Our Year-Book Team
EDITORS
PHOTOGRAPHS
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
THANKS TO
Ains ley Yad Llewe Sam in B l row lyn ant n h Hen a Be ry O ckfo sbo r rne d
Cav r Cord ae Gre e Jim el Bro n w P n a Jero t me terson Har riso n
Or She ville M or dr Rich an Cam gan ard p Smi bell kle
Caro l Dan Kellyielle Low Har e ris
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TABLE OF CO
Mission, Vision & Value Statement
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Introduction to Palm Leaves
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Messages
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Our History
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Moments with the President
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USM Inauguration
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USM Executive
20-21 Week of Prayer 22
USM Chapel Day
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USM Chapel
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College of Humanities Behavioural and Social Sciences College of Education and Leadership
144-182
127-143 College of Business and Hospitality Management
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NCU Ambassadors & Director of Publications
25-56 Faculty & Staff
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2014 Citizenship Awards Banquet
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Health & Nursing
ONTENTS College of Natural and Applied Science
183-200 201-206
School of Religion and Theology
208-209
Campuses
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School Impact
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Church Impact
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Sports Day
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Social Highlights
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Less Stress Day
Sport Teams
Club and Associations
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Mission Statement Northern Caribbean University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, has as its mission, quality Christ-centred education achieved through academic excellence, social interaction, spiritual and physical development and a strong work ethic, thereby fitting each student for committed professional service to country and to God.
Vision Statement Strategically located, Northern Caribbean University aspires to be the centre of wholistic higher education, upholding Christian Values in an intellectually stimulating environment.
Value Statement Ubi Semper Discimus – (Where learning never ends)
CORE Values C- Christ-centredness A- Affirmation R- Respect E- Excellence S- Stewardship
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Introduction The 2013-2014 edition of Palm Leaves brings you a compilation of the finest moments of the past year that should be permanently etched in the memory banks of all who have been touched by a moment. Should, however, these impressions begin to fade with time, we have provided for you a veritable time capsule to maintain each imprint. Produced under the theme “Small impressions…. Big Impact”
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s another school year comes to a close, we give God thanks for removing many obstacles, helping us to surmount the frequent challenges, and for enabling us to achieve many of our goals. We praise Him for keeping us focused on the mission; and though this may go down in history as one of our most challenging years, God brought us through it, enabling us to maintain our institution’s programmes and activities. Long after our days as students, staff, faculty and Board members have past, Palm Leaves will be there to remind us of bygone days and inform our successors about the ‘halcyon days’. Palm Leaves also gives a glimpse of some of the ‘lighter side’ of campus life which is always a welcome relief from what can otherwise seem as drudgery to some persons outside of academia. Despite the challenges we face in these times we still consider ourselves privileged and blessed to be providers and beneficiaries of Adventist Christian education and to be of service to God and to humanity. The Board of Governors wish to place on record our praise and thankfulness to God, and our appreciation to the faculty, staff and students who were directly instrumental in the preparation and publication of another issue of Palm Leaves. May God reward you with a shower of His abundant blessings.
Everett E. Brown (Pastor), JP
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am pleased to share a brief message with the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) family and the readers of Palm Leaves, an outstanding annual of our premier Adventist educational institution in this region. Through this medium, precious memories of the “College on the Hill� are recorded to inspire present and past students to continue to do their best in their studies and in their chosen careers. Also, because of your prayers and support, NCU continues to make a significant impact on the lives of students and the community at large. Ever since it was founded in 1919, NCU (formerly West Indies College) has enlightened the minds and trained thousands of individuals from many countries of the world. We must give credit to the pioneers of Adventist education in this region, for they had a deep and abiding concern for the education of our people. They were careful to establish an institution that is dedicated to excellence and progress, and the students who embrace the opportunity to study at this institution gain marketable skills and develop a positive sense of self that prepare them to serve humanity around the world. Many of us who successfully completed our studies at NCU regard the day we matriculated to this university as one of the defining moments of our lives. We entered a new phase of development that changed our lives forever. Our interaction with faculty members and the relationships we forged with other students provided the support needed to get us through our courses of study successfully. Because of the personal touch and strong spiritual influence of the university’s administration, faculty, and staff, graduates are equipped to make a difference in the communities where they elect to serve. It is not an overstatement to say that the spirit of excellence that seems to be embedded in the thinking of all the stakeholders of the university has become the hallmark of the graduates. As we plan for the future, we must not forget those who labored hard and long to build an institution of which we can be proud. NCU has been mandated to provide Christ-centered Adventist education at every level of its offerings, and although we place emphasis on high academic standards, the adherence to high ethical and moral values and firm spiritual commitment must not be diminished. Therefore, amidst the turmoil and confusion that plague societies around the world, NCU offers hope for a brighter and better future. So, as we continue to explore ways of taking NCU to higher levels of excellence, may the blessings of God attend you and our noble NCU.
Leonard A. Johnson, D. Min. 10
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he years spent in university comprise an important phase in an individual’s journey to becoming not just a good citizen, but an individual known for excellent service. It is also a time to form great friendships, stumble upon unforgettable learning moments, and experience life-changing encounters in and outside the classroom. A yearbook is a time-proven way of capturing the spirit of that phase in a way that will not only be enjoyed by graduates, but by their friends, mentees, children and grandchildren. This is what makes this and every edition of the Palm Leaves special. The theme you have chosen for the 2013-2014 edition of the Palm Leaves, Small Impressions, Big Impact, seems to get to the heart of what makes a journey special – the little moments experienced before you arrive at the destination. I encourage you to not be so distracted by your desired destination that you fail to appreciate the little moments spent in quiet meaningful conversations. There will also be those “long” nights of group study and project completion; and worship services where you poured your heart out to God and you heard His voice talking to you. While this publication may not have all those photos of all those special moments, may the reminder that you were here bring a flood of amazing memories. May those moments also help to make your life a tribute of love and service to God and to your fellowmen. Congratulations on another successful publication of the Palm Leaves. May the many small impressions you experience here at Northern Caribbean University impact your lives in major ways that will allow you to grace other lives significantly.
Trevor G. Gardner, PhD
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he United Student Movement (USM) has chosen the theme, “Small Impressions, Big Impact” for the 2013 – 2014 edition of the Palm Leaves. Over the years, the USM has been committed to impacting those they serve in many different ways, through various clubs, projects team initiatives and through daily interactions with their peers.
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It was John F. Kennedy who said, “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” The officers of the USM, by virtue of being the representatives of the student body, have a responsibility to impress upon the minds of their fellow students the responsibility of being role models and visionaries to impact the world in a positive way. This they do through acts of care and love on a daily basis. The impressions they have made this year have charted the path for outstanding leaders who will identify the various needs in society and seek to find the solutions that will impact the nation in a positive way. I am confident that they will continue to work towards positive changes through various initiatives that will benefit not just the university family but the global community. I commend the USM for the impact they have made and implore them to remember the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” Graduates, as you leave Northern Caribbean University, do not overlook the little things which make small impressions. In time, they may just create the waves that will make the desired “Big Impact.” Best wishes to each of you for a successful prosperous future.
Beverly Cameron, PhD
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mall Impressions, Big Impact”, is the theme that has been chosen for this year’s USM Palm Leaves Publication. It is not by chance that the publications committee has selected this theme that is of such great significance. During the period of USM elections 2013, when I ran for office, I was affectionately known as “the Little Man with the Big Plan” and there is this one story which I often shared as the introduction to my campaign speeches, the story of Sir Isaac Watts and the visit of Queen Anne.
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Isaac Watts, you may know, was one of the three greatest hymnwriters in the English language. The other two were Charles Wesley and Fanny Crosby. Judging from the sheer volume and quality of hymns Watts wrote, very few would have known that he was, indeed, a very little man. Even the Queen of England at that time, who had been desirous to meet this great man, didn’t know of Watts little stature. One day, when Watts was ushered into the presence of Queen Anne, the queen was so surprised to see such a little man that she exclaimed, “Is this the great little Doctor Watts!” Now, from early childhood, Watts had been able to put into rhyme a good share of his everyday conversation. So without embarrassment, he answered the queen: “Were I so tall to reach the pole, or grasp the ocean with my span, I must be measured by my soul: The mind’s the standard of the man.” Isaac Watts was right and like Watts who was “small” and who has made a really “big impact” on the world, this book you are about to read comprises pages upon pages of seemingly small things. Oh! It’s just pictures,” some may exclaim. However, to many, these very pictures will tell tales to their families in the future, these very pictures will remind them of the days that were, and call for reflection as to where one has been coming from to reach this point. Though a small book, the imprints of the 2013-2014 Palm Leaves will be left on the minds of all who read its pages. Commendations to the publications committee, and in particular the USM Director of Publications, Mr. Cavrae Green on the wonderful work done. Do Enjoy!
Dwayne Carridice NCU - Palm Leaves 2013-2014
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he theme for the graduating class 2014, chosen by the graduands is; ‘Reflecting on the Past, Conquering the Present and embracing the Future.’ Resident within this theme is a lot of meaning that we all can recognize. One’s life is measured by time, and within time is classified the parameters within which it is quantified, the past the present and the future. It was Marcus Mosiah Garvey who once said, “anyone who forgets their past is like a tree without roots, the past is our reference point from which we must build a platform in order to stand in the present”. The graduands will surely not make the seemingly inevitable mistake of forgetting their past as they have traverse through many storms, forrest and heartache to make it to this day. Some have made it in the allotted four years, others in less and still others in even more, but it is these challenges that they have faced in the past which have brought them to this day. It must be kept in their minds forever for their will be many more storms to come and it is this experience of the past that will help them to navigate safely to their destination.
The present is often said to be a gift; therefore, we are instructed to use it wisely because time wasted cannot be regained. There is no doubt that of the numerous graduands, we have learnt already too well the message of using our time wisely, hence, we have come to this momentous occasion in our life for we will only graduate with this degree once. It might have taken different time for individuals to get the message of the importance of time management but the important thing is we have learnt, so we can safely say with all our courses and assignments and practicums and internships, if not behind us, is almost all behind us so we march confidently knowing we have conquered our present.
The future is before us and we all wait with eager anticipation for we know not what it brings. With the present economic situation in our island, the future indeed looks daunting as if there is no hope but as the Chinese say, “in the midst of chaos lies opportunity.” Now it is required of us to bring out our creative juices to show our entrepreneurial skills, we must shape the future and create a better tomorrow, accept the challenges and move forward with much hope to embrace the future.
Wilhelm Lecky
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mall Impressions, Big Impact”, our theme for this academic year 20132014 Palm Leaves. “ The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King Jr. Small impressions, big impact, the things we do today will have a great impact on our lives tomorrow. As the Director of Publications for this academic year it gives me great pleasure to preserve our past so we may have memories of yesterday to look at tomorrow. We have planted the seeds years ago and now it is the time for us to watch them grow and blossom. Another year has passed and we have all been affected in some way; but now it’s time for us to look to a bigger and brighter future where we can all have great impacts and determine where we want to go. I want to take this opportunity to say special thanks to my team that assisted me in making all of this a reality.
Cavrae Green
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Our
History
Northern Caribbean University:
Northern Caribbean University is a Seventh-day Adventist, coeducational institution with a diverse student body. It is located on a two-hundred acre property two miles south of the town of Mandeville, in Manchester, Jamaica. It is owned and operated by the Jamaica Union Conference and the Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists. The University is a private, four-year, co-educational, liberalarts institution, offering a number of professional, pre-professional and vocational programmes and is the only multi-disciplinary tertiary institution serving rural Jamaica. Its enrolment averages over 5000 students from over 34 countries.
Our Beginnings
Northern Caribbean University was founded in 1907 as West Indies College, it is the oldest private tertiary institution in Jamaica. Formerly known as West Indian Training College, it began by offering courses up to the twelfth grade. As its offerings developed to include theology, teaching, secretarial science, business, and natural sciences, it became a junior college. The college section of the school started after the first high school graduation in 1923. The high school and the college began to share facilities, including dormitories and classrooms. High school classes took place in the morning from 7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. while college classes took place in the afternoon. It achieved senior college status in the late 1950’s when it began to offer the Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. Since then, baccalaureate programmes in some twenty other disciplines have been added. Where the car park is today is where the farm used to be in the earlier days. Chickens were raised for their eggs and cows were reared and milked in a barn. Where the Tai Centre is today is where the bakery used to be located before Westico Foods was built.
Northern Caribbean University Emerges and Becomes More Structured
In 1999, the college was charted and renamed, Northern Caribbean University, a membership of the Adventist Church in Jamaica by the Jamaican Government. Over the years the institution began to recruit a larger percentage of non-Adventist students and also began going through the procedures for UCJ accreditation. NCU began to re-position itself by appealing to parents, guardians and high school graduates who are searching for an educational institution that offers a unique education experience that promises to educate and refine individuals, making them suitable citizens for society and for heaven. The university was divided into 4 colleges that reported to Academic Administration. These colleges were, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Information Science, College of Education and Religion and the College of Continuing and Professional Education and Human Services. The university introduced a school of Graduate Studies, which coordinates the graduate programmes. 16
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Dwayne Carridice President
Paula Bailey
Executive Secretary
Lee Springer
Ephraim Pryce V.P. of Academics
Nigel Douglas Treasurer
Vanessa Vassell
Daren Barrett
V.P. of Spiritual Affairs
Oneil Daley
Jhennelle Johnson
Public Relations Officer
Cavrae Green
Director of Elections, Director Projects & Director of Publication Special Initiatives Policies and Constitutional Affairs
Oswand Gordon Treshauni McIntosh Associate Sports Director
Associate Director Projects & Special Initiatives
Everette Kong
V.P. of Student Services & Social Affairs
Noreen Daley Chief Female Sponsor
Female Sports Director
Kemar Wright
Associate Executive Secretary
Nicholas Baldwin V.P. of Finance & Planning
Romario Spencer Male Sports Director
Rochelle Jackson Associate Public Relations Officer
Sefton Brown
Chief Male Sponsor
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he United Student Movement (USM), hosted its annual Chapel Day on December 13-14, 2013, under the theme “Destined for Greatness.” This event welcomed over 300 students, faculty and staff from the main campus of NCU, along with the USM Executive Body from the Kingston campus of NCU as well as Adventist Fellowship from the University of the West Indies and the University of Technology. They all converged on the NCU Gymnatorium for a spirit-filled and memorable experience that began with Vespers Friday evening and culminated in Vespers Sabbath evening. The theme song chosen for this occasion summed up perfectly the wellintended message for the weekend, “destined for greatness with a passionate faith, moving in His Spirit, clothed in garments of praise, strong in the spirit one holy notion true to the calling of our great salvation, we are destined, destined for greatness: to love the unlovable, teach the unteachable, touch the untouchable, reach the unreachable, see the unseeable, shake the unshakeable, heal the unhealable and break the unbreakable. The dynamic speaker for the
weekend, Pastor Jovan Whyte, gave us messages from God that rekindled the universal flame within our hearts, as touched, moved, revived, motivated and inspired, to strive to achieve such greatness. I charge you to exercise forbearance and firmness. Let us all strive to extricate our country, communities, church, institutions and families from the dangers that surround them and gain wisdom from the lessons. We must never fail to be a mind through which Christ works, a heart through which he loves, a voice through which he speaks, a hand through which he helps. Not everybody can be famous, but everyone can be great, because greatness is determined by service.
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mall impressions possess the potential to generate big impact on the lives of individuals and the different areas of society. An impact is not determined by the size of an impression, but by its value and content. Sometimes we believe that what we do, does not have an impact on someone else’s life. We often limit ourselves, not recognizing that even the smallest of gestures can make sense to someone else. For example, a young lady whose day of gloom became brightened, simply because someone stopped and expressed how beautiful she was. On campus there are so many ways that we can impact persons’ lives. The very fact that the university is a Christian institution is an excellent opportunity for all of us to significantly impact the lives of many through small tokens of kindness, our actions and lifestyle. What may seem insignificant like saying ‘good morning’ to someone may have a major impact another person whether positively or negatively. Let us face it, whatever we do will impact on someone. As we go forward, ensure that the impressions are of a positive nature that leaves lasting impacts.
Sharalee Green and Shemuel Lewi
Status: Senior Major: Computer Information Science Emphasis: Business Hobbies: Graphic designing, playing music (disc jockey and bass guitar), traveling, internet browsing, social networking and watching series. Philosophy: Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble and reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. Vision: My vision is to be an honest, empathetic and influential projects leader and to be recognized internationally within my industry. I am committed to growing as a leader and delivering value-added projects to end users. 24
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t c a p Im
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he United Student Movement (USM); the premier Student Governing Body of Northern Caribbean University, through the office of Spiritual Affairs, has esteemed much cultivated fervency in accentuating deliberate and sustainable spiritual growth in the life of the students of NCU, communities and other institutions across the island, through collaborative and purposeful spiritual uplifting programmes. It is with this in mind that the USM Office of Spiritual Affairs, through various initiatives, seeks to create a spiritual revolution on and off the campus, that will prepare students and youths to be kingdom citizens. USM held its annual Church Impact on Sabbath, March 29, 2014, under the theme “Break Every Chain�. For this grand occasion approximately 350 students’ from the main campus journeyed to the parish of St. Thomas, where 14 churches in 4 districts of churches, namely Morant Bay, Hampton Court, Bath and Seaforth were impacted for the Sabbath School and Divine service programmes. For the afternoon, they all converged at the Morant Bay SDA Church for a grand road march, that ended in the Rudolph Elder Park with an AY programme. After this was done they all journeyed to the grounds of the Kencot SDA in Kingston for a grand social before returning to Mandeville. This was indeed a memorable event, as not only the members of these various communities were blessed, but all the students and faculty who participated in the programme. We strongly believe that chains were indeed broken and that lives were, touched, moved, revived, inspired, motivated and transformed into beacons of hope, that will disciple the saved, and evangelize the lost.
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