I am Meredith Williams, Lecturer, School of Allied Health & Wellness, College of Health Science, University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica). I am also an alumnus of UTech, Jamaica. Today, I write as private citizen with love and concern for the future of our national University, UTech, Jamaica. The views expressed here are my own and not the views of my employer UTech, Jamaica.

Beyond my own concern, I was motivated to initiate this petition based on similar concerns expressed by other stakeholders of our national university who are students, parents of students, fellow staff members, and alumni of UTech, Jamaica. 

UTech, Jamaica has provided life changing, and nation building service through education, to Jamaica and the Caribbean region for 64 years (1958-current). It is a government institution, established by an Act of Parliament (The University of Technology, Jamaica Act 27 – 1999). 

The University is facing governance challenges inclusive of financial challenges. Urgent and priority attention by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is necessary for our national University to resolve its governance challenges and continue to contribute to national and regional development in a sustainable way.

I am calling on the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), led by the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister, to urgently facilitate good governance at UTech, Jamaica, to ensure a sustainable future for the institution.

GOJ TO URGENTLY FACILITATE GOOD GOVERNANCE AT UTech, JAMAICA

>Appoint a Council – The Council’s term expired September 8, 2022. It is the supreme University body. The President reports to the Council. The Council reports to the Government, and “has legal responsibility for all University appointments and promotions, resources (financial, material and physical) and for the maintenance of standards within the University.” https://www.utech.edu.jm/about-utech/governance/university-council 

>Appoint a President – The position of President remains vacant for 3 Academic Years to date, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruptions to the education sector. Currently, the responsibility is supported by an Acting President. At another national university, the President was replaced this year, and within months of their former President’s resignation. 

> Provide Adequate Funding – UTech, Jamaica is experiencing a financial crisis. The current budget has a fiscal deficit of over Ja$1.4 billion. (UTech, Jamaica Broadcaster 6.09.2022)

SUPPORT UTech, JAMAICA TODAY!

PETITION GOAL: To inspire at least 15,000 persons to sign this petition in 30 days (November 16 – December 15, 2022). This is in reference to the Jamaica House Petition guidelines which invites us to “Petition the Office of the Prime Minister on the Issues that Matter to You.” In addition, it states

“If you gather 15,000 signatures in 40 days, we’ll review your petition, and if it complies with agreed standards, the Office of the Prime Minister will issue an official response.” – Jamaica House Petition

• Please join me in petitioning the Government of Jamaica to urgently facilitate good governance at UTech, Jamaica.
• Sign this petition today!
• Share it widely and keep sharing it until the Government of Jamaica fulfils its responsibility to our national university.

Thanks for your continued support by sharing this petition widely and consistently until Good Governance is established at UTech, Jamaica.

Sincerely,

Meredith Williams

#GoodGovernanceAtUTechJa

 

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