The University of the West Indies Mona’s Western Jamaica campus is to be expanded and upgraded to international standard, Principal of The UWI,  Mona Campus, Professor Archibald McDonald has announced.
 
Principal McDonald made the disclosure during his inaugural speech at his Induction ceremony on October 29.
 
 
He said it his intention to expand the scope of programmes being offered at The UWI Mona Western Jamaican Campus (WJC) in order to attract more international students to the University. 
 
The new Principal said three properties in Montego Bay which are owned by the Mona Campus along with another property being acquired will be developed to international standards though partnerships with local and international bodies. 
 
“It is my view that the WJC should be more than just an extension of the Mona Campus”, Professor McDonald said.  He added that  the WJC should provide opportunities to explore new approaches and to develop a range of new programmes that are attractive to local, regional and international students. 
 
“My term as Principal will see the UWI significantly increasing its presence in Western Jamaica.”
 
Professor McDonald is the 13th Principal of The UWI Mona Campus. He succeeds Professor Gordon Shirley who has been seconded to the Port Authority of Jamaica. The new Principal’s Induction ceremony was attended by UWI Chancellor Sir George Alleyne who presided, Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris; Chairman, Mona Campus Council;  The Hon. Dr.  Marshall Hall; Minister of Education, Rev The Hon  Ronald Thwaites; Principal of UWI St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Clement Sankat; Principal of UWI Cave Hilll in Barbados, Sir Hilary Beckles; Principal of The UWI’s Open Campus, Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald  and Deputy Principal of the Mona Campus, Professor Ishenkumba Kahwa among other dignitaries.