant decline”.

The Minister maintained that “it cannot be understated that even in this challenging economic times, the government has placed the economy on a growth trajectory. According to 2018 Review of the economy, this country’s GDP grew by 1.9% at a time when it was predicted that it could not happen. We have a fairly stable unemployment rate which is currently 4.8% which if you look at the region and globally, that is a very solid performance. In February 2019, the headline inflation remained low at 1.2% year-on-year”.

She gave commendations to the University of the Southern Caribbean for its commitment to fostering the edification and growth of entrepreneurs and for hosting for the 9th year, its Annual Business Development Seminar “because it is an area which Trinidad and Tobago needs to get more focused because the future of the nation depends not on oil and gas but on the growth of SMEs”. She also informed the audience that the government is willing to support the SME sector on seven distinct platforms which among others include: Institutional strengthening, enhanced legislation, more in-depth small business training, expanded and customized funding facilities, the establishment of new business clusters and, actualizing fair share programme. She reiterated that the government has introduced a large number of incentives to provide support to SMEs and, would be entrepreneurs should make an effort to find out what support is available through the government.

 Senator the honorable Paula Gopee-Scoon who was ably represented by Ms Frances Signoret regretted her inability to be physically present in the seminar to which she has become a regular eminent presenter, due to Parliamentary duties in the senate. In her goodwill message, the Minister who indicated that she was very enthused by the title of this year’s seminar, commended USC “for its active role in the field of education and the institution’s detailed emphasis on purposeful and targeted transformation of its students into future leaders and entrepreneur”. She reemphasized the nexus between trade and entrepreneurship and its impact on economic growth and development as reflected in the National Development Strategy (NDS) for Trinidad and Tobago (2016-2030) – Vision 2030. Vision 2030 identifies the need to “create a culture and climate for entrepreneurship and innovation” through education and training including support for a culture of research and development.

In the same vein, another regular eminent personality in the school’s seminars, Ms Susan Shurland, Deputy Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts in the goodwill message she delivered on behalf of Dr. the Honorable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts (MCDCA); the Minister thanked Dr. Ramella and USC for the invitation to bring special greetings, pointing out that “ the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is very dear to Minister and she sincerely regretted her inability to be physically present at the function.

Relating Entrepreneurship to community development, the Minister said that “business enterprises must become more involved and integrated into development on a micro or community level for it fosters development on a macro or national level. It calls for businesses to have meaningful engagement in the communities in which they operate. As we know, our economy has changed, we live in stricter financial times and as the “ole” people would say, “eat little and live long”. The reality is, the economy has changed, and with these changes our communities must adapt. A paradigm shift in the economic development strategy of many communities over the past decade or so has been the increase in entrepreneurship. Now, as community developers we must recognize that entrepreneurship is critical to the vitality of the local economy and job creation as entrepreneurial projects make a positive contribution to community development in terms of both impact and sustainability”.

Mr. Albert Chow, the CEO of National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited on his part explained to the august audience the various support incentives that his organization provides to entrepreneurs. He enthused that this year’s theme is especially important to NEDCO as it is very close to NEDCO’s cornerstone of entrepreneurial finance.

Young persons, according to Mr. Chow, “hold a special place in NEDCO’s heart as we have had long standing partnership with several youth centered institutions such as USC, among others.

He mentioned that NEDCO provides pyramid mentorship, business advisory and assists in incubator services. NEDCO, he said, was fully committed to working with the nurturing environment of the University of the Southern Caribbean in developing its entrepreneurial protégés, by accelerating their growth in the coming months of 2019 and, we are confident that through our partnership, we will develop several of your entrepreneurial minded risk takers into independent business successes. While answering questions from the curious audience, he pointed out that NEDCO provides loans from as low as five thousand dollars to as high as two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

He advised that young borrowers should work with co-borrowers or guarantors to have a better reliability that they would succeed because they would be better mentored as young entrepreneurs and will have the backing and support of a network that would allow for a general success of their business.

The second segment of the seminar featured Academic Paper presentations by Dr. Lucile Sabas, Associate Professor of economics and Finance, Andrews University, Michigan, USA, and Mr. Gabriel Faria, CEO Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Dr. Lucile Sabas in her presentation enumerated the various types and sources of financing for entrepreneurship. She reminded the audience that the internationally successful businesses today started with a dream; they started small.

Mr. Gabriel Faria while focusing on the aspect of trade in his presentation said that “trade is difficult in Trinidad and Tobago because there is no access to foreign exchange and “we consume too much”. As a country, we are abusive consumers – we overconsume.

While analyzing the business environment in the context of contemporary changed paradigm, he averred that 20 years ago, TSTT earned 85% of their income when people spoke to someone on the phone. They charged you on every call. Today, 90% of that 85% of their revenue has disappeared. When was the last time you spoke to somebody on a “traditional” line, he asked. If you want to talk to somebody, you dial them on whatsapp. Our environment and ease of doing business is difficult but these are realities.

He spoke about the trade agreements that Trinidad and Tobago has with foreign countries regionally and globally but rued the fact that the country has not been able to optimize their benefits because of legislation they have in place. He elucidated on the benefits of CSME but regretted that the reality is quite different from theory. He pointed out that politicians are managing the system based on the aims of their constituents. In Trinidad, for example, the trade union says “you cannot bring more people. Why not? Because you will create problems for workers in Trinidad”.

In conclusion, he encouraged students not to be held back by the system, rather, to go forth and innovate.

The third and final segment which was ably anchored by Ms. Del Phillips brought together alumni of School of Business who have become successful entrepreneurs in a Panel Discussion format in which they shared their experiences on how they started their businesses small, weathered the storm in many instances and became successful entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago, a lesson that was invaluable to our students and numerous other participants who attended the seminar.

The Panelist included Mr. Johann Small – founder and proprietor of Jay’s BBQ and Grill, Mrs. Jewel Ramdhan, founder and principal – Jewel Ramdhan Prestigious schools of Learning and Mr. Solomon Rodney, Managing Director-Matvern Business solution Ltd.

Here is the link- 9th Annual National Business Development Seminar  2019 photos

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LGwLk5ZE48RtEbxzp1A2M4c6jyn-hH_p?usp=sharing

The University community was plunged into sadness as Mr Josephus Gilbert, a longstanding CUC/USC employee passed away on March 9th, 2019. Mr Gilbert time of service at the institution spanned over thirty years, beginning as an employee of Caribbean Union College (CUC) now the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) from November 26, 1973, to May 31, 2007. 

An alumna of the Caribbean Union College Secondary School and the New York City Community College, he was also a family man. He was the husband of Marie-Georges Gilbert and father of four daughters and one son. He was a mentor to many students, faculty and staff and was described as a humble man yet profound man. 

Mr Gilbert served as the Manager of the Maintenance Department at CUC/USC from 1973 to 2007 and was instrumental in the construction of many buildings on the campus such as the Science Complex. The ambience of the campus grounds was well-kept during his tenure at CUC/USC. 

As news of his passing was shared many expressed their appreciation for the time they were associated with him either as a student worker, colleague, friend or otherwise.  

Some sentiments shared are as follows:

During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the campus’ infrastructural development. However, his mark was truly left in the foundations of discipline and work ethics that he built and instilled in the student workers that assisted him. His best tools on any job were his exemplary dedication, work ethics and commitment to hard work and fairness. (Gilbert Jn Francois) 

The end of an era. Mr Gilbert showed us that there is dignity in labour. (Elsa J. E. Cupid)

Thanks for the opportunities you provided for us to learn both work discipline and school fees! (Eon George)

This gentleman was responsible for the best maintenance that campus had for years. A great man in a great many ways, his mark is still evident in the way the groundsmen do their tasks. This is a deep loss, not just to the university campus and Gilbert family but to the Maracas Community and Society at large. You will be sorely missed, Sir. (Joel LeGendre)

You will be missed. To me, one of the great stalwarts of CUC/USC. (Rowena Moore-Mc Nichol)

I heard about Mr Gilbert as being a hard taskmaster even before I met him. My experience with him didn’t confirm the rumours. In fact, I found him to be wise and committed to his job, and to the institution, he worked for. His attitude toward the school was as if it was his own and had a vested interest. Moreover, Mr Gilbert didn’t limit education to the classroom. As long as you choose the work with him he will teach you a thing or two. I always remember what he told me once, he said work is work just as long as you are working for an honest day’s pay. These words made me adjust my attitude toward whatever I did from then on. For that, I say thank you, Mr Gilbert. (Latham Calbert)

As a fitting tribute to his time at the USC the celebration of life for Mr Josephus Gilbert was held in the New Auditorium, the most recently built facility on the University compound on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.   

Our condolences to Mrs Gilbert and family from the University of the Southern Caribbean. May Comfort, Hope and Peace be yours from these promises from the Word of God.

From March 8th-16th,2019 the USC celebrated its diverse culture with the annual International Students’ Week of activities. 

Under the theme ‘Out of many we are one’, the Main Administration carpark was transformed into a cultural village of bamboo huts draped with national flags and decorated tastefully by students, where club booths formed the ‘ISW Village’. Territorial clubs displayed their home cultures with food, decor, information, music and more. Walking into ‘ISW Village’, visitors were met by an array of fragrances as student groups offered various national dishes and delicacies for sale. This is typically a grand event around the university campus as staff and community members sample some of the various dishes on sale.

The eight-day schedule began with ISW Vespers on Friday, March 8th,2019 and included a Unity Cocktail on Saturday, March 9th, 2019. Throughout the week there were a number of various focused activities which began with the Opening Ceremony. Activities throughout the days from Monday 11th to Thursday 14th included Mr and Mrs Culture USC Oral Presentations, Culinary competition, a student Cultural Parade and Cultural Wear and Folk Music Expo. A small area of the carpark was transformed into a road tennis court and several students and even the University President, Dr Hillary Bowman enjoyed taking part in this Barbadian style tennis game. 

On the evening of Saturday 16th, the week came to its climax with the Mr and Ms Culture Pageant, an exciting five (5) part competition where club representatives vied for the titles of Mr and Ms Culture USC 2019 respectively. 

On this night, other awards for the various competitions held during the week were presented. The St. Lucian club can feel justly proud as their club carried eight (8) of the seventeen (17) trophies that could be won, including both Mr and Ms Culture USC 2019. The two winners represented the St.Lucian club: Mr Jean-Neal Lima and Ms Letia Alexander respectively.

Of notable mention was the Guyanese club who won trophies in five (5) categories this year. All clubs performed exceptionally and participation from Dominica and Trinidad & Tobago were thoroughly entertaining and educating.

Every year International student week is held which allows students from across the Caribbean to showcase various aspects of their culture. We look forward to bigger and better things at ISW 2019.

For More Pageant Photos Click Here

For Full Results Click Here

The school of Theology and Religion held its sixth, Theological Inter-denominational Symposium. The three-day symposium under the theme was held from Jan 23-26, 2019. The symposium’s objectives included but was not limited to ‘The establishment of biblical, theological and historical foundations of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as a major doctrine of the church’,’To give witness to the doctrine of the Trinity as espoused by the Seventh-day Adventist church to other religious faiths’ and to ‘Make an academic contribution to theological scholarship as an Adventist tertiary institution.’ 

Over two hundred persons were in attendance at the event which concluded with a panel discussion on Sabbath afternoon. The two main presenters were Mr Matthew L. Tinkham and Dr Thomas Shepherd, Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Programme Director both of the Andrews Univesity Theological Seminary. 

Several abstracts for the Plenary sessions were presented including ‘Where is the Trinity in the New Testament? An overview’ and ‘The Divinity of Jesus Christ’ under the patron of Dr Sheppard. ‘Talking about God: Preliminary Hermeneutical and Methodological Considerations for studying the doctrine of the Triune God’ were part of the six sessions done by Mark Tinkham’. 

Participants included several Adventist ministers from across the Caribbean Union who commented positively on the enjoyable, informative and engaging sessions particularly by Dr Shepherd who punctuated his presentations with many humorous anecdotes. The success of this year’s symposium is credited to the hard work and the team of the school which is affectionately referred to as “The School of the Prophets”.

On Sunday, February 3rd, 2019 USC saw 4 nominations for awards in various categories at the Ceremony and saw victory in one category.

USC Current Students/Alumni nominated were:

Lenova Ramella (Student) – Young Artiste of the year

Renee Lawrence (Student) – Undiscovered Artiste of the year

Shurnelle Spencer (Alumnus) – Collaboration of the year/Breakout Artiste of the  year

USC Choir – Choir of the year

The nominees were up against many other artistes across the nation and found themselves qualified through both public voting and technical examination from the GMATT body and on the USC Choir/UCO won their category of Choir of the Year.

Receiving the award was Mr Kerron Hislop, Director of the UCO and Head of the Music Department at USC.

USC has a rich heritage of being an active participant to the national and international gospel world, and with the reviving of the Music Department under the leadership of Mr Kerron Hislop, it has begun to regain momentum and recognition in the spheres of music both nationally and internationally, competing and excelling in several competitions locally.

The Gospel Music Awards of Trinidad and Tobago is an oppportunity to celebrate the achievements of local and regional gospel music artistes and industry influencers and to reward the outstanding work of the various sectors within gospel music. 

This ‘premium gospel event’ is an initiative taken on by the Celian International Group which is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) geared towards youth, with the aim of being triumphant through Sport and Culture.

In a digital age, there’s a somewhat invisible line between what is real and what is fake.

The term fake news, almost oxymoronic in nature plagues the airwaves, and if you are in possession of a smart device (Phone, Laptop, Tablet etc.) you would have probably been the victim of fake news at least once.

 The University of the Southern Caribbean recently held a two-day conference entitled, “Freedom, Facts and Fake News” under the patronage of the British High Commissioner to The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Tim Stew. The lead facilitator for this event was BBC Broadcast Journalist, Mr Neil Nunes who featured alongside several highly esteemed media practitioners throughout the two-day course. In his address, His Excellency Tim Stew highlighted some keynotes; the increase in the number of journalists being murdered over the years, the need for a greater defence for free media and the cause of the downfall of various media- corruption. He shared that the British government is working assiduously to ensure that there is freedom in media and all efforts are being made to counter the dissemination of fake news.

  The keynote speaker on day one was the Minister of National Security and Minister of Communications the Honourable Stuart Young. “Media practitioners must recognize their responsibility and take charge”, one of the first hard-hitting comments made by the minister. He shared three major issues in media; secrecy, the procurement process and incompetence on a large scale.

BBC Broadcast Journalist, Mr Neil Nunes’ presentation delved into the phenomenon of fake news and why it is easier to accept distorted reality when it doesn’t fit into one’s agenda. To combat fake news in Trinidad and Tobago we must change the culture of being “know it alls” and accept feedback and to develop policies to guide journalists with relation to the audience. Fake news gives light to falsehood. It has brought out transparency and engagement to uncover the truth.

Panel for Day 1: L-R Dr Loverne Jacobs-Browne, Dr Hilary Bowman, Min The Honourable Stuart Young, His Excellency Tim Stew, Dr Kern Tobias, Dr Leon Wilson, Mr Neil Nunes

Carded speakers and presenters included the Managing Editor of Guardian Media Limited, Julian Rogers, Head of Multimedia Business Unit of One Caribbean Media Group, Anthony Wilson, Senior Journalist at Trinidad Express Newspapers, Dr. Sheila Rampersad, Head of News and Current Affairs at Power 102 fm Andrew Johnson, Regional Lifestyle Editor at Trend Media, Laura Dowrich- Phillips, High Court Judge, Justice Kathy Ann Waterman- Latchoo, Founder and CEO of Tova Music Group Limited- Josh Rudder, Executive Editorial Consultant with Daily News Limited- Jones P Madeira, Editor-in-Chief of Newsday- Judy Raymond, President of the Public Relations Association of  Trinidad and Tobago- Nicole Duke- Westfield, Researcher and Scholar- Dr Leon C. Wilson, Content Manager of Loop Trinidad and Tobago- Ceola Belix, Digital Marketing and Sales Professional- LaShaun Ramdin and Dean of the School of Distance Education at the University of the Southern Caribbean- Dr. LeRoy Hill.

Full Photo Album can be found on our Facebook Page. Click this link to access it.

Over 200 units of nursing equipment and supplies are being shipped to the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) due to the efforts of the USC Alumni Association, North America Chapter, and coordinators of the USC Nursing Supplies Project, Claire Hosten and Lorna DeLancy. The officers are grateful for all the alumni and friends who supported this project. 

Extraordinary contributions were made by Myrtle Arthur, R.N. J., Angela Latchman Aleme, D.C., Ron Brathwaite M.D., Walter Douglas, Ph.D., Wayne Greaves, M.D., Amryl Greaves, Lois Kum, R.N., Laurence Weekes, M.D., Linda Tigner Weekes, M.D. and the Florida Adventist Hospital.

It is the hope of the Alumni Association, N.A., coordinators of the project and donors, that the equipment and supplies will enhance the educational experience of USC’s nursing students and upon graduation, they will continue the tradition of being loyal and supportive alumni of USC. 

International recording artiste, Stellar award nominee and BET’s Sunday Best finalist, Maurice Griffin, welcomed the holidays at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) when he headlined – “The Greatest Story Ever Told”; a concert hosted by USC Music in collaboration with the Durey and Lesli Foundation. The event took place in the University Auditorium on December 1, 2018.

Also featured at the event were many other international and local artistes including Grammy-nominated producer, Mr Roger Ryan. 

Sharing the stage with Maurice Griffin was USC alumna, Shurnelle Spencer. Their harmonious performance of “Little Drummer Boy” captivated the audience of over 800 who attended what has now been dubbed as the USC Music “event-of the-year.” Well loved  Christmas carols such as: Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Away in A Manger, O Holy Night and Christ is Born were delivered by Griffin, all backed by The University Choir and Orchestra (UCO).

Led by Mr. Kerron Hislop, the UCO and its two ensembles, the University Symphony Orchestra and the University Concert Band performed a variety of pieces. The Greatest Story ever told would be incomplete if the St. Hillaire Brothers were not in attendance. They sang Christmas Time Again, Holy Medley, You Are My All In All and Canon in D Medley. The brothers were also accompanied by the UCO.

Other performers of the night included The Ladies Trio, The University Singers led by Dr. Boyd Gibson, The Women’s Chorus, The University Ringers, HIS LUV, The Sax Quartet and The Maracas SDA Primary School. 

The Greatest Story Ever Told was the hallmark of this year’s on-campus music activities.

As the year draws to a close, USC Music will continue their “on-the-road” trips which aim at drawing others closer to Christ and uplifting spirits through melodies. 

The complete gallery of the event can be found here.

The Digicel Foundation selected the Occupational Therapy (OT) Department at the University of the Southern Caribbean as one of the beneficiaries in its “Digicel Foundation’s Centres of Excellence” programme.  The Occupational Therapy Department was awarded a grant of TT$130,000.00 to be used towards the “Digicel Foundation Occupational Therapy Simulation and Resource Lab” to be located at the USC main campus, Maracas, St. Joseph. 

Established in 2012, the Digicel Foundation focuses on building awareness, providing therapy and supporting opportunities for capacity building and promotion of inclusion for persons with special needs.  Continuing its support for persons dedicated to working with people with special needs, the occupational therapy lab will house specialized equipment to educate the OT masters students as well as an adaptive mini-apartment in which the students will be able to practice hands-on therapeutic techniques.  The grant will also be used to purposely retrofit bathrooms and outdoor access to the occupational therapy department thereby creating a truly accessible environment for this innovative programme.   

The signing of the contract sealing the partnership took place on October 31st at USC’s main campus in Maracas, St. Joseph.  On behalf of USC, the director of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy programme, Dr Lesley Garcia thanked Digicel Foundation Project Manager, Ms Natalie de Silva, “We are grateful and excited to collaborate with the Digicel Foundation.  It is heartwarming to have corporate support for a profession that is so needed like ours. Thank you for your vision and support.”