SJPI chairman urges merging of three EDUCATIONAL institutions into one unit

Chairman of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) Coreen Kennedy-Taitt is urging the government to revisit the idea of the University College of Barbados.

The call came during the SJPI’s recent graduation ceremony at the Hilton Barbados, where 1 099 students were recognised for earning their Advanced Diplomas, Diplomas and Certificates during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Chad Webster received his Advanced Diploma in Motor Vehicle Engineering from SJPI Chairman Coreen Kennedy-Taitt.

“I am passionate about the transformation of our education system. However, most of the discussion has focused on early childhood, primary and secondary education. I note that the transformation document does not specifically speak to tertiary education institutions such as ours.

Scott Galt receives his Certificate in Photovoltaic Electrical Installation from Assistant Director of the National Transformation Initiative Raphael Saul.

“Nevertheless, I hope that we will not have long to wait. I think the time has come for us to examine our tertiary-level institutions [and] to revisit the idea of amalgamating the Barbados Community College, Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology into a single unit; whether it is called the University College of Barbados, or is given some other name,” Kennedy said.

Tracy Agard received her Certificate in Massage Therapy from Assistant Director of the National Transformation Initiative Raphael Saul.

In his report, SJPI Principal Ian Drakes highlighted some of the institution’s accomplishments during the academic year. 

SJPI Principal Ian Drakes.

They included: the SJPI obtaining candidacy status from the Barbados Accreditation Council; the institution contributing to the government’s Clean Energy initiative by training individuals to maintain hybrid and electric vehicles; the SJPI partnering with the Barbados Canada Association to construct a hurricane-resistant building for the Department of Emergency Management; and students winning first and second places in the World Skills car painting competition and receiving a medallion of excellence in the World Skills Franchise. (BT)