Kimberley Hibbert from Jamaica Observer

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Caribbean’s first aviation industry oriented university was launched today at the Jampro boardroom in Kingston.

The Aviation University of the Americas will be located at the Denbigh Agricultural grounds in Clarendon and will begin classes in October.

The University will offer undergraduate and graduate programmes in aviation technology, aviation finance, aviation management, security, interior design and aviation agricultural science with supporting courses in customer service, entrepreneurship, information technology and languages.

Programmes will require a two-three year course of study.

According to Dave Robertson, head of the University, the cost will be no less than a million dollars for CARICOM residents.

“For Caribbean nationals they will pay 1 million or less depending on programmes and non nationals will pay five to six times that,” Robertson said.

Other financing options will come from Lasco Financial Services and First Global Bank. The Lasco financial services representative said “It’s a salary deducted loan so if you’re not working your parents would take the loan and payment is ongoing.”

The University will also offer scholarships.

Senator Norman Grant, Jamaica Agricultural Society President and chairman of Denbigh show committee said his team is ecstatic to be part of the partnership.

“The agricultural sector is the sector which will transform society and give Jamaicans economic independence,” he said.

He further added that agriculture is the bedrock and lifeblood of Jamaican society.

The University is committed to providing training for practical career options and short term employment. It will not offer flight training but will offer professional aviation consultancy for students who seek to obtain a pilot licence.

IMAGE: Senator Norman Grant

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