The handover ceremony — which took place on Thursday, January 11 at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex — for the Michael Campbell Art Collection to The University of the West Indies, Mona, was a fitting way to bring down the curtains on the campus’s 75th anniversary celebration.

Described as an unsurpassed gift of philanthropy, the collection of 261 artworks by 65 of Jamaica’s finest artists was a gesture spearheaded by former Prime Minister of Jamaica and The University of the West Indies, Mona, Statesman-in-Residence Percival James Patterson before the passing of Island Car Rental founder Michael Campbell.

“The late business magnate Michael Campbell quietly but assiduously amassed what must be among the most impressive private collections of art in Jamaica… there is only one place in Jamaica, other than the National Gallery, that was suitable to receive this collection,” said Patterson.

“I urge the Mona campus to lead the way and ensure that this donation will highlight the enormous potential of the creative economy. Michael Campbell was insistent that the collection be accessible, particularly to the students, in order to promote and preserve the cultural heritage,” Patterson continued.

Plus, The Rock was represented at the 2024 Emmy Awards — held on Monday, January 15 at the Peacock Theater, Los Angeles — as Hollywood actress Niecy Nash-Betts, in a stunning custom Greta Constantine gown (the label is helmed by Jamaican Kirk Pickersgill), won her first Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited series; and Emmy award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph hit the red carpet in Christian Siriano.

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