The University of the West Indies, Mona, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ). The MOU was signed recently by Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of The UWI, Mona Campus, Professor Archibald McDonald and Mr. William Mahfood, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica.

This MOU will serve as a framework for specific collaborative initiatives to be developed jointly by the private sector through the PSOJ and the Faculties, Schools / Research Centres of the University of the West Indies.

Under the Agreement, both parties have agreed to explore and implement mutually rewarding viable initiatives focused on, among others,  academic cooperation such as: Internship and apprenticeship of students; collaboration in research, development and innovation projects; identification of sponsorship or funding to facilitate activities under this and other subsequent agreements.

Other areas of collaboration include: sharing of scientific information on areas of mutual interest in the context of the policies of both institutions; development of training programmes; supporting the development of policies and other industry academic collaboration including curriculum and faculty exchange.

In welcoming this milestone, Professor McDonald said that the MOU represented the establishment of a significant relationship between the UWI Mona and the PSOJ, which would enhance its input in the ongoing development of our beloved country. He noted that part of the ongoing plan to ensure that the UWI remained the leading tertiary institution in Jamaica and the Caribbean was being able to establish it as the regional hub in research and innovation. He said that the key to improving productivity and enhancing profitability within the various industries in Jamaica was providing the critical intellectual and manufacturing framework that would place the tools for achievement in the hands of our pioneering and forward thinking business and industry leaders.

William Mahfood, President of the PSOJ, in his remarks said that the PSOJ valued tremendously this partnership with the UWI that had allowed them to achieve this true spirit of collaboration. He said that for us as a country to grow, we had to have that united approach to doing business to ensure that the entrepreneurial skills which existed in our young people are developed.

Also present at the signing were Bruce Golding, Honorary Distinguished Fellow with responsibility for developing linkages between the UWI, Mona and the public and private sectors; Professor Ishenkumba Kahwa, Deputy Principal; Dr. Camille Bell-Hutchinson, Campus Registrar; Professor Denise Eldemire - Shearer, Campus Coordinator for Graduate Studies and Research and  Dr. Georgiana Gordon-Strachan, Director Mona Office of Research and Innovation.