Gareth Davis, Jamaican Gleaner

Port Antonio, Portland: Newly installed president of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, Dr Victor Homer Charles Watt, has pledged to transform the institution into a facility of higher education, with the prospect of acquiring university status.

Watt was officially installed Thursday afternoon at an installation ceremony, held in the T.P. Lecky Hall of CASE under the watchful eyes of a host of government officials, and other dignitaries.

He noted that CASE continues to produce students of the highest academic standards.

“Institutions such as CASE provide persons the opportunity of uplifting themselves academically amidst the many challenges facing us. This institution is potentially poised for great things, and we must point our expectations at educational institutions to pilot the way forward out of our troubles. And that is why I have this unwavering commitment to lead CASE into achieving university status.”

Watt is well accomplished in the field of Electrical Engineering, and previously headed the school of engineering at the University of Technology. He replaced long-standing president, Dr Paul Ivey, whose tenure was cut short by the Board of Management more than a year ago.

Guest speaker, professor Errol Morrison, president of the University of Technology (UTech), lauded the appointment of his colleague, and echoed the reality of a long-term partnership with both institutions.

Joining hands with UTech

“CASE and UTech will join hands together in partnership,” he said. “We have not lost Dr Watt, but rather relations will be better improved. Together both institutions will engage in a process of academic development of students in agriculture, science, engineering, and other technological aspects,” Professor Morrison said.

A memorandum of understanding was later signed between CASE and UTech geared at improving programmes in agriculture, business, and computer management, among other things.

Special greetings were also offered by Member of Parliament for Eastern Portland, Dr Donald Rhodd, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Donovan Stanbury, Senator Hyacinth Bennett, Mayor of Port Antonio Floyd Patterson, and student council president, Deno Daley.

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See also story OCG Completes Special Investigation into Alleged Procurement Breaches and Irregularities Associated with Installation Ceremony of CASE Interim President in today’s iNews Cayman