Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 2

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | August - September 2019 24 National Monuments at UTech, Ja. Receive JNHT Plaques T he University of Technology, Jamaica on September 19, 2019 unveiled the official Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) plaques for four of the recently designated heritage sites on the Papine Campus. The unveiling ceremony was held at one of the heritage sites, the Drawing Room, which holds particular historical importance, as it served as the first home of two of the first industrial schools in the island. University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD, in his welcome, explained that “in 2019, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) declared 7 structures at the University as national monuments. For today, 4 of these buildings – the Drawing Room, the Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Day Care Centre, Bryan’s Book Store and the Centre for the Arts – were being recognized.” There are a total of 9 national monuments on the Papine Campus. The other sites are Lillian’s Restaurant and The Three Ruins of the Silos, so declared in 2010, the building housing Victoria Mutual Building Society, the Chapel and Student Activity Centre (The Barn) designated in 2019. The Drawing Room L-R: Mr. Selvenious Walters, Technical Director of Architecture, JNHT, Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa, Dean, Faculty of Law, Ms Georgia Rookwood, Senior Research Officer, JNHT and Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President, UTech, Jamaica pose in front of the JNHT plaque unveiled at the Drawing Room on Thursday, September 19, 2019. The Drawing Room represents the first educational institution on the campus, dating back to the time of establishment of the 1891 Boys Industrial School at Hope (for wards of the State). The Cynthia Shako Early Childhood and Daycare Centre Dr. Keith Amiel (1st right) and Mrs. Cynthia Shako, founder Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Day Care Centre unveil the JNHT plaque at the Centre. Looking on are Mr. Selvenious Walters, Technical Director of Architecture, JNHT and Ms Georgia Rookwood, Senior Research Officer, JNHT. The Cynthia Shako Early Childhood and Day Care Centre was once the home of the Farm Manager at Hope. Dr Keith Amiel, son of a former Farm Manager, was born at this home, and spent his early years there. Cont’d on page 25