The Ladies’ Residence Hall hosted a Career Development Workshop on October 28, 2018.  The theme of the workshop was, “Winning Ways to Career Success” and its objectives were to satisfy the need for career development training and influence the learning of residence hall students. Participants comprised of 30 students from both the Ladies’ Residence Hall and Timothy Greaves Hall, with the majority being senior students working toward graduation in 2019. 

This interactive and thought-provoking workshop covered topics such as, Resume Writing and Critiquing, Networking, Dressing for Success, Online Job Search and Mock Interviews.  Facilitator, Ms. Mulcare, a Marketing and Communication Director with over 15 years’ experience in Corporate Communication and Strategic Marketing encouraged the participants to set high career goals. Her timely advice was appreciated by all present and her flamboyant personality added to the presentation. 

The second facilitator, Mrs. Garth Francis is the Business Development Manager at Caribbeanjobs.com.  He presented on the do’s and don’ts of the online job search and the benefits of registering with Caribbeanjobs.com. His advice on how individuals should present self on social media and the impact that it can have on securing a job was warmly received.

The participants described the workshop as interactive, informative and practical. They further expressed the impact it had by commenting, “I feel more prepared to engage myself in job seeking.”; “This workshop has given me a better perspective on career development.”; “I am better prepared and more confident for the world of work.” And, “An eye opener…very informative.” 

The desired outcome of the workshop is that students will demonstrate the ability to utilize the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their career path after leaving USC.

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) hosted it’s annual Week of Prayer/Week of Spiritual Emphasis which run from October 26 – November 5, 2018 in the Social Sciences Auditorium. The speaker for the week’s sessions was Pastor Anthony Hall and his messages were under the themes: “Joseph: Positioned for Purpose” and “Elijah: Just Like Us”.

Pastor Hall was very profound in his deliveries throughout the week and students/staff who attended were deeply moved and encouraged to understand their purpose and to surrender their all to Jesus.

At the end of the week-long event, 15 persons gave their lives over to Christ through baptism. 

Photographic highlights of the event 

16^th Annual George Carlington Simmons Lecture Series

On October 22^nd 2018 the conference room of the Hilton Hotel was the scene of the 16^th Annual George Carlington Simmons Lecture Series. In attendance was the one who made the series a continual event, Professor (emeritus) George C. Simmons. The 97-year-old Simmons took to the podium to greet the listening audience.

A graduate of the class of 1945, Dr Simmons has for over two decades contributed to the knowledge base at the institution through a book collection in his name. Over the years, the collection has grown and boasts of over 6000 books on philosophy, Greek and English literature, English history and culture, psychology and the arts.

He boasted about the two institutions that impacted his life, Maracas and North Western. He said “Maracas taught me how to read and how to aim high, just how to aim high not low, not mediocre but to aim high. North Western gave me a certain confidence, a certain pride coupled with humility. These two institutions made me what I am and I praise Him(God) day and night that I am still around and that I still have a desire to serve, to serve humanity. I have no other ambition in life now at the age of 97, but to do something good and right and lasting. Still speaking firmly, he continued, “I want to leave a library, a new building in Maracas valley for the beauty of the soul.”

Dr Simmons, with his wit and humour, introduced the individuals seated on the platform to the attending patrons. However, his main task was to introduce the main speaker Dr.Sarah Pritchard, Dean of Libraries, Northwestern University.  Dr Simmons was pleased to note that Dr Pritchard achieved a Phi, Beta, Kappa, which is the highest academic honour a student can receive at the university level.

Dr Pritchard’s lecture, titled “Libraries and the Persistence of Knowledge”, brought new insight and answered many questions shifting about the mind of her attentive listeners. She highlighted that libraries today are still important. “University administrators or the parents of our students, the person almost always says to me, Do we even need libraries anymore, isn’t everything on the internet? The short answer is yes and yes! That is, there is a lot on the Internet and yes we still need libraries because not everything is on the Internet, and even though it is, we need libraries and librarians to curate and evaluate information to help navigate and integrate the proliferation of pathways, to find information and customize information for many diverse needs in society.” She remarked.

She then gave a brief history as to why libraries were set up, stating that “Libraries were typically set up,I need to say this, not for the public good. Back in the original creation of libraries, they were set up by rulers, by governments, by wealthy elites, by major religious institutions. These were the people that controlled the society’s resources, policies and actions. With that role came a desire to control knowledge.”  Dr. Pritchard continued to give a succinct history of libraries and their growth and value to society.

In her closing words, Dr.Prichard summed up her speech saying  “Libraries will endure in whatever is the relevant format of a given time in history because libraries are about preserving and sharing the records of human culture making a path for the future.” After which, she thanked the audience.

Other noteworthy speakers were the President of The University of The Southern Caribbean

Dr Hillary Bowman, Ms Stacey-Ann Quintero (Librarian USC), Mr AJ. Jagelski (Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy to Trinidad and Tobago), Mr. Thomas Isaac (Lecturer, School of Social Sciences USC) Dr Vernon Andrews (Past President-1983-1990), Dr. Kern Tobias (Chairman, Board of Trustees USC) and Mrs. Petronetta Pierre- Robertson (Documentalist /Librarian, University of the West Indies).

The curtains have closed on the 16^th Annual George Carlington Simmons Lecture Series and the patrons look forward to the next installment of this intriguing Series.

Game 1: USC vs SBCS

A seven-goal thriller it was; seven great goals.

When the dust settled, however, one team had scored 5 goals and the other scored 2. This was what transpired at the opening game of Tertiary Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s (TSATT) 2018 Football Competition, on Thursday 11th October at the UWI East Admin. playing field. 

This game between USC HUMMERS and SBCS which began at 7:00 pm was evenly matched for the first 15 minutes of the encounter until USC HUMMERS scored the first of their 5 goals in the 19th minute. The goal came in the 19th minute through a strike from USC’s HUMMERS’ star forward, Canias Wilson.

By the halftime whistle, USC HUMMERS were comfortably ahead 3 – 0 and were expected to go on a goal spree in the second half of the fixture. SBCS, on the other hand, played with determination to at least make a contest of the game.

Four minutes into the second half, SBCS’ hearts were shattered even further as Mr Wilson of USC HUMMERS scored his second of the match. USC HUMMERS became complacent and SBCS, seeing this, went into another gear and with that new vigour were rewarded with the first of their two goals in the 57th minute, making the score, 4 – 1.

USC HUMMERS though would seal the contest by adding a 5th goal two minutes later. With nothing left to play for but pride, SBCS’s Kyle Garcia who came on as a second-half substitute would release a rocket of a shot in the 79th minute, from 30 yards out, beating the USC HUMMERS custodian Netuan Burton and settling into the back of the net – “Goal boy; Goal of the match!!!” This ended all scoring, and the match would eventually finish 5 – 2 in favour of USC HUMMERS.

Game 2: Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018
Teams: MIC-IT vs USC HUMMERS 
Venue: UWI Front Grounds
Time: 7:00pm

Vespers Service 

The audience at the 2018 Alumni Homecoming vespers service remained captivated by the message delivered on Friday, October 19, 2018, by USC alumnus, Pastor Marvyn Smith of Guyana. Smith who took a look down memory lane and painted a picture of his experience as he matriculated through the university said that after many years, the university continues to grow and glow in the midst of the many challenges it has encountered.  

Withstanding the inclement weather, many supporters attended and were warmed up and encouraged as Pastor Smith delivered the message. He vernacularized the theme for the weekend “Cherishing the Past: Stepping Boldly Forward” by tilting the message “Light de Place up”. 

“The university has produced some of the most resourceful minds and talent that the Caribbean has ever seen”, he said. “Tonight, as we interact with students from this institution, present and past, the intellectual prowess that is evident bespeaks that the school’s mantra is doing well. Our motto, those two words – Beyond Excellence.”

His presentation was based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-17 as He addressed the multitude on the mountainside (The Sermon on the Mount). Pastor Smith encouraged the listening crowd in a similar fashion as Jesus, to step out confidently, understand who they are, and know their value.

Sabbath Service 

On Sabbath, October 20, 2018, the celebrations returned to the Social Sciences Auditorium where Mr Kerron Hislop, Coordinator of the Music programme at USC directed the song service. The Sabbath School Superintendent was Mrs Rosalind Leslie and USC lecturer, Pastor Andy Manzano, led the lesson study.

As the Sabbath celebrations continued, alumni chapters and their administration brought greetings to all in attendance. However, a major highlight of Sabbath’s Service was the recognition and tribute paid to the 97-year-old USC alumnus, Dr George Carlington Simmons, by USC President, Dr Hilary Bowman. Dr Bowman thanked Simmons for his many years of service and the legacy that he leaves to USC. 

A graduate of the class of 1945, Dr Simmons has for over two decades contributed to the knowledge base at the institution through a book collection in his name. Over the years, the collection has grown and boasts of over 6000 books on philosophy, Greek and English literature, English history and culture, psychology and the arts. 

The speaker for the Divine Service was USC alumnus, Pastor Henry Snagg. Pastor Snagg, a former USC Church Pastor and current Executive Secretary and Family Ministries director of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission of SDA spoke of His long journey from St Vincent and the Grenadines to Trinidad and Tobago due to the weather. His message was aptly titled, “Joyful Reflection and Positive Anticipation”. Using Isaiah 46:3-10 as his scripture of reference, Snagg reminded the waiting congregation that God has upheld them from birth and carried them from the womb. “To be lifted and to be carried is a thrilling experience.” he continued to say. “No energy is expended by the one who is lifted and carried. The lifter expends the energy. The one who is lifted and carried just needs to relax and enjoy the ride. Hear me, somebody, Jesus is lifting you today… Alumni, you have been lifted and carried by God for many years. Let me say to you relax, keep on trusting and enjoy the ride.”

In his closing words, he remarked, “Yes we have our trials, yes we have our tribulations, yes we have our going downs but thank God we have a lifter up of our souls. We have the Lord on our side. Prepare for that day.”

Alumni also participated in a mixer and a brunch, which concluded a weekend of exciting activities for our USC alumni and friends. 

October 21, 2018 

Dear USC Faculty, Staff, Students,

The administration of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is cognizant of the difficulties traversing the country and is monitoring the situation.  

Owing to the uncertainty of the weather conditions for tomorrow and considering the number of students, faculty and staff that are affected by the recent national disaster which caused severe flooding, we would like to inform everyone that there will be no classes for tomorrow, Monday 22nd.  This closure will give us an opportunity to further assess the situation and to help many of our community members who are adversely affected.  We are asking all members of faculty and staff who are unaffected, to volunteer to their neighbours and communities.  The USC has an organized plan to help affected persons and are asking those who are interested to convene on campus at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.    

Although the USC campus has sustained no physical damage our main priority is to lend assistance to the members of our community who are affected.  We have allocated temporary shelter for persons who are in need of such.  Please send all reports of affected persons through our Vice-President for Spiritual Development and at the numbers listed below.

(868) 688-4244
(868) 721-9739
(868) 499-4302

However, faculty, staff and students within the University campus and surrounding areas who are not affected are asked to make a very special effort to attend the George Simmons Lecture Series tomorrow, Monday 22, at 3:00 p.m. at the Social Sciences Auditorium.  

Please stay tuned to the regular updates from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) and the University of the Southern Caribbean’s media channels.

Unless otherwise notified, we will resume duties on Tuesday, October 23rd. 

Tobago Assemblyman, Farley Augustine gave sound advice to the incoming USC Associate Student Body (ASB) Executive on Monday, October 8, 2018, during their Inauguration Ceremony. The event was held at the Social Sciences Auditorium from 3:15 pm and in attendance were students, faculty, staff and administrators. 

Farley’s address was guided by the ASB’s theme for the event, “Emerge: Your Destiny Awaits.” He began by giving context and meaning to the theme. 

“The word emerge is a verb, that requires some activity,” he said. “It means that you have to do something to emerge, and if you have to emerge, it means that you have to come out of something.”

He noted that emerging sometimes takes that physical uprooting of yourself from where you are to where you need to be positioned. He continued by urging the executive to have integrity and be honest. 

Farley ended by reminding the ASB executive that their Christian teachings tell them that they ought to be great citizens of this world and great citizens of the world to come. Hence, the time that they spend at USC is as good as any in positioning them to change the world.

At the event, students were treated to a show-stopping display of dance moves as members of the new ASB executive marched to their awaiting seats, with students cheering loudly as the excitement grew. 

Following the dramatic introductions, Dr Wanda Chesney, Associate Provost of the University encouraged and applauded the ASB. She urged them to look for opportunities to extend themselves and to lead in a way that will make a difference and impact on this University. “I have seen in the past that those students who aspire to leadership move on later in life and embody positions of leadership. So, this is a natural trajectory. Once you get this experience, you normally move on to positions of leadership as you move on in your career” she said. 

Addressing the student body as the newly installed ASB President, Jamel Providence gave a motivational address to both his team and the student body. He began by recognizing USC’s own national hero, Sariah Estrada who received the Humming Bird medal for gallantry at a National Awards Ceremony held on Republic Day.

Providence encouraged the student body to be assured of their identity and assured students by saying, “We are not here to serve ourselves, but to serve you.” He also acknowledged his team, the subcommittees and the ambassadors present, describing them as hardworking, dedicated servant leaders.

The event culminated with a Pinning Ceremony where the outgoing ASB President, Mr Randy Dixon proudly pinned badges to the new executive’s attire, signifying the passing on of the baton.

ASB officers will serve a one-year term, which commenced at the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year. 

Images – Brian Patrick & Curtis Henry 

On October 1, 2018, students, faculty and staff along with administrators gathered at the University Auditorium to participate in the annual President’s Convocation ceremony. 

Melodic musical renditions from USC Music’s Orchestra and Choir, who were under the direction of the ever-passionate Kerron Hislop, Coordinator of the USC Music Department were a memorable feature of the event. 

As per tradition, faculty in attendance were donned in their academic regalia as they marched through the auditorium, followed by the executive of the Associate Body and the University’s administration. The panel of participants at Monday’s event included USC administrators, and chairman of the USC Board of Trustees, Dr Kern Tobias. Making his debut appearance since assuming the position of ASB President for the 2018-2019 School year was Mr Jamel Providence. 

Dr Hilary Bowman, University President, began his address by giving the account of an unforgettable journey via aeroplane, which he experienced almost thirty years ago. Using the analogy of that journey, he likened the student’s USC experience to a journey. “Today, I want to liken your stay at USC to a journey, a twofold journey; an academic journey as well as a spiritual journey. With your hand in God’s hands, He has the ability to blend these two journeys together to make you the best leader you could be.” 

His thought-provoking and inspiring address called on students to excel in the different facets of their academic lives. In relationships, grades, and finances to name a few. 

In discussing the administration’s plans for the new academic year, he pointed out a few of the University’s accomplishments during the last academic school year, and also shed light on the direction in which the University is headed in the coming years. Among the upcoming developmental plans highlighted in his presentation were: 

• Renewal of the PhD in Counseling and Psychology in partnership with Andrews University.

• A PhD in Business: in partnership with Montemorelos University, Mexico.

• A Health Institute. 

• Collaboration with the Ministry of Education of Trinidad & Tobago to offer the Dip Ed to thousands of students in keeping with the ministry’s mandate to further equip teachers with the skills set to enhance teaching and learning.

• Development of a physical therapy programme 

• Development of a degree in herbal and nutritional medicine.

With regard to infrastructural development plans, Bowman announced that a School of Nursing & Allied Health will be formed and a four-storey building, located at the old dormitory site, next to the School of Social Sciences building will be erected. This building will include primary health care units, beds, labs and classes. 

He also noted that the La Realista Housing Development Programme would be actualized with 50 plots earmarked to be developed. 

Bowman ended his address by admonishing students to “Remember that university journeys are not the easiest of journeys. Your God has promised that he will take you safely through this journey. Take Him at His word, He always delivers.”

The 2018-2019 school year began on September 3, 2018, and will end on December 14, 2018. 

Sariah Estrada, a 17-year old first year nursing student at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) has received a national award. The Hummingbird Medal – Bronze was given to Estrada for her gallantry and loyalty and devotion to Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, September 24, 2018, when the country celebrated its 42nd year as a republic. 

In a brief conversation, Sariah Estrada recalls the events that led to her nomination for the award. She stated, that having been led by the hand of God, she participated in a basic life support-training course offered by the North Central Regional Health Authority on July 8, 2018. 

Five days later, on July 13, 2018, Sariah and two cousins left home to visit the Marianne Beach located in Blanchisseuse, a small community on the north coast of the island. Upon leaving the beach Sariah and her cousins noticed a young man facing difficulties at sea. Immediately, one of her cousins sprang into action and swam to the young man’s rescue. When the two return to the shore, the young man was unresponsive and in dire need of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

Sariah, having recently acquired the skill of administering CPR, sought to help the young man regain consciousness. After several attempts, she was successful and the young man’s life was saved. 

President Paula-Mae Weekes, second from left, speaks to Sariah Estrada a student at The University of Southern Caribbean, after presenting her with the Humming Bird Medal (Bronze) for “Gallantry” during Monday evening National Awards Ceremony at NAPA, Keate Street, Port of Spain. Looking in from right are Chief Justice Ivor Archie, and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. Estrada used CPR to save a drowning man at Marianne beach in July. (Express Newspapers, Tuesday, September 25, 2018 – Ishmael Salandy)

Sariah summed up her experience by saying “This was an act of humility as I saw someone in need. It is such a great feeling to know that I was able to give someone a second chance to live. I would like to encourage young people to always do well, keep positive and strive for excellence. ” Sariah’s award, the Hummingbird Medal (bronze), is a state decoration of Trinidad and Tobago. The medal is 4th highest award bestowed on citizens for loyal and devoted service beneficial to the state in any field, or for acts of conspicuous gallantry or other outstanding humane action.

The University of the Southern Caribbean has appointed alumnus, Dr. Leon Wilson to the position of provost. In this capacity, Wilson will be responsible for the academic affairs of the University in addition to its day-to-day running.

Dr. Hilary Bowman, University President introduced the provost to the faculty and staff body on Friday, August 24, 2018 during a faculty and staff meeting.

The Guyanese-born educator and ground-breaking researcher brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience, having last served as the provost of the Alabama State University, USA, from 2013, and as interim-president of the same university in 2016/2017 until his resignation in 2018. 

About Dr. Leon Wilson

Dr. Leon C. Wilson received his M.A. (1986) and PhD. (1989) in sociology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, majoring in social psychology, with a minor in social organization and significant advanced training in statistics. He also holds an M.A. in religion and counseling from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Mich., and a Bachelor of Theology from Caribbean Union College (now University of the Southern Caribbean), Trinidad.

Before moving to East Carolina University as professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Wilson spent almost twenty years at Wayne State University in the ranks of assistant professor to professor, and as Department Chair for seven years.

Wilson has taught courses in advanced statistical application, social psychology, family and applied sociology. He has either chaired or participated in more than 70 Ph.D. dissertations and master’s thesis projects, and says he is very proud of his mentoring history. His research applies statistical models to understand the relationship of structural, interactional and socioeconomic factors to social psychological, health and mental health outcomes in families, especially adolescents. His publications, which reflect these interests, appear in national and international journals.

Wilson has conducted some of the largest survey research projects on families and adolescents in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. The most recent are Adolescent Health and Protective Factors in Guyana (2012), Media Habits in Guyana (2007-08) and Youth Trends in Trinidad and Tobago (2009). Wilson regularly contributes to and presents at national and international conferences and is the recipient of several research, teaching, mentoring and civic awards.