Voices Magazine Vol3-Issue 1

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | April - June 2019 18 T he School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies hosted its 5th annual Bachelor of Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) Final Year Student Exhibition on May 2, 2019 at the UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus and on Friday, May 3 at the Montego Bay Campus. Under the theme, “Media Education and Democracy”, the annual exhibition coincided with the global celebration of World Press Freedom Day marked on May 3 which had as its theme, “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in times of Disinformation.” The exhibition of students’ projects comprised publications, radio and television documentaries, digital animation, website designs and media campaigns. The projects dealt with a variety of current social issues such as the medical and economic benefits of marijuana; the stigma faced by HIV infected persons; environmental pollution, among other issues. Keynote speaker at the opening ceremony, Professor Anthony Clayton, Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, spoke to strategic issues which he said Jamaica must contemplate as it builds out a fully digital economy and society. While commending media for strengths in being diverse, free and independent, Prof. Clayton cautioned that the lack of digital literacy is an impediment to Jamaica’s transition to a digital economy. Other speakers at the opening ceremony were University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, Mr. George Davis, President, Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) who shared aspects of the work of the PAJ and Ms Isabel Viera Bermudez, Advisor, Communication and Information, UNESCO also offered greetings and read the World Press Freedom Day message from the Director General, UNESCO. Also addressing the opening ceremony was Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of Delegation of the European Union. While congratulating Jamaica’s media on its high 6th place ranking on the World Press Freedom index, the Ambassador cautioned that press freedom should not be taken for granted. She urged media students to do all they can to ensure that Jamaica continues to be an example for the world in this regard. Dr. Rohan Lewis, Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies in moving the Vote of Thanks expressed appreciation to all persons who contributed to a successful opening ceremony and exhibition. The Dean also expressed gratitude to the three diplomatic missions represented by Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of Delegation of the European Union, Her Excellency Laurie Peters, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica and His Excellency Asif Ahmad, British High Commissioner to Jamaica for their collaboration on the event. 5 th Annual BACAT Final Year Student Exhibition UTech, Jamaica leadership with partners from the diplomatic corps and industry pause from sharing pleasantries for a photograph before the start of the opening ceremony for the 5th annual Bachelor of Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) Final Year Student Exhibition on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. L-R: Dr. Gareth Philips, Vice Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, (FELS), Dr. Rohan Lewis, Dean, FELS, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President, Her Excellency Laurie Peters, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of Delegation of the European Union, Professor Anthony Clayton, Chairman, Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica who was keynote speaker and His Excellency Asif Ahmad, British High Commissioner to Jamaica. Student Exhibition