The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus was filled with enthusiasm and optimism as the 23rd staging of the Vincent HoSang UWI Venture Competition officially launched on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone with the welcome of new strategic partners and a renewed commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence.
Barita Foundation joins long-standing supporters including JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, Development Bank of Jamaica, and Mona Entrepreneurial and Commercialization Centre. Additional new partners Phoenix Fressen, JBDC, and World Brands were also recognized for their commitment to building the entrepreneurial ecosystem at UWI.
L-R : Dr. Twila-Mae Logan (Deputy Executive Director, MSBM); Janice Julian (Marketing Manager, Caribbean Food Delights); Christian Douglas, Tracy-Ann Hyman & Josiah Green (UWI VC Past Participants);; Mrs. Sabrina HoSang Jordan (CEO, Caribbean Food Delights); Chad Campbell (UWI VC Past Participant), Mrs. Tanketa Chance-Wilson (Executive Director, Barita Foundation), Centre: Mrs. Kim Mair (CEO, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation)
Dr. Twila-Mae Logan, Deputy Executive Director, MSBM welcomed everyone and acknowledged the benefactors in attendance, including Mrs. Sabrina HoSang Jordan, CEO of Caribbean Food Delights, and Ms. Janice Julian, Marketing Manager at Caribbean Food Delights. Dr. Logan emphasized the competition's enduring mission: "The programme has always been about the students, their potential to innovate, to lead and to transform ideas into reality. The spirit of boldness, fearlessness and transformation is what we celebrate today."
Mrs. Sabrina HoSang Jordan outlined an ambitious vision for the competition's evolution, noting the programme's impact in the diaspora and the valuable connections that winners make during their New York City winners tour. "We are ready to evolve this programme not only at the Mona School of Business and Management but within the diaspora communities in the New York tri-state area," she announced. The expansion will focus on enhanced mentorship opportunities and connecting students with businesses for consulting projects. "By linking academic talent with community expertise and business resources, we are not simply helping students launch ideas—we are building a launchpad for sustainable growth beyond borders," Mrs. HoSang Jordan added.
Representatives from JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation reinforced their commitment to the initiative. Mrs. Kim Mair, Chief Executive Officer, described the partnership as "more than a sponsorship for the Foundation but a shared mission to build a Jamaica where innovation thrives, where young people are equipped to lead, and where entrepreneurship is not only seen as a career path, but a tool for nation building." Programme alumna and last year’s winner Tracy-Ann Hyman provided a compelling student testimonial that reinforced the evening's consistent theme that perseverance and determination with the right support can elevate participants to the next level. She shared valuable insights for prospective participants, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. "You need to adapt and be able to work with others and hear “no” many times in order to be successful," she advised. "The programme has helped me to persevere."
For 23 years, the Vincent HoSang UWI Venture Competition has been fostering entrepreneurial growth and innovation among students of the University of the West Indies. The competition provides mentorship, resources, and opportunities to transform their ideas into viable businesses, including winners' tours to New York City that create valuable diaspora connections. This year’s launch was full of excitement, showing how both new and returning partners are eager to support the next generation of Caribbean entrepreneurs.
For more information about the Vincent HoSang UWI Venture Competition, please visit https://www.mona.uwi.edu/msbm/entrepreneurship or contact 876-357-7503.