Widening Access to Tertiary Education Major Policy Objective

The widening of access to quality tertiary education in Jamaica is a major policy objective in Jamaica’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.

This was stated by Regional Director (Region1), Ministry of Education, Elaine Roulston on March 28, as she delivered greetings on behalf of Education Minister, Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites, at the University of Technology’s School of Business Administration (UTech SOBA) Students’ Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston.

Mrs. Roulston observed that higher education is a very important aspect of human development and is an avenue for economic and social growth. “It also underpins the possibility of economic competitiveness,” she added.

Reflecting on the theme for the conference: ‘Creating an ethical business environment to foster innovation, creativity, productivity and wealth’, the educator said it was both timely and appropriate.

“It is apt, because it has captured the process of building on previous and present gains to achieve a solid foundation for a prosperous future. It is applicable because it will provide an opportunity for stakeholders in education to explore and suggest strategies to create centres of excellence like SOBA, with which we will attain national development,” she argued.

She encouraged the UTech SOBA to continue to maintain the highest standards of professional and academic excellence as it continues to educate and train students.

This year’s conference is the 17th staging of the event.

By Allan Brooks, JIS Senior Reporter