Voices Magazine Vol3-Issue 1

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | April - June 2019 30 A pensive audience listens to Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President, University of Technology, Jamaica paying tribute to the late Martin Henry, Manager, Projects and Operations, School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship at a special memorial service held in his honour on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus. An outpouring of tributes and reflections in fond memory of late colleague and friend, Mr Martin Henry who served the University of Technology, Jamaica with distinction over the last 20 years, were moved by members of academic and administrative staff at a special memorial service in his honour on June 24, 2019 at the Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus. The reflective celebration of Martin Henry’s immense and exemplary contribution to the University was organised by his closely-knit School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship family where he served as Manager, Projects and Operations up to the time of his passing on May 28. University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie offered condolences to his wifeMrs.Jacqueline Garvey- Henry and other members of Mr Henry’s immediate and extended family who were in attendance. “Martin was more than a colleague to many of us at the University,” the President said, adding that “he was a friend who dedicated his professionalism, diligence and analytical skills to the fulfilment of our collective mission of promoting Excellence through Knowledge.” Professor Vasciannie lauded Mr Henry for his key roles in various University initiatives including our record in research and publishing; in organizing entrepreneurial partnerships and consultancy arrangements and his impressive work as the Project Manager of the University’s Press in moving the institution forward in the area of publishing books by authors from the University. “Martin was particularly impressive in his work; he was always thorough, worked ahead of schedule, and brought his skills of careful organization and innovation to all our activities,” the President said to confirming nods from the gathering. The President also acknowledged Mr Henry’s vast contribution to the wider society “as a public figure of high standing,” achieved through his 30-plus years of acclaimed, incisive Gleaner columns covering the whole gamut of life’s experiences; his work as former Chairman and Director of National Integrity Action and his pervasive fixture in media as a knowledgeable public commentator. In his last such contribution, moments before his untimely passing, Mr Henry offered analysis on TVJ’s newscast, on the legacy of the late former Prime Minister and Chancellor, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, ON, PC. Remembering Martin Henry, Deputy President, Professor Colin Gyles noted that he was “a patriotic man who loved and served his country well.” Professor Gyles highlighted his significant contribution to the establishment of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) and the formulation of the Science and Technology Section of the Draft Industrial Policy for the government, among other notable national achievements. Dr. Paul Ivey, Associate Professor and AVP, Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship, who chaired the memorial service, spoke in superlative terms of his close colleague and friend who he described as an “approachable, easy-going, introvert, who enjoyed a good laugh and was devoted to his family. He lauded Mr. Henry for “his sharp and towering intellect that reflected an expansive grasp of religion, science, philosophy, sociology, history, economics and politics,” adding that his writing skills were “superb” and the “epitome of a Polymath and Public Intellectual.” “A True Gentleman” Moving oratory followed from Mrs. Pamela Kelly, University Orator and Academic Advisor, UTech Academy who worked alongside Mr Henry at the then Department of Liberal Studies, now the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies. She characterized the UTech, Jamaica stalwart as “supportive, collegial, stabilizing, genuine, ethical, hard-working, reliable, respectful and respectable – a true gentleman.” She shared that Mr Henry came to the Department with a considerable reputation as a teacher of Science (his first love), adding that “he brought new perspectives to the department,” and made extensive contribution to the many committees and boards. With bashful regret, Mrs. Kelly also disclosed that she and other colleagues “disappointed” Mr Henry in not writing and publishing their ideas. Mrs. Kelly also spoke of Mr Henry’s contribution on a collaborative project with Balford Lewis and Joan Black combining Science, Psychology, writing and editorial skills to successfully complete a curriculum for Health and Family Life Education in several schools, as well as his significant contribution to the transitioning of the Department into the current School of Humanities and Social Sciences. UTech, Jamaica Community Pays Tribute to Martin Henry Professor Colin Gyles Dr. Paul Ivey Mrs. Pamela Kelly Cont’d from page 28... Sincere Condolences Cont’d on page 31