Moriche Issue No. 8

NEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

MOR CHEthe

...Tree of Life

Visit our website at www.u.tt for further information on UTT. To download The Moriche and give feedback, go to www.u.tt/moriche

U T T – R e l e v a n c e > R e s e a r c h > R e l a t i o n s h i p s

Animation Students Draw Success from Lab 206

CAFD: Keeping Trinidad & Tobago In Stitches

Synthesising Culture and Technology at UTT

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THE UnivERsiTy Of TRinidad and TObagO welcomed the addition of its tenth Teaching Campus in May, 2011, with the opening of the UTT Chaguanas Campus. Minister of science, Technology and Tertiary Education, senator the Honourable fazal Karim, was on-hand to inaugurate the new campus. UTT’s primary focus is the development of Trinidad and Tobago and today, the University offers more than fifty (50) programmes which go far beyond engineering and technology while answering the diverse need for educational opportunities within Trinidad and Tobago.

The University is well situated with locations in fourteen communities nationwide, namely:

East O’Meara Campus, ECIAF Campus, Pasea Office

North Valsayn Campus, Barataria Office, John S. Donaldson Campus, UTT Campus @ NAPA

West Chaguaramas Campus

Central Chaguanas Campus, Point Lisas Campus

South San Fernando Campus, Corinth Campus, GVC (Pt. Fortin)

Tobago Tobago Technology Centre

The new Chaguanas Campus will focus on the delivery of Professional programmes and short courses from the University’s Professional Education Unit.

from left (front row): His Worship, Mr. Orlando Nagessar, Mayor of Chaguanas, Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim, Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary education, Professor Kenneth Ramchand, President of UTT and Ms. Janelle Nicholas, Marketing Officer, UTT.” from left (2nd row) Mr. Larry Howai, Chief executive Officer, first Citizens Bank Limited, Mr. Jaggernauth Soom, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary education, Mrs. Angela Sinaswee-Gervais, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary education and Mr. Zameer Mohammed, Assistant Vice President, Professional education.

UTT Opens the Doors to the Chaguanas Campus

Mr. Curtis Roland ManchoonAppointed Chairman of the Board of Governors, UTT

MR. CURTis ROland ManCHOOn has been appointed the new Chairman of the board of governors at The University of Trinidad and Tobago. The Minister of science, Technology and Tertiary Education, senator the Honourable fazal Karim, was on hand to present the instrument of appointment to Mr. Manchoon at the University’s O’Meara Campus on august 22, 2011.

Mr. Manchoon is the Executive Chairman and Principal Consultant of leadership Consulting group, the Caribbean licensee for franklinCovey inc., a global leader in leadership development, strategy execution and productivity with operations in 150 countries. He holds an Mba from the Warwick business school, University of Warwick, and is a fellow (fCCa) of the association of Chartered Certified accountants and a member of the institute of Chartered accountants of Trinidad and Tobago (iCaTT). He has attended executive development programmes at Harvard business school and Massachusetts institute of Technology, and numerous international conferences on leadership, change and organizational effectiveness.

in pursuit of his mission of ‘building the Caribbean’s leadership pipeline’ based on his core belief that ‘leadership is the critical imperative in the knowledge-based world of the twenty-first century’, Mr. Manchoon is an Executive Coach certified jointly by franklinCovey and Columbia University.

UTT Awarded Institutional AccreditationTHE aCCREdiTaTiOn Council of Trinidad and Tobago (aCTT) and a team comprising local, regional and international experts visited The University of Trinidad and Tobago’s campuses where they conducted an in-depth external review of UTT. The objective was to evaluate the University against standards set by aCTT. Prior to this visit, UTT had engaged in a thorough self-evaluation of all aspects of its operations and submitted a report which was accepted by aCTT. The University was subsequently awarded institutional accreditation for a period of seven (7) years.

U

TT Ac

credited in DEC 2010

iSSUe NO.8 – JAN - AUg 2011

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THE MORiCHE / issUE nO.8 2011

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UTT – Relevance > Research > Relationships

C O l l a b O R a T i O n s

Synthesising Culture and Technology at UTT

Ms. Joycelyn Lee Young of NiHerST views manufactured items at the Launch of the Caribbean invention and innovation Centre (CiiC).

Professor Prakasah Persad, Associate Provost UTT,shares information on CiiC; at left is Professor Kenneth Ramchand, President UTT with His Excellency High Commissioner Malay Mishra, High Commission for the republic of india (also included: “Thumru- robot Tabla Player”)

invEnTORs, innOvaTORs and EnTREPREnEURs require a one-stop shop where they can discuss and enhance their ideas and develop prototypes. The Caribbean invention and innovation Centre (CiiC) is such a facility. it was conceptualised and developed by Professor Prakash Persad, Programme Professor, design and Manufacturing and associate Provost at UTT.

The Centre has state of the art facilities in rapid prototyping, laser cutting, robotics and advanced manufacturing. The intent of CiiC is to assist in the drive for economic diversification by enhancing the national and regional capacity to develop products and equipment for applications in areas that include agriculture, food processing, manufacturing as well as the arts and entertainment sectors. The marine, architectural and residential sectors are also potential areas of interest.

an integral activity of the CiiC is to discuss the ideas of entrepreneurs and inventors in order to assist them in fully defining these ideas so that they can be made (prototyped) in a fairly short time. The prototype can then be used in market studies which are sometimes necessary before further investment is considered. This facility will therefore significantly reduce the time from idea to product generation. in other words, the product development cycle will be greatly reduced.

CiiC has expertise in design, material selection and fabrication. The Centre also has expertise in production and prototyping of equipment. CiiC has invested in advanced design simulation and analytic software; all key requirements in product development. The Centre is capable of producing products that range from simple components to complex mechatronics (electromechanical) systems and machines.

Training workshops were held in Trinidad and Tobago, barbados and Jamaica. Participants in these workshops were taken through the complete range of activities involved in the innovation/ invention process. Topics included, sketching the idea, converting sketches to engineering drawings and converting drawings to prototype. Patenting and issues concerning ‘intellectual property’ were also discussed in detail. The workshops were very well attended and they generated lively discussion as all participants were extremely happy and grateful for this timely intervention.

The workshops were followed by individual consultations for persons needing advice concerning their ideas/products as well as for those who wanted to have prototypes built. The activities were facilitated by the respective Manufacturers associations of barbados and Jamaica and stronger linkages are being pursued so as to ensure that the right level of technical support is available to local and regional entrepreneurs.

The workshops are partially funded by the Centre for Enterprise development located in santo domingo. Currently, prototypes are being developed for several entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago, barbados and Jamaica. The CiiC can be contacted at [email protected] and via the website www.u.tt/ciic.


Visit our website at www.u.tt for further information on UTT. To download The Moriche and give feedback, go to www.u.tt/moriche 3



UTT Promotes Initiatives to Improve Tertiary-Level Professionalsin iTs sHORT HisTORy, UTT has been at the vanguard of the promotion and development of the student affairs profession in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. as such, the University continues to pursue ways and means of enhancing the student experience in an attempt to foster maximum student growth and development.

in that regard, the University is pleased to announce that three members of staff have been elected to serve on the Executive of the Caribbean Tertiary level Personnel association (CTlPa) at the association’s agM which was held on Thursday 29th June 2011. Mr. Phillip Robinson, who was elected in 2008 as the first President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the CTlPa, is the association’s President Elect and will serve his term as President from June, 2012. Mr. Raul Mohammed, who is completing his term as the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the CTlPa, has been elected as a Member at large, along with Mrs. shivonne Chen Wing -Thorpe.

The Caribbean Tertiary level Personnel association has its genesis in 1996 as the first professional Caribbean Organization for student services/affairs administrators and Professionals. The organization is the first international Chartered division of the american College Personnel association international (aCPa), a body that boasts a membership of over eight thousand, five hundred (8,500).

CTlPa is committed to affirmative action and its primary focus is to foster timely development of a student-centered culture in tertiary level educational institutions across the Caribbean. The association networks with student services personnel within institutions in order to enhance their role as educators and encourages the highest levels of professionalism.

UTT as an Incubator for Entrepreneurial StudiesOn MOnday 27th JUnE, 2011, UTT hosted a symposium titled, “The University as an incubator for Entrepreneurial studies” at the O’Meara Campus, arima. The objective of the symposium was to provide adequate information pertaining to UTT’s role as a catalyst for the development of entrepreneurially-minded students. There were over one hundred (100) students and graduates of UTT present, academic and corporate staff and stakeholders from industry.

attendees were exposed to a number of presentations which dealt with three (3) aspects of Entrepreneurship, these panels included:

1. Ethics & Entrepreneurship - Panelists: Professor Surendra Arjoon –UWI,

2. Mrs. Janet Peters - Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and serving as discussant, Ms. Jay Mafukidze-UTT Academy of Sports and Leisure Studies

3. Law and Innovation- Panelists: Mr. Richard Aching, Senior Technical Examiner, IPO and Mr. Dayle Connelly, Senior Manager, Legal.

4. Starting Your Business - Panelists: Mr. Ronald Hinds, CEO-Teleois Ltd, and discussants Dr. Bibi Ali, Assistant Professor Biosciences, Agriculture and Food Technologies (BAFT) and Ms. Camille Selvon-Abrahams - Programme Administrator Centre for Information and Communication Technology.

The symposium was organised by Professor Zena Moore of the Centre for Education Programmes and Professor denise Thompson of the Centre for Production systems, both of UTT.

Mr. ronald Hinds, CeO-Teleois Ltd.

Panelists from the ethics & entrepreneurship forum (left) Ms. Jay Mafukidze (UTT), Professor Surendra Arjoon (UWi) and Mrs. Janet Peters – Arthur (Arthur Lok Jack graduate School of Business

UTT Impacts the International Fine Cocoa Market

THE CaRibbEan finE COCOa fORUM (CfCf)is a European funded Project geared toward the enhancement of cocoa production and training throughout the Caribbean. launched in May 2010, partners and stakeholders in the fine Cocoa agro-industry across the Caribbean region will collaborate over a three year period to discuss and develop policy, research and practical field experience. specific projects will be identified and sources of funding granted to achieve the forum’s objectives.

Project partners for the EU-funded CfCf include: The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), the Ministry of food Production, land and Marine affairs (MfPlMa), the Cocoa and Coffee industry board of Trinidad and Tobago (CCib) and the Cocoa industry board of Jamaica (Cib). The goal of the CfCf is to encourage stakeholders to become viable, sustainable participants in this industry sector. Researchers, policy-makers and practitioners operating across the entire cocoa value chain will come together to share, discuss and implement and develop initiatives leading to crop protection and good agricultural practices. CfCf will also promote entrepreneurship in the sector.

in november, 2010 The CfCf project team along with UTT, its lead partner, recently hosted the Caribbean fine Cocoa Conference and Chocolate Expo at the Hyatt Regency in Port of spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The event brought together farmers, associations, private manufacturing companies and public sector officials from

the Caribbean. The Conference focused on the current activities of the EU-funded project and other topics that included the use of iCT technologies to improve cocoa- farm productivity and efficient and environmentally friendly cocoa drying techniques

at the Caribbean investment forum held at The Trinidad Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre, June, 2011 the key topic for discussion was “investing in fine Cocoa in the Caribbean.” speakers included Mr. vernon barrett, Executive director, Caribbean fine Cocoa forum; Mr. Kent gammon, director Cocoa industry board, Jamaica; Ms. Cynthra Persad, director of Research, Ministry of food Production, land & Marine affairs, Trinidad & Tobago; dr. Carlisle Pemberton, Chairman , Cocoa and Coffee industry board of Trinidad & Tobago, and Ms. Marie louise norton-Murray, interim Head, CdE Caribbean Regional Office, dominican Republic.

Participants of the forum discussed the inherent quality of “fine cocoa” within the Caribbean region as well as the propagation of the cocoa variety-type, “Trinitario”. However, cocoa bean production volumes are at an historically low value and the national industries continue to be challenged in being able to capitalize on the competitive advantage.

The CfCf project team will be hosting another conference in Jamaica in september, 2011, which will once again focus on the concerns of the cocoa farmers and various stakeholders of the cocoa industry in that region.

Dr. Carlisle Pemberton, Chairman, Cocoa and Coffee industry Board of Trinidad and Tobago, addresses the audience at the Agribusiness Parallel Session: Investing in Fine Cocoa in the Caribbean



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Dawn of Criminology, Security and Public Safety Programmes at UTT

CRiME is OnE Of THE MOsT troubling national problems and it deserves a multi-dimensional response. a University like UTT can respond in terms of equipping the relevant manpower with the required skills and capacity to successfully tackle this menace, a task that has been embarked upon by the institute for Criminology and Public safety (iCPs).

in april 2011 at the valsayn Campus, the iCPs began training members of the public and private protective services in two academic/training programmes designed not only to re-tool officers, but critically, to expose them to cutting-edge challenges that confront their profession. These programmes are geared toward preparing officers to tackle new forms of deviant behaviour such as cyber crimes, transnational crimes and terrorism.

These programmes, the Certificate in security and Public safety and the diploma in security and Public safety, were developed by Professor Ramesh deosaran (Emeritus), former Programme Professor of the institute of Criminology and Public safety. Extensive consultations were held with over one hundred stakeholders for a period of more than one and a half years. These programmes, therefore, seek to provide the industry with what they have asked for at this most opportune time.

With almost fifty students in this cohort, classes comprise senior, middle as well as junior police, prison and fire officers, together with members of the defence force, private security practitioners and occupational health personnel – a diverse and exciting mixture of professionals with abundant work experiences that bring to life many aspects of the course materials.

an extraordinary mixing of academic and practical training toward equipping industry-ready graduates has also been a priority of iCPs. in semester one, students were trained to identify and respond to various security risks, extinguish various types of fires, execute evacuation drills for chemical spills, fires and earthquakes and they were also taught to handle medical emergencies.

in the upcoming semesters, students will be trained in criminal law, dispute resolution, policing, security for the energy sector, financial-institution buildings as well as community crime prevention and dealing with work place violence. very exciting days are ahead!

The iCPs has also been quite fortunate to have a team of lecturers who have the academic and industry

experience which are necessary for students to gain connections to real-life scenarios - something which UTT can boast about!

Classroom sessions are highly interactive. There are also special guest presentations involving experts from the field. Recent examples have included members from the magistracy, fire safety and medical emergency services.

The academic/training courses of the iCPs not only caters to existing members of the protective services but they also cater to the general public who may have an interest in

pursuing careers in this field. Those who desire a shift in their career are also onboard.

President of UTT, Professor Kenneth Ramchand and the board of governors of the University, have pledged their support for these programmes and for the other training initiatives that iCPs will soon be embarking upon.

Has THE insTiTUTE fOR CRiMinOlOgy and PUbliC safETy bEEn TRaining Only aT UTT?

On May 28, 2011, the iCPs in its collaboration with the Ministry of national security, Office of law Enforcement Policy, Trinidad and Tobago Police service and Private security network Commission, held a one-day training seminar at the UTT Chaguaramas Campus. Over 200 private security practitioners were trained by UTT staff and other experts. Key speakers included the Minister of national security, senator the Honourable brigadier general John sandy, UTT’s President Professor Kenneth Ramchand, and deputy Commissioners of Police Mervyn Richardson and stephen Williams. Participants were awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the one-day training seminar.

That session signaled the dawn of a new dimension in the relationship between the protective services industry and the iCPs – that is, UTT’s direct involvement in the training and re-training of approximately 40,000 security practitioners. it should be noted that other similar courses are carded for implementation across all UTT campuses.

The future is bright for criminology, security and public safety at UTT. Two full-fledged programmes are onboard and joint collaboration on short-term training programmes have begun with key stakeholders which are earmarked for continuance. The all-clear has also been given to offer other short intensive training sessions for students alongside their regular programmes.

Mr. ian ramdhanie at the launch of the programmes

HOW dOEs a “naTiOnal

UnivERsiTy” REsPOnd TO a “naTiOnal PROblEM”?

Mr. Simon Aqui, President AmCham T&T, flanked by students of Vessigny Secondary School and their teacher. Looking on is Mrs. Desiree Gobin Seecharan, Executive Director, AmCham T&T

Professor Jeanette Morris, Associate Provost, delivers remarks on behalf of UTT at the finals of the National Youth Productivity Forum (NYPF)

UTT Partners with AmCham T&T for Youth DevelopmentThe University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) recently collaborated with the american Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad & Tobago (amCham T&T) to host the 2010/2011 national youth Productivity forum (nyPf). The theme, “Entrepreneurship and innovation”, was in-keeping with the University’s mandate to be an entrepreneurial University, designed to discover and develop entrepreneurs [and] commercialise research and development.

The nyPf is a flagship initiative which aims to inspire the nation’s youth to be more productive citizens while taking into consideration the perspectives of labour, government, business and civil society. Through this innovative platform, students are able to explore solutions and offer recommendations to problematic issues affecting labour, government, business or civil society.

associate Provost of UTT, Professor Jeanette Morris, lauded this youth initiative and asserted UTT’s commitment to the development of the nation’s youth. UTT provided the facilities to host the preliminary rounds of the school debate as well as training initiatives in the areas of critical thinking and presentation skills. according to Mr. simon aqui, President amCham T&T, this training was essential, “because amCham T&T realizes that teaching young people how to think and how to communicate effectively will create a globally competitive Trinidad and Tobago.”




i n i T i a T i v E s

THE OffiCE of the vice-Provost, Post-graduate studies, Research and development, plays an important leadership and catalyst role in the achievement of value- added Research and Excellence in graduate studies.

The Office of the vice-Provost is responsible for research facilitation and promotion of Post graduate studies in key emerging technology areas such as the Environment, sustainable Energy, green Technology, bio-Technology, nano-Technology and food Technology. The Unit is also concerned with maximising research and external funding opportunities, developing and implementing key policies relating to research, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, marketing and licensing as well as providing a full range of research services and support to UTT researchers.

UTT is a future-focused comprehensive Tier -1 Research and Teaching University that rewards and fosters innovation, builds leaders, embraces opportunity, encourages excellence and promotes scholarly teaching, discovery and enterprise with the ultimate goals of achieving:

1. An all-inclusive, responsive and sustainable Tier 1 University

2. An engine for progress, development and economic prosperity

3. A training field and domain for young researchers and future entrepreneurs

4. A University that fosters life-long learning, extended training and skills development

5. Ethical values, professionalism, integrity and socially responsible citizens.

The university-community is actively engaged in realising the four pillars of academic life, namely:-

a. Teaching

b. Research

c. Community Service

d. Corporate Social Responsibility - CSR and Leadership

GRADUATE PROGRAMMES OFFEREDTHE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Masters Programmes offered by The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT)

TAUGHT POST GRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Master of Science in Environmental Science and Management

Master of Science in Industrial Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management

Master of Science in Information and Communication Technology

Master of Science in Maritime Management

Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering

Master in Health Administration

Executive Masters in Sport Management

International Masters in Sport for Development

Doctoral Degrees are offered at UTT in specialised areas including Education, Renewable Energy, Bio-Technology, Food Technology, Environmental Studies, Energy and Petroleum Studies, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Energy Studies.

in 2010, a total of one hundred and sixteen (116) post graduate students graduated in: information and Communications Technology (5), information Computing and Telecommunications (1), Maritime Management (6), Petroleum Engineering (18), Process and Utilities Engineering (1), Masters in Health administration (18), Executive Masters in sports Management (9) and international Masters in sports for development (1). The University awarded its first doctoral Phd degree in the area of information and Communications Technology (iCT) – Ms. andrea Kanneh.

at the end of september 2009, UTT had over one hundred and seventy-six (176) students enrolled in taught Master’s programmes. The majority were in the key Technology-Engineering and science areas of Environmental science and Management (36); Health administration (35), information and Communications Technology (28), and Petroleum Engineering (30).

in 2008, a total of thirty-eight (38) students graduated with Master’s degrees in industrial innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management; information and Communications Technology; Maritime Management; Petroleum Engineering and Process and Utilities Engineering with a further twenty-eight (28) graduates in 2009.

UTT realises that value-added research is the driving engine of economic growth, employment, prosperity and national progress in the 21st century. The University began offering specialised post-graduate research programmes in academic year 2006-2007 with only seven Phd candidates. at that time, the University issued an invitation for potential top notch students willing to pursue Phd programmes in Energy, Environment, Education, information and Communication Technology; Manufacturing Engineering; Petroleum Engineering and Process and Utilities Engineering.

in the following academic year, Education and Environmental studies were added. The University now offers both research based M. Phil and Phd degrees in a wide range of emerging technology and science areas. UTT’s post-graduate research student population has grown to ninety-seven (97) - with seventeen (17) students pursuing programmes leading to the award of the Master of Philosophy degree and eighty (80) students pursuing programmes leading to the award of the doctor of Philosophy degree.

He also holds memberships in several professional associations such as the international leadership association (ila), the international Coaching federation (iCf), the Organizational development network, the Chartered Management institute (fCMi) and the Human Resource Managers of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMaTT).

in his capacity as a leadership consultant, Mr. Manchoon has led public workshops and in-house interventions throughout the Caribbean, including the government of Curacao. Prior to his present role, Mr. Manchoon held senior management positions in the banking, accounting and energy sectors.

a former deputy Chairman and CEO of the national broadcasting network (nbn), and deputy Chairman of national Quarries limited, Mr. Manchoon also served as a Member of the board of directors of the Caribbean broadcasting Union (CbU) and the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). He is a founding member/director of the Trinbago Emergency network Team (TEnT), and has served in various leadership capacities at his local church.

The Minister of science, Technology and Tertiary Education, senator the Honourable fazal Karim, the board of governors, the President of UTT, Professor Kenneth Ramchand and the staff and students of The University of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulate Mr. Curtis Roland Manchoon on his appointment as the new Chairman of the board of governors of UTT.

UTT – The Research University with a Vision Mr. Curtis Roland Manchoon

Appointed Chairman of theBoard of Governors, UTT

Continued from pg1

Launch of BAFT programmes at UTTThe launch of UTT programmes in biosciences, agriculture and food Technologies (bafT) took place on Wednesday 25th May, 2011 at the UTT ECiaf Campus. Minister food Production, land and Marine affairs, senator the Honourable vasant bharath was present for this historic occasion. This was especially significant as the launch included the ceremonial opening of the newly-built livestock science building; showing once again UTT’s commitment to development within the agriculture sector. graduates of the bafT programmes are set to make a much needed and meaningful contribution to the advancement of the agricultural sector within Trinidad and Tobago.

At the Launch of BAFT Programmes from left: Professor David McGaw, former Provost, Senator the Honourable, fazal Karim, Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary education, Senator the Honourable Vasant Bharath, Minister of food Production, Land and Marine Affairs and Professor Kenneth Ramchand, President of UTT



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C O l l a b O R a T i O n si n i T i a T i v E s

CAFD: Keeping Trinidad & Tobago In Stitches“i’M nOT JUsT HaPPy, i’M PROUd,” declared renowned retailer Peter Elias, who was beaming throughout the catwalk show staged by the Caribbean academy of fashion & design in May. Trinidad’s top designers, Meiling and Heather Jones were all smiles as they watched edgy jeanswear, sleek knits, glamorous eveningwear and surprise….winter coats, all conceived and realized by Cafd’s third year students. designer shaun griffith Perez chimed in, “Many things i saw were more interesting than fashion Week!”

at the end of its third year of existence, UTT’s fashion academy had made huge strides in an area that only four years ago, naysayers and skeptics insisted could not be achieved…the creation of a world class fashion programme right in the heart of the Caribbean.

When UTT made the decision to incorporate a fashion programme, they ventured abroad for help. Professionals from Paris and new york were solicited to provide curricula and training for a programme everyone hoped would rival the world’s best fashion design institutions. local instructors with international experience were sought after and trained. Talented students were recruited, screened then subjected to intensive studies, some of which were new to the region.

now, three years after the 2008 launch, all of the hard work had paid off. On May 19, in Theatre One at the UTT Campus @ naPa, guests in attendance felt as though they had been transported to the high fashion salons of Paris. The meticulously crafted 120 garments wowed the audience and made the pages of the local newspapers and online magazines.

This year, 2011, marks a milestone for Cafd: the introduction of the annual “designer Critic Project.” External designers were invited into the classroom to set a three-part project for a small group of students who they coached from conceptual sketches through the completion of the final garment. This collaboration promotes an understanding of the requirements, limitations, and challenges of working in the real world of garment production. it also adds a distinct Trinidad and Tobago flavour to students’ education.

UTT Business Plan Competition 2011THE 5TH annUal UTT bUsinEss Plan COMPETiTiOn received sixteen (16) entries from which ten (10) finalists were chosen. for the first time, there were three foreign entrants.

UTT’s business Plan Competition supports the University’s mission to, “discover and develop entrepreneurs, commercialize R&d and spawn companies for wealth generation and sustainable job creation” with an aim to fulfilling the government’s mandate for a diversified industrial sector. The goal of the business Plan Competition is to provide an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to identify and develop the most innovative, socially beneficial and practical knowledge-based business plans. for participants, the contest serves both as a preview of their real businesses as well as a potential take-off platform for future opportunities.

THis yEaR’s WinnERs: aleksandr albert won the first prize of $100,000, sponsored by the Ministry of Trade and industry, with his business plan,”Turbo Wash”.

The judging team comprised:

Mr. Tommy Johnson Business Owner, the Energy Chamber.

Ms. Karima Mc Kenize-Thomas Co-Founder ESBN

Mr. Ashley Mitchell NEDCO

Ms. Earlyn Sambury ADB

Mrs. Susan Singh-Seerattan, Manager Alliances, Ministry of Trade and Industry

Mr. Richard Trotman, Director, The 3F Consultancy Limited

The members of the University’s Entrepreneurship and innovation Team are Prof. denise Thompson, Professor Manindra Thakur, dr. andrea Kanneh, dr. shelly ann Wilson, dr. bibi ali, dr. Talia Esnard, Mr. neal alleyne, Mrs.amina sidi Khoya, Ms.lisa Perez, Ms.beena Chatergoon, Mr. dennis nurse, Mr. ian alleyne, Mr. Roger Carrington, Mr. Christopher nathan, Mrs. Euphemia Cazoe, Ms. vivianne fergueson, Ms. Josanne arnold and Mr. Wayne butcher.

in the new academic year we look forward to our 4th UTT idEas Competition and the 6th business Plan Competition.

Meiling Esau, Heather Jones, Peter Elias, Zadd & Eastman and shaun griffith-Perez, all renowned fashion professionals in the Caribbean Markets and beyond, participated. Their themes- Cultural Cocktail: a Melting Pot of two Cultures; Carnival Kaleidoscope; africa Meets the Caribbean in Today’s World; Handicraft sophisticated and buccoo Reef: an Exotic Cocktail of Caribbean flora & fauna—forced students to incorporate their cultural and aesthetic attributes into their work

Throughout the four years of study, instruction at Cafd assures a solid artistic base in additional to technical training. Emphasis is placed on a comprehension of the tools, materials and techniques used within a professional context. students learn to translate the world around them into viable expressions of design for commercial exploitation, while discovering new ways to stimulate creativity.

for many of the garments appearing on the runway, students were also responsible for the textile designs as well as some of the jewelry. in fact, during the Cafd’s 3rd annual art & design Exhibition held in mid-May which featured garments, textiles, objets d’art, drawings and fashion accessories from first through third levels, students sold professional-grade handbags and hand-crafted jewelry created in class. With one exception (Meiling,

whose first place winner, E l i z a b e t h Jeremie used black knit and hand rolled paper beads), recipients of the designer Critic awards (linda Joseph for Heather Jones, nicola lezama for Peter Elias, lisa see-Tai

for Zadd & Eastman and Curlene Charles-Robinson for shaun griffith-Perez) were heralded for the originality of their garments’ fabric treatments.

next year promises to produce even better results. The same students will design capsule (“thesis”) collections as they prepare for life as fashion professionals. Eventually some will become lecturers, others consultants or entrepreneurs. nonetheless for those whose sites are set on careers in apparel design they represent hope for the future of T&T’s fashion industry.

all will become important makers and shakers in the world of style as Trinidad attempts to make a name for itself within multi-billion dollar global industry. With the excellence of its programmes and the talent it produces, Cafd is well positioned to take the lead in what may well become the next most significant business sector in Trinidad & Tobago.

CAfD Art & Design exhibition (Photo: C. Mongo)

Heather Jones checks the original sketch and textile designs from winning student, Linda Joseph.

Photo: Christopher Nathan

Photo: Christopher Nathan Top designer, Meiling comments on the winning garment.

Winner of the 2011 Business Plan Competition, Mr. Aleksandr Albert, receives his award from The Honourable Stephen Cadiz, Minister of Trade and industry. Also present: Professor Denise Thompson (left) and Professor Kenneth Ramchand, President UTT (right)






Maritime Studies website – www.u.tt/maritime

UTT’s Mobile Website

Main Website – www.u.tt

UTT OffERs a WidE RangE Of KnOWlEdgE products, programmes, seminars and professional courses which can range from the arts and fashion to sciences and Engineering. The design and architecture of the University’s web presence has had to therefore appeal to a wide cross section of persons seeking various types of information. The University has expanded its internet presence to include: the University’s Main website, www.u.tt, several programme specific websites, an intranet, a Mobile website and a presence on the increasingly popular facebook and Twitter social media networking sites .

Main WEbsiTEvisiTORs TO THE Main WEbsiTE, www.u.tt, are greeted with a unique paneled layout. These dynamic panels are used to highlight the most current and relevant information at any particular time. This main website is also the gateway to various key academic areas of the University e.g. Maritime studies (www.u.tt/maritime) and design & Manufacturing (www.u.tt/design).

These programme specific websites are appropriately themed to ensure that they appeal to persons with that particular interest. visitors to www.u.tt can also view hundreds of photos and on-demand videos of seminars, performances and events that have taken place at the University’s ten (10) campuses.

livE vidEO fEEdsUTT was one of the first universities to broadcast its entire 2009 and 2010 graduation Ceremonies live online via its website and has since then hosted several other seminars and events live. Online viewership has grown steadily and participation and feedback from viewers is encouraged for a more interactive session.

MObilE WEbsiTETHE laUnCH Of THE MObilE WEbsiTE was also a first amongst many international and local universities. visitors are automatically redirected to the mobile version when they navigate to www.u.tt using a mobile device. This mobile version of the website contains a subset of the information found on the Main website including, news, photos and details on UTT’s programmes among other things.

inTRanETTHE UnivERsiTy’s inTRanET continues to steadily gain popularity amongst the staff. When it was first launched back in 2007, the majority of staff members were not exposed to having an intranet in their work environment or were unaware of the benefits of an intranet. Today, the intranet serves as the primary tool for relaying important communication to staff and, within the last year, several work related modules have also been added to the intranet, including: instant messenger and collaboration tools, an upgraded video vault, photo galleries with tagging software, new discussion forums and event calendars. staff feedback is encouraged and, to date, there have been numerous postings from staff members wishing to comment on articles, memos, photos and videos.

UTT OFFERS A UNIQUE

WEBPRESENCE



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s T U d E n T i n i T i a T i v E s

The Launch of ACCORDTHE MaRinE and EnviROnMEnTal sCiEnCEs (MaEs) unit at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has a strong vision for the future. as UTT’s locomotive for education, research and community outreach in marine and coastal sciences, MaEs aspires to become the region’s leading academic centre, recognized for excellence in training and research and for our abilities to establish and manage multidisciplinary and cooperative research affiliations with academia, government, industry and local communities.

as such, the advanced Centre for Coastal and Ocean Research and development (aCCORd) has been created, where its primary concentration is coasts and ocean sciences. aCCORd aims to offer applied taught-research combination degrees, which can then be applied towards management, other research and teaching opportunities, as well as consultancies, innovative and entrepreneurial prospects.

aCCORd programmes will be able to provide Trinidad and Tobago, the wider Caribbean and beyond, with a forum for continued learning and industry relevant into industry, research, academia, and other related careers in the area of coasts and oceanic sciences.

further, the aCCORd diversity of training and research capabilities will mainly address sustainable development of coastal and oceanic ecosystems. it also includes, but is not limited to, oceanic and coastal environmental quality, biodiversity and conservation, oceanography, coastal processes and dynamics, fisheries and aquaculture, analysis of coastal and marine resources, as well as marine governance, policy and law.

aCCORd is to be based at the Chaguaramas Campus, housed within the two-storey Phase 3 building. it is designed to accommodate both two (2) undergraduate teaching and seven (7) post-graduate research facilities. The first of the research laboratories will cater to molecular techniques. funded by bPTT, this lab will be operational within the near future.

The other labs will enable aCCORd to develop competencies in biotechnology techniques, marine and coastal ecology, aquaculture, fisheries, geoinformatics, pollution and oceanography (physical and biological). These facilities will offer the latest techniques and equipment which represent a powerful mixture and unique opportunity for our students to be internationally competitive.

The first programme to be offered is a Masters in science in integrated Coastal and Ocean Management (iCOM). This programme has already been validated, and is on-stream for a first intake by January 2012 pending final approval. This postgraduate degree provides training and research experience to support sustainable use and rehabilitation of our coasts and oceans. it targets students interested in a career path in iCOM, and ensures theoretical, practical knowledge and experience relevant to national, regional and international development and enterprise. a hands-on approach, leading edge techniques and technologies are all used to enrich students’ experiences within each of the courses.

aCCORd will launch a bachelor’s degree in applied science in Coasts and Ocean science by september 2012, pending validation and final approvals. This b.sc. will prepare highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals and researchers in Coast and Ocean sciences (COs) through this project-based format. graduates will provide the country with specialisation in all fields of national significance in Coast and Ocean science using both applied and basic approaches.

UTT aCCORd’s facilities are being developed with the aim of becoming Trinidad and Tobago’s national centre for marine and coastal Conservation. several outreach programmes are being designed that will also allow for

UTT Students are the Caribbean region Gold Standard of PetroleumTHE aREa Of POinT lisas in Trinidad is well known for the production of goods of high quality: hydrocarbon and other industrial goods upon which our country depends on for further growth and which essentially fuels the economy. a group of 82 students at The University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT) Point lisas Campus, however, exceeded all limits when they were declared an “elite status” group, attaining the gold standard of the society of Petroleum Engineers (sPE) student Chapter.

gold standard status involves reaching a certain level of commitment and participation that defines a chapter as “golden”. Only a small number of chapters have met the gold standard this year. UTT was able

to achieve this from among 15 universities out of 190 plus student chapters worldwide. Only two representatives from the latin american and Caribbean region attained this standard, along with representative universities from africa, asia, Europe, Middle East and north america.

UTT also attained the prestigious and coveted title of “student Chapter of the year” for the latin america and the Caribbean Region, a great honour for a small chapter of the relatively new University. They are the first team from the Caribbean to ever accomplish this, and this achievement represents the culmination of many years of team spirit, dedication and hard work, especially especially onerous for

these final year students! needless to say, the future of Trinidad and Tobago is in capable hands if these young engineers continue to build on such a solid platform.

since the sPE is an international organisation, and student Chapter of the year is essentially competed for worldwide by all universities with a chapter, the criteria set out are extremely demanding. Membership, of course, is a vital prerequisite, but sPE is more than just numbers. it intends to create a better engineer by allowing members to tap into Educational Resources, as well as sharpening Planning skills, even giving back to the community in the chapter’s extra-curricular activities. Under the sharp tutelage of President Mr. Jason Toney and his executive, the chapter engaged in over 15 educational symposia, multiple extra-curricular activities, as well as raised funds for charitable donations. all this is of

course documented by the chapter, and sent to sPE Head in Texas for independent adjudication.

UTT sPE chapter, while focusing on networking within Trinidad and Tobago, did not forget the primary educational purpose of the chapter, that is, developing a “big brother, big sister – Each one, Teach one” campaign to assist all members in unearthing their full scholastic potential. Of course, this sort of dedication resulted in a close knit group of persons with like interests becoming lifetime associates and friends, a camaraderie that is clearly critical in the present environment of Trinidad and Tobago. What really shines through the chapter’s hard work is their level of consistency in weekly posters and flyers, fortnightly socials, as well as using the internet to develop closer bonds with members, as well as other chapter brethren across the globe.

Congratulations to the UTT sPE student Chapter, and all the best of luck to them. The future of Trinidad and Tobago seems brighter with these young engineers at the helm as they “explore new possibilities, drill for new ideas and tap into the reservoir of youth to produce competent young professionals to serve society’s needs.”

stronger community engagement, by providing wet areas which not only can be used to study animal behaviours but to encourage marine conservation.

The aCCORd facility will therefore be internationally competitive and appealing allowing for joint research and collaboration, in an effort to ensure that both UTT faculty and students remain on the cutting edge of research. This will also be the foundation for attracting both grants and consultancy opportunities.

Website: http://utt.spe.org/section.cfm?id=40

representatives of SPe UTT Student Chapter Mr. Jason Toney (left) and Melissa Ramnarine (right) receive their Award of excellence at ATCe 2010, florence italy, by SPe’s regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Mr. Ruben Caligari (middle)





s T U d E n T i n i T i a T i v E s

Animation Students Draw Success from Lab 206lab206 is THE fiRsT aniMaTiOn sTUdiO out of the animation Programme at The University of Trinidad and Tobago. its aim: to create animation that is both visually stimulating and compelling.

This young company is firmly rooted in the animation Programme at UTT, with all 6 of its employees being past students of the programme. The name lab206 itself is inspired by the name of the computer lab that the animation students used, and continue to use, on the John donaldson campus. lab206 was launched at the screening day organised by the students, in conjunction with UTT, to showcase their animated films. Held at UTT Campus @ naPa in august 2010, the media, advertising agencies and the general public were invited to see their work.

lab206 takes its name quite seriously, considering innovation and experimentation to be key to its growth and development. Rene Holder (CEO) and lyndon Joseph (Creative director) realise that in order for the lab to flourish it has to be able to mix media and remain flexible, while staying true to the art style of any particular project. This approach seems to have worked in their benefit as they continue to expand and move into their new home on Maraval Road, Port of spain.

despite being in existence less than a year, lab 206 has become a creative force in its own right. They have created commercials for Republic bank, Rdi and boomers, working with advertising agencies such as Ross advertising and Rostant advertising. Outside of the advertising world lab206 has been able to collaborate on many different types of artistic endeavours. The animated sequences in 3Canal’s “Re-Evolution” show in 2011 were designed in conjunction with 3Canal’s Wendell Manwarren and Roger Roberts and created exclusively by lab206. The animated segments in the upcoming 2ntrigue video “Kryptonite”, directed by Eldon Pernell, were also created by lab206, these segments being instrumental to the look and feel of the video.

Commercial work is not the only outlet for lab206. Their main focus is, and will continue to be, plot-based animation. in order to accomplish this task, lab206 is currently working on Project Upstarts. This project, under the auspices of the Trinidad and Tobago film Company Pasd Programme, is an animated series, dealing with the day to day running’s of an animation company, not unlike the lab206 itself . The Pasd programme is a grant programme provided by the TTfC to filmmakers with a mandate to assist in the processes of scriptwriting, production and marketing. Project Upstarts is now in its production phase, and the pilot episode will premiere at the anime Caribe animation festival later this year.

The ultimate vision for Project Upstarts is to create local content for the local market. young people between the ages of 8-15 would be able to tune into a local television station on a saturday morning and be able to see content that is distinctly local, but of a quality that is indistinguishable from any other cartoons they may see from foreign markets.

UTT Students Produce Promising Business PlansTHE UnivERsiTy Of TRinidad and TObagO’s 2011 bUsinEss Plan PREsEnTaTiOn, which was held on Thursday 30th June, featured the presentation of promising entrepreneurial plans by students. as part of the academic requirements for the Msc. industrial innovation Entrepreneurial Management Programme (iiEM), students had to prepare and present their business plans before a distinguished panel of judges.

The panel comprised senator Helen drayton, Economist Mr. Jwala Rambaran, independent Management Consultant Mr. gerard Williams and general Manager for first Citizens Corporate banking Unit Mr. sekou Mark. UTT’s module leader Mrs. Judith Morrain Webb and Professor Prakash Persad along with other UTT faculty members were also in attendance.

The businesses presented were Ecommunitt, vertical limit, bamwoo, Choka Events, Oral Care and JORaCo. These plans highlighted offerings for the environmental conservation, family recreation, furnishing, e-business, agriculture and product design respectively.

Each presentation was thoroughly critiqued by the judges, followed by a question and answer session. advice was provided on how to refine the plan to improve its credibility was also given by the judges.

The plans were said to have great potential and the session to be a valuable introduction to the real world of business for the students. students of the Msc. iiEM programme recently visited Panama for their international study Tour.

graduates of the Diploma in Digital Media Studies- Animation, with the Programme Administrator, (front row, right) Mrs. Camille Selvon-Abrahams

Students of the Master of Science (MSc.) in industrial innovation, entrepreneurship and Management with Panamanian delegates on their international Study Tour to Panama.



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Dr. Betty McDonald (left) along with visitors from the Semester at Sea programme.

THE baCHElOR Of finE aRTs in Performing arts has begun with great energy and enthusiasm. in addition to the discipline-specific curriculum, students from all specialisations, acting, dance, design and Music are taking the introduction to Performance i course. This is Part i of a two-part survey and practice course that will introduce students to a wide range of global performing culture. it is the survey component of a year-long observation, analysis and evaluation of the performing arts. students will be introduced to performances of both Caribbean traditional and contemporary forms of music, dance and theatre, and non-Caribbean classical and contemporary forms.

UTT Hosts Semester at Sea Visitors

Holistic Training at the Academy for the Performing Arts

TWEnTy (20) sTUdEnTs participating in the 2011 semester at sea (sas) programme, an interdisciplinary curriculum-based global education programme sponsored by the University of virginia, Usa, were given unique insights into UTT as they toured and interacted with students of the Pt. lisas and Chaguaramas campuses. The sas participants are travelling aboard the Mv Explorer which was docked at Port-of-spain from May 24-25, 2011.

The sas programme, operated by The institute for shipboard Education, allows students to earn college credits as they journey to seven ports-of-call throughout Central america. The twenty-six (26) day voyage comprises of fourteen (14) days in port with a further twelve (12) days of classes at sea. While in port, students strengthen their international education by interacting with nationals and applying the knowledge gained throughout their journey aboard the Mv Explorer.

UTT students shared their current service learning project with the sas participants; a container for hurricane ravaged victims in Haiti. The sas visit was spearheaded by dr. betty Mcdonald, associate Professor at UTT’s learning Centre while Ms. vivian Rambarath-Parasram, senior instructor, Maritime studies, facilitated the students’ tour and conducted an overview of UTT’s Maritime programmes and operations at the Chaguaramas Campus.

a Publication of UTT Corporate Communications Unit

Monday 21st November, 2011

Moriche Issue No. 8

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