For University of the West Indies (Mona) marketing student Jermaine Francis, the best interest of his fellow students is his first priority.

Currently the Faculty of Social Sciences representative on the Students Guild, Francis is vying for vice president of properties and special initiatives.

His first leadership role, he said, was in high school at St Jago in Spanish Town, where he was a prefect. However, since he began his journey at the University of the West Indies, he has immersed himself into helping others, while leading by example.

With limited resources, Francis has hosted some of the biggest faculty events through his affiliation with corporate Jamaica. His humanitarian efforts also include assisting needy students with transportation expenses.

But Francis has supported students beyond the classroom. He has partnered with Lasco Meal Solutions and other food brands, to support and keep free ‘likkle’ cupboards across the campus stocked, a move to address food security.

In collaboration with Lasco Curves, he assisted in the establishment of a sanitary cupboard in the Faculty of Social Sciences female bathroom with sanitary supplies and personal hygiene essentials, to combat period poverty.

Last year when Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, he assisted in coordinating relief efforts for students and families who were affected.

“Leadership for me comes naturally,” he told Observer Online on Monday. “My major accomplishments have been consistent while I am performing well academically. If voted in, the campus will have a leader with connections to make university events bigger and better with the strategic partnerships that have already been formed. I have unique security training that will ensure students are safe.”

Said Francis: “I have started the conversation to have digital systems in place to ensure a safer campus and for students to have a platform that monitors the different transportation systems for students.”

The 28-year-old recently held one of the biggest health initiatives on the university campus when he staged the Faculty of Social Sciences Wellness Day. Two weeks ago, he was involved in the upgraded Miss SoSci pageant, which attracted significant sponsorship.

His previous leadership roles on campus include the marketing strategist for the PRO Sub Committee, the Cultural and Entertainment Affairs Chairperson for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Director of Security.