Dear Editor,

Congratulations to the incoming president of the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), Professor Stephen Vasciannie.

On reading his credentials, he appears to be as titled as so many of those who have held the position before him or hold so many leadership positions in the country. Having graduated from UTech while it was still the place from which to ‘cast’ your bread upon the waters and have it find you in days to follow, I was encouraged then to be the best I could be in a technical way. I am now an architect, having continued my training overseas after completing my diploma in architectural technology from the College of the Arts, Science and Technology (CAST). I have observed over the years that CAST (now UTech) has moved from the core technology-based focus of its earlier diplomas towards being a more academic, and perhaps research-based institution.

Having practised most of my architectural career in the USA, I am aware of the need for technology as an integral part of the design process, and the necessary evolution for a better environmental future for all Jamaicans. The former Building Department has abandoned the architectural technology course to now provide degrees in straight architecture, turning out many ‘straight architects’ since this change. Technology seems to have been a casualty of the institution’s push to train the young people in the country for the future in architecture. I would encourage the new president to review the current output and, where necessary, revise the curricula to address the technology component for which the university is named. Areas such as architectural technology need to be addressed to better integrate local conditions with available materials, as well as new building typologies that will reduce the cost of building.

Once UTech had a head of department who had a doctorate in nano engineering, I understand that he has left for want of a better working environment, probably back in some developed country — Our loss!

I should also point out that development of technology in the Jamaican context, should embrace current global certification standards, so that a degree obtained at UTech is on par with any degree issued by any global institution and recognised by any global manufacturer. We need that level of expertise at home.

I hope the new president can recognise and reinstitute training, up to and beyond the bachelor’s degree level, those courses more aligned with technology. It is time the country builds a technology core around which we can master our environment; not as a fall-back position, but a primary focus for development.

I wish the new president the best in his endeavours.

Hugh Dunbar

hmdenergy@gmail.com