Takeda Reid, final year BACAT student points to her print piece on Wellness, Health and Nutrition among final year student works displayed on a storyboard during the 12th Annual Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) Final-Year Students’ Exhibition held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Lecture Theatre 48, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
The Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, University of Technology, Jamaica hosted its 12th Annual Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) Final-Year Students’ Exhibition, a dynamic capstone event showcasing the culmination of years of rigorous academic training and creative innovation. The ceremony took place on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Lecture Theatre 48, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
Held under the theme, “Voices of Impact,” the showcase celebrated the creativity, innovation, and professional abilities of 42 final-year BACAT students. The exhibition featured a diverse range of multimedia projects spanning journalism, advertising, public relations, television production, photography, and digital media.
Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. Reaffirming the university’s commitment to the BACAT programme, Dr. Brown highlighted the recent investment of $14 million in new iMac computers for the programme’s Mac lab. He also announced another “multi-million dollar investment” to refurbish studio facilities in the university library.
Dr. Brown noted the programme’s growing reputation for producing highly employable graduates, adding that many university productions are led by BACAT students and staff.
“Your employability is very high and if someone doesn’t give you a job, you have enough skills and training from this programme to do it yourself,” he said.
Professor Shermaine Barrett, Deputy President and Provost (right) and Ms. Maribel Alao, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies browse the media projects on display during the BACAT Final-Year Students’ Exhibition
Professor Shermaine Barrett, Deputy President and Provost and former Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies in addressing the final year BACAT cohort encouraged the students to use their voices and creativity to make a meaningful impact.
Describing the event as “more than a presentation of projects,” Professor Barrett called it “a declaration that your voices matter.” She emphasized that today’s graduates are entering a fast-paced digital media landscape as “multimedia storytellers, content creators, analysts, and strategists.” Reminding students of the responsibility that comes with working in media, Prof. Barrett shared, “Your voices must be credible in an age of misinformation,” she said, adding that their work must also be ethical and purposeful.
She encouraged students to continue innovating and shaping narratives that contribute to positive change and development. “Continue to speak, continue to create, continue to innovate and most importantly continue to be voices of impact,” she urged.
Mr. Andrew Smith, BACAT Programme Director, BACAT programme speaking during the BACAT Final-Year Students’ Exhibition
Mr. Andrew Smith, Programme Director, BACAT praised students and staff during the “Media Magnified” showcase, describing the event as a true reflection of the programme’s creativity and teamwork.
Mr. Smith emphasized that the showcase was fully organized and produced by students, highlighting that students handled the production, streaming, hosting, and other technical elements of the event. He also recognized the contributions of lecturers, technical staff, and family members for their continued support throughout the students’ academic journey.
Additionally, Smith welcomed representatives from other tertiary institutions stressing the importance of collaboration within Jamaica’s media training ecosystem. “We are part of an educational ecosystem of media training,” he said, adding that networking and partnerships are important “for the betterment of the industry.”
Keynote Address
Dr. K’adamawe K’nife, Keynote speaker and Award-winning Jamaican cinematographer
Dr. K’adamawe K’nife, keynote speaker andaward-winning Jamaican cinematographer, praised BACAT students for producing work with real social and economic value, arguing that their projects contribute directly to Jamaica’s development.
Highlighting the students’ documentaries and advocacy campaigns, Dr. K’nife noted “this is not just an assignment,” he said. “The work that you’re doing is creating meaningful resources that, if utilized properly will have significant impact out there.”
Dr. K’nife commended students for addressing issues such as mental health, climate change, disability advocacy, entrepreneurship and support for fisherfolk, noting that many of the projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Jamaica’s Vision 2030 agenda.
He also described Generation Z and I as highly entrepreneurial, innovative and socially conscious, encouraging students to use their digital media skills to advocate for positive change. “Your work really speaks volumes,” he said. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, and your team has made that giant step.”
Panel Discussion
A highlight of the exhibition was an engaging panel discussion that brought together accomplished media and creative industry professionals to share their experiences and perspectives on succeeding in Jamaica’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Hosted by BACAT student, Shanise Gordon (centre), the panel discussion featured speakers (from left) Kareece Lawrence, Event & Content Producer, Saeed Thomas, CEO, M-one, Javaughn Keyes, Award Winning Journalist and Tennille Higgins, CEO & Lead, Creative, Pixie Magic. The panel discussion provided students with practical insights into navigating the evolving media landscape emphasizing that impact in today’s media environment goes beyond visibility, focusing instead on creating meaningful change through storytelling and communication. Panelists also encouraged students to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence while maintaining creative and ethical standards.
Special Awards
The exhibition also recognized outstanding student achievement through a series of special awards celebrating excellence across multiple media disciplines. The award-winning projects demonstrated the students’ ability to combine creativity, technical expertise, and social awareness to produce impactful work addressing real-world issues and opportunities.
Overall Top Student and Best Web Piece
Kayanna Dehaney (left) is all smiles as she accepts her prize for overall top student and best web piece for her final project titled, “Gemaica,” a digital platform dedicated to preserving Jamaica’s rich heritage while connecting the diaspora through interactive storytelling, media and shared experiences across food, dance, religion, folklore and hidden gems. Presenting the award is Dr. Granville Pitter, Acting Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies.
Best Video Project
Travese Thomas (left) receives the best video project award for his project titled, “Music that heals” which highlights reggae’s therapeutic impact. Presenting the award is Dr. Granville Pitter, Acting Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies.
Best Campaign winner
Ja-Donne Gray (left) beams as she receives the best campaign award from Dr. Warrick Lattibeaudaire, Head, School of Humanities and Social Sciences for her project titled “Single, Saved, Satisfied,” a faith-based initiative reframing singleness as a season of purpose and wholeness.
Best Audio winner
Ashalai Lindo receives her award for best audio for her project, “Absent Voices” which explores the psychological and social effects of fatherlessness. Presenting the award is Dr. Warrick Lattibeaudaire, Head, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Best Text/Image winner
Beyonce Ebanks explains her major project to Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica after being named winner in the best text / image category for her piece, “Ruins to restoration” which captures recovery and resilience efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
Final Year BACAT students and Media Magnified Exhibition 2026 hosts Tomonie Ellis and Aaron Brown take the audience through the 12th Annual Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) Final-Year Students’ ceremony held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Lecture Theatre 48, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
Watch the 2026 BACAT Media Exhibition at the YouTube link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMpjWYM3vvM&t=7912s
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: [email protected]
