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NCU Urged to Undertake More Agricultural Based Studies

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JIS: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is challenging researchers at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) to undertake more agricultural based studies and innovations which would redound to the benefit of the country.

 

“If we manage to infuse technology and good management into our agricultural practises, we could increase our agricultural output tenfold and where you are in the centre of the island, I think you are well placed to lead that initiative,” he said.

 

The Prime Minister was speaking at the Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) fundraising banquet held on Thursday (June 15) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

 

The banquet was to commemorate the inauguration of the NCU’s 24th President, Dr. Lincoln P. Edwards.

 

Mr. Holness encouraged the institution to develop and expand their research training capacities.

 

He further urged the school to train more students who will be ready for the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector at all levels, particularly in accounting, and software development.

 

“You have students who could easily transition into a work study programme in partnership with people who have business process outsourcing opportunities to do in Jamaica,” he said.

 

He noted that while more than 1000 persons have been employed in the sector in Mandeville, discussions with directors in the area have revealed that there is a need for more trained individuals and infrastructure.

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness said the institution is integral to the development of Mandeville through student housing and all the allied services that are provided to the university.

 

He further lauded the students for the numerous awards they have received both locally and internationally and encouraged them to continue being trailblazers in their respective fields.

 

In his remarks, President, NCU, Dr. Lincoln Edwards said the university aims to raise in excess of US$10 million over the next three years.

 

The initiative dubbed the NCU Restoring Every Student Confidence Using Education (RESCUE) 2020, will provide scholarships to needy students who are in at-risk communities in the island.

 

“We would also like to equip and build a dental hygiene and community outreach centre-a multipurpose building…and medical clinic to deliver dental and medical services to underserved populations, particularly in rural communities,” he said.

 

CAPTION: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left) listens to a point being made by President, Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Dr. Lincoln Edwards, during the institution’s fundraising banquet, in commemoration of the inauguration of the new president, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on June 15 .