The School of Education and Humanities at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) launched the Youth Empowerment for A Stronger Society: YESS USC – CSEC History Mentorship Programme. YESS USC is an initiative of the History/Social Studies Department premised on the University’s ethos that the holistic development of young people is essential to their success. Youth empowerment is conceptualised as equipping the young people in the University’s community and the wider society with those skills that are necessary to secure success in academics and even more importantly life.

The CSEC History Mentorship programme targeted secondary schools and four secondary schools consisting of four teachers and forty students participated in the programme. The programme provided support to students and teachers preparing for the CSEC History exams. It is unique because it also seeks to equip students with self-management skills. Teachers, students and parents were exposed to information on cultivating healthy study habits, honing specific study tips for CSEC History, preparation for exams and writing history essays and understanding the teenaged brain. The programme also consisted of an online course component and live lectures which ran for four sessions geared toward providing content and analysis of select CSEC history topics.

The facilitators of this programme included the Dean of the School of Education and Humanities Dr. Loverne Jacobs-Browne and lecturers within the School of Education and Humanities, Dr. Fiona Rajkumar, Dr. Terencia Joseph, Mr. Hayden Mckenna and Mr. Roland Sealy.

Mr. Rodney Rajkumar, Director of the Institute for Education Technology, also played a key role by ensuring quality control of the online class environment. The programme’s closing ceremony took place on Thursday 8th March, 2018 with students testifying to the strong positive impact that it had on them both in the areas of history and the knowledge and skills to which they were exposed.

Deputy Head of News at CNC3, Golda Lee-Bruce delivered a timely reminder to students on April 4, 2018 at the Honours Convocation ceremony when she motivated them to foster a culture of honourable learning. 

Speaking to over 240 honourees who excelled in their studies, achieving a Grade Point Average  (GPA) of 3.5 and over, Mrs Lee-Bruce used personal experiences, which she vividly narrated. These experiences were likened to three “batteries” that every human being should place in their backpack. These were “Respect, Humility and Gratitude.” 

In dealing with respect, Mrs Lee-Bruce cautioned students to respect all people, simply because they are people, all deserving of respect regardless of their social status, wealth or fame.

She also elaborated on humility, noting that it is important to understand you’ve made it this far because of God and acknowledge that you still have very far to go. “Humility is that thing that opens doors. You are going to need people to help you,” she said.  “You need people to help you in this life; you cannot do it on your own. Be humble.”

The final “battery” she spoke to was gratitude. “Gratitude is a lifestyle. Gratitude is living thanks…you may not always have the opportunity to say thanks you, but your life of gratitude should express that” she said. 

Her presentation was well received by students, faculty, staff, parents and other supporters who attended the event. 

Dr. Hilary Bowman, University President, congratulated the students for their achievement and was proud to honour the USC student with the highest GPA at the University during this convocation ceremony. Dayne Nichols, a Vincentian national and Theology student was granted the President’s Award and a cash prize for his hard work. 

Dr. Wanda Chesney, Vice-President of Academic Administration also expressed her satisfaction that so many students were being awarded, noting that this ceremony spoke to the quality of student that the University produces. 

The Honours Convocation for many years has been held in Schools. However, the decision was made to reinstitute the event as a University-wide activity in the school’s calendar. Planning committee member, Ms. Marlene Roach indicated that the event was indeed a remarkable success. 

Andrew Lewis is a 28-year old Trinidadian sailor who has competed for Trinidad and Tobago at the last two Olympics games in the Men’s Laser class. On March 22, 2018, the Olympian gifted unsuspecting postgraduate students of the Occupational Therapy (OT) programme at USC with the latest edition of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales Kit, a much-needed resource for students in the programme.

The surprise presentation was made to a classroom of students who had recently volunteered their time and services to the Andrew Lewis Foundation when it hosted a two-day seminar for children with Dyslexia.

Speaking at the short ceremony, Dr Leslie Garcia, Director of USC’s Occupational Therapy programme lauded the students who wholeheartedly took up a call to volunteer at the event over a two-day period.

Andrew Lewis also expressed his sincere thanks to the students while indicating that the event’s success would not have been possible without them. The cause of dyslexia is very dear to Andrew as he himself has been diagnosed with the condition. His mission is to teach young boys and girls that anything is possible in spite of the labels that may be placed on them.

At the end of the brief presentation ceremony, however, those who seemed most impacted by the event were the OT students who thanked Mr Lewis, some to the point of tears, for enabling them the opportunity to work along with the children.

In attendance of this brief event were representatives from the University of the Southern Caribbean, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association.

The Master of science degree in Occupational Therapy is the first of its kind in the region and provides students with a thorough knowledge of the field and prepares them to practice as Occupational Therapists – as OTs are in high demand all over the Caribbean region.

For more information on the Occupational Therapy programme at USC, please visit or contact the Occupational Therapy Department via email occupationaltherapy@usc.edu.tt. 

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USC Music recently conducted its first mission trip to Barbados over the Easter weekend, March 28 – April 2, 2018. The trip was planned and coordinated by the School of Education and Humanities’ Music Department.

Months of preparation included several fund-raising efforts, which left the contingent of 90 persons looking forward with anticipation for the five-day trip.

Challenges
After the hectic packing of equipment, by 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 28, the first group arrived at the old air terminal for the first departure of five expected flights on the chartered 18-seater aircraft. Sadly, due to logistical issues outside the control of the USC team, only three flights were completed successfully, allowing only 15 of the 35 member choir to arrive in Barbados. Regrettably, the percussion and strings section of the band was affected.

This unfortunate circumstance resulted in some activities being affected. however, the team still conducted its community outreach in the Pinelands area, while several members attended a sit-in session at the state-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Blessings and Victories 
USC Music’s visit coincided with the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists camp meeting, a local conference that is usually held at the end March. The team attended the event and several members provided special music during the Friday devotional segments.

On the Sabbath, there was a national convention. The Choir and Orchestra rendered two items as part of the music offering for the Divine Hour service, both of which were well received by the waiting audience. 

On Sunday, April 1, 2018, on a cool but overcast afternoon, the grand concert was held at the Mile and a Quarter Church, St. Peter’s, Barbados. The large edifice was amplified with the great delivery by the USC Music group. Several hours of on-site rehearsing and preparation resulted in an awe-inspiring two-and-a-half hours of concert performance.

The concert event entitled ‘Behold our God!’ began promptly at 6:00 pm with the National Anthem followed with opening prayer by the church Pastor, Leslie Padmore. The evening’s host, Ms Sherry Legal, of the University’s School of Business got the programme started by introducing the USC Choir and Orchestra members and Music Coordinator, Mr Kerron Hislop.

The music began with a spirited rendition by Barbadian Gary Goodridge of the Grapehall Adventist Church on the sax playing ‘Lord You’re Holy’. This opening piece enraptured the audience and the thunderous applause would continue throughout the evening. Several extra seats had to be provided since the audience grew to beyond capacity during the course of the evening.  Eighteen pieces of music were presented by various ensembles including the USC’s Flute Quartet, Brass Quintet, Symphony Orchestra, Chime Choir, Concert band and the University Choir and Orchestra. One of the favourite presentations was ‘Jesus Saves’ as several audience members could be seen swaying to the infectious melody and music of the piece.

This was a memorable ending to the trip that promised much and delivered greatly, in spite of the varied highs and lows. The blessing for patrons and the community were manifested through great Christian music and active youth ministry. For members, blessings were manifested through fellowship, kinship and a reminder that the power of God can work through even the unexpected challenges.

Reflections on this trip provided here.

USC Music hosted its Sunday Brunch on March 25, 2018. This event which formed part of a larger fundraising drive of the Department was held in a tastefully decorated Cafe, located opposite the main Library building.

The brunch took place over a four hour period which began at 9:00 am and offered a well presented and tasty assortment of foods and beverages arranged in several bars. These were labelled the Cereal bar, Soup bar, Waffles and Pancake bar, Salad and Fruit bar and Omelette bar. The extensive food offering was supported by an assortment of desserts, juices and sides dishes appealing to all palates.

Over 150 patrons were seated at tables alternatively draped with USC colours (Gold and yellow), topped with green bamboo table decor pieces filled with assorted coloured flowers,  a reminder to patrons of the campus’ famous green environment. Large palm branches and small palm trees all added to a truly relaxing atmosphere, which was enhanced by soft music provided by the ‘Anton Charles and Co’ band consisting of Anton Charles (keyboard), Dane Charles (bass guitar), Golden Philbert (drums) and Kerron Hislop (Sax).

The Brunch, which could have also be dubbed a “vegan food fest” featured awesome and tasty foods such as bhagi, spicy tomato choka, coconut chai pudding, Quinoa salad, sun-dried tomato hummus and vegan cassava pone all served by student workers, several of whom are associated with USC Music either as students, choir members or simply supporters of USC Music.

Patrons included the Vice President of Academic Administration, Dr Wanda Chesney, Dean of the School of Education and Humanities, Dr Loverne Jacobs-Browne, and several alumni of the USC. All indicated the event was very enjoyable. This was the first by the department and for many, there is certainly a looking forward to the next.

One patron shares his thoughts. 

The Music Department of the University of the Southern Caribbean has won several prizes in the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival. The 32nd Biennial Music Festival, run by the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival Association is the biggest general music event in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and was held from February 17 -March 17, 2018. Sponsored by Scotiabank, the Festival attracted choirs and groups from across the country, representing several music schools and universities.

The event was organized into three zones: North Trinidad, South Trinidad and Tobago. Teams and individuals participated in the zonal round and winners moved on to the championship round, with USC competing in the North zone. At the end of the zonal round, USC was adjudged North Zone winners in eleven (11) classes. These are: Soprano Solo (Open class), Musical Theater Solo – Ladies (Open),Contemporary Religious Music (over 20 singers), Woodwind Solo (Junior),Woodwind Solo (Open), Woodwind Ensemble (Open), String Solo (Open), String Ensemble (Open), Piano Solo (Open), Instrumental Sight Reading (Junior) and Instrumental Sight Reading (Open). The USC Choir which also competed in the Contemporary Religious Music category also received rave reviews.

Of the eleven zonal winners, nine were selected to progress to the championship round where they competed against the winners from the South and Tobago Zones. In this round, the USC musicians were able to come away with seven (7) trophies as overall winners in several classes. Soprano Solo (Open class), Woodwind Solo (Junior), Woodwind Solo (Open), Woodwind Ensemble (Open), String Solo (Open), String Ensemble (Open) and Piano Solo (Open).

The championship round was a success for the department with wins by the USC Saxophone Quartet (The G.Stephen Wattley Memorial Trophy for woodwind ensemble), USC String Ensemble (String Ensemble class), Donja Gordon (Piano Solo), Rene Lawrence (Soprano Solo) class, Chelsea Sealy (String Solo), Nicholas Silvan (Woodwind Solo) and Mr. Nicholas Sylvan woodwind Solo (Open Class). Additionally, Mr Nicholas Sylvan – first-year music major – was awarded the Laurence McDowell Memorial trophy and TTMFA Musicianship trophy for most outstanding musicianship performance and most outstanding solo woodwind instrumentalist.

The USC recently launched its BA Music Degree and this is the first time since offering Bachelors level degrees that the university has entered this prestigious competition. Winning national music competitions is not new to the USC Music Department, but according to Kerron Hislop, Coordinator of the Music Programme, the department has seen a resurgence of winning given that it has been over 20 years since the department has performed so well in so many categories.

USC commends all students of the USC Music programme for their hard work and success!

The 2018 USC Olympiad was held on March 22, 2018, and was well attended by students, faculty and staff. The events of the day included a mix of athletics and novelty games. Great sportsmanship and high school spirits were displayed as students and faculty rallied around their schools. USC administrators were also actively involved in the events as schools sought to muster every point they could to secure the overall victory. 

At the end of the day, USC Tobago were the ones who rose above in the March Past to gain the first place position, with Science, Technology, and Allied Health coming into second place. 

The overall winner of the day was clutched by the School of Science Technology and Allied Health with the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, Continuing/Professional Studies coming in second place. 

Congratulations to the participating Schools, faculty and students who made Olympiad 2018 a success.

Photographic Highlights of the Event 

Andrew Lewis Sailing Foundation teamed up with Atlantic LNG Company of T&T once again to hold a seminar for some 100 children with dyslexia on the weekend at the Hotel Normandie in St Ann’s.

By the end of both days, it was very clear to all that the event had achieved what it was set out to do, which was to empower the young ones and to make them understand that having dyslexia is, in fact, a gift.

The “Succeeding with Dyslexia” seminar was the dream of two-time Olympian and Atlantic Sports Ambassador Andrew Lewis. Being dyslexic himself Andrew was able to quickly connect with the attendees to share his challenges and more importantly share his successes.

…The attendees had a full day, they had motivational and inspirational talks from Vivian Wall and Don La Foucade and they did exercises and activities to stimulate their brain led by Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist students from the University of the Southern Caribbean who were with them for the weekend.

Also present was the head of the Dyslexia Association of T&T Cathryn Kelshall who addressed not only the participants but their parents and shared some valuable learning tips and tools.

 Read the full article from the Guardian Newspaper 

From March 9 -17 2018, attendees of the Week of Prayer services experienced a special spiritual encounter as students from the six academic schools ministered for the duration of the series.

The series sought to reach all members of the school population and used unique methods to engage students such as the iConnect branded t-shirts and social media. According to staff from the Office of Spiritual Development, the event was a considerable success with many students reporting having experienced “a great revival.”

Our spiritual efforts here at USC continue to reach countless lives in accordance with our Mission to transform ordinary students into extraordinary servants of God to humanity.

…He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” (1 Sam 7:12)

This scripture reflects the attitude of administrators faculty, staff and students of the University of the Southern Caribbean who gathered to celebrate and dedicate to the Lord the new female dormitory on February 28, 2018. The state of the art structure is elegantly perched on top the highest most visible point of the campus. 

Among those in attendance was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Kern Tobias; Vice President of the North American Alumni Chapter, Mrs Nicole Archer; and Executive Secretary of the Caribbean Union, Pastor Johnson Frederick. University President, Dr Hilary Bowman in his address, lauded the efforts of past Presidents Dr Trevor Gardner and Dr Clinton A. Valley, commending them for their part played in the foundational phase of the dormitory. He so gratefully stated “With God, all things are possible” as he addressed those gathered to participate in the dedication ceremony.

Dr Bowman also cautioned the USC female dormitory students to always keep at heart the sanctity of the building while urged them to enjoy the comforts made available to them and care for their new home. Dr Kern Tobias sharing in the celebration referred to the completed dormitory as a miracle (that which came sooner than expected) and urged those present to hold Psalm 91 close to their hearts.

Mrs Nicole Archer expressed how delighted the North Alumni Chapter is to contribute to USC going beyond excellence and further expressed the Association’s loyalty to USC and its endeavours.

The President, administrators, faculty, staff, and students are eternally grateful to those who contributed to the completion of the ladies dormitory. The ladies have survived their valley experience and are now on their way to enjoy their mountaintop experience.