Dr. Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, Jamaica (3rd right), is joined by His Excellency Mark Berman (4th right), Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, members of his delegation, and representatives of UTechOpen and Volatus Aerospace Inc. during a visit to the University on April 22, 2026. Volatus Aerospace Inc. is a Canadian integrated aerospace and drone solutions provider that delivers aerial intelligence, advanced training, and autonomous systems capabilities globally. The landmark partnership with UTech, Jamaica expands the delivery of cutting-edge drone training and applied technology programmes in Jamaica.
Dr. Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, Jamaica along with members of the University’s leadership team, welcomed the Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mark Berman, and his delegation for a courtesy call on April 22, 2026.
During their visit, the High Commissioner and his delegation also toured the training sites for the Introduction to Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery Programme short course, delivered by UTechOpen: School of Lifelong Learning and Professional Development in partnership with Canadian company Volatus Aerospace Inc.
The programme combines online instruction with expert hands-on field training and includes courses such as Introduction to Drone Technology in Disaster Response, Applied Drone Technology in Disaster Response, and Drones in the Classroom: Educator Professional Development. Participants progress from foundational online learning to practical, field-based training designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively utilize drone technology in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Speaking on the importance of the drone training initiative, Dr. Brown noted, “It’s very important that we have that capability here” while emphasizing the university’s commitment to building strategic partnerships.
Dr. Brown also noted that this training aligns with the university’s educational philosophy and long-term vision of having “project-based learning” noting that UTech, Jamaica is positioning to be Jamaica’s “premier public technological research institution.”
He added that achieving this goal will require strong international collaboration. “We want to do that in partnership with other stakeholders, including Canadian higher education institutions and universities.”
Commending the partnership between UTech, Jamaica and Volatus Aerospace Inc., High Commissioner Berman described the initiative as an excellent example of international collaboration, “working with institutes to help educate and advance knowledge in this area.”
The High Commissioner also highlighted Canada’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships. He explained that Canada is actively seeking opportunities to deepen existing relationships, establish new collaborations, and enhance economic and technological cooperation with trusted partners around the world. “That means working with friends, and Jamaica has certainly been a good friend to Canada for many decades,” he said.
High Commissioner Berman welcomed the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the university and explore other areas of mutual interest.
His Excellency Mark Berman (right), Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, participates in a drone demonstration during a tour of the training site for the Introduction to Drone Technology in Disaster Recovery Programme at the University of Technology, Jamaica on April 22, 2026. Guiding the High Commissioner are Mr. Dervon McKellop (left), President of Drift Enterprises and training partner with Volatus Aerospace, and Mr. Matthew Johnson (centre), Lead Instructor and Director of Education at Volatus Aerospace.
His Excellency Mark Berman (centre), Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica shares a photo with the leadership of the University of Technology, Jamaica. From left are Professor Garfield Young, Vice President and Chief Operations and Projects Officer, Dr. Anthonio Anderson, Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer, Miss Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, Professor Shermaine Barrett, Deputy President and Provost and Mrs. Maxine Gordon, Acting Vice President & Chief Business and Finance Officer.
END.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: [email protected]
