Taylor Hall resident at the University of the West Indies (Mona) and computer science student, Keshawn McGrath, says the need to advocate for better experiences on campus for his fellow students was among the many reasons for his decision to run for president of the Student Guild.

Elections at the university for new Guild positions are scheduled to take place on Thursday.

“The concerns of students have always been very important to me, and I always make it my duty to try and address them. I would like to advocate for better experiences for all students through welfare, opportunities, financial support and other important factors,” McGrath told Observer Online on Tuesday.

He continued, “I decided to run for Guild president because I saw a need for students to be well represented at the highest level. Being in my current capacity as vice-president of Properties and Special Initiatives (PSI), I have portfolio responsibilities that directly impact students’ well-being. From executing these responsibilities, I saw where I could do more for students in other capacities and strengthen the connection between the Guild Council and the wider student body.”

McGrath says his previous experiences, including that of Taylor Hall chairman, have prepared him to take on the bigger tasks of Guild president.

“I have gained wisdom and experience from serving as Taylor Hall chairman, where I know how to engage and represent the student body about their concerns and from being VP-PSI where I learnt how to balance helping to lead the council whilst maintaining advocacy efforts for our students,” said McGrath who served as Taylor Hall chairman in 2025 and public relations officer the year before.

“I am well prepared for the role of Guild president, because the positions I have previously held at UWI have exposed me to the kind of balanced approach to leadership that a Guild president requires. These experiences have also reinforced in me the importance of empathy, servant leadership and other essential qualities necessary for effective representation and governance,” McGrath continued.

McGrath is from Montego Bay. He attended Cornwall College.