Dr. Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica, accepts a symbolic tablet from Suzanne Heron, Human Resource Officer, e-Learning Jamaica, during the handover of thirty-six tablets donated to UTech, Jamaica students affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa. The ceremony was held on May 19, 2026, at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building.
Thirty-six (36) tablets were handed over to students of the University of Technology, Jamaica who were impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa during a special handover ceremony held on May 19, 2026, at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building. The tablets were donated by e-Learning Jamaica as part of efforts to help affected students regain access to learning and academic resources.
In response to the challenges faced by students who lost or damaged their electronic devices during the hurricane, Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer, Dr. Anthonio Anderson, reached out to e-Learning Jamaica to seek assistance for affected students.
Dr. Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica expressed gratitude to e- Learning Jamaica for their support, noting that the tablets will serve as a vital resource for students across a range of disciplines, enabling them to fully engage in their academic work. Encouraging responsible use, Dr. Brown urged recipients to “protect and treasure these devices,” and assured that they would play an important role in supporting note-taking, research, and online learning.
Dr. Brown also encouraged students to embrace a culture of giving back. He urged the beneficiaries to “look back and remember” the assistance they received and, when able, contribute to supporting other students in need.
Providing further insight into the initiative, Senior Director of Technology and Information Management, Mr. Hugh Brown, explained that the hurricane significantly disrupted students’ ability to participate in their studies. Mr. Brown noted, “students could not access their resources… they couldn’t access devices.” As a result, their ability to continue classes and complete coursework was severely hindered. He emphasized that the tablet distribution represents an important step toward helping students regain academic stability during the recovery period.
Acting Student Welfare Officer, Ms. Terry-Ann Rhule, in her remarks said that the donation by e-Learning reflects care for students and their academic success. She noted that the tablets represent “continuity, access, and the reassurance that our students can continue their studies without disruption.” Emphasizing the timeliness of the initiative, Ms. Rhule noted that many students are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa.
Ms. Suzanne Heron, Human Resource Officer, e-Learning Jamaica highlighted the broader challenges surrounding access to technology. She noted that while many individuals have smartphones, access to reliable devices such as tablets and laptops is still limited in many households noting that the Hurricane “only made the situation worse.”
Addressing the student recipients, Mrs. Heron encouraged them to make full use of the devices and remain committed to their educational goals. “We understand your challenges… and we want to make a difference,” she said. She also urged students to adopt a spirit of giving in the future, encouraging them to support others when they are able.
Mr. Joel Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union Council
Mr. Joel Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union Council, in expressing thanks to e-Learning Jamaica shared, “this contribution goes far beyond technology. It represents hope, opportunity, stability and a renewed ability for students to continue their academic journey comfortably.”
Dr. Kevin Brown (7th left), President, University of Technology, Jamaica; Ms. Suzanne Heron (8th left), Human Resource Officer, e-Learning Jamaica; Ms. Terry-Ann Rhule (left), Student Welfare Officer; Mr. Hugh Brown (2nd left), Senior Director, Technology and Information Management; Mrs. Karen Haughton-Blair (3rd right); Mr. Joel Brown (2nd right), President, Students’ Union Council, UTech, Jamaica; and Professor Shermaine Barrett (right), Deputy President and Provost share a photo with student recipients during the handover of tablets donated by e-Learning Jamaica to students affected by Hurricane Melissa. The handover ceremony was held on May 19, 2026, at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: [email protected]
