Third-year BACAT student Priscilla Hamilton (seated) demonstrates the features of a new iMac desktop computer to Dr. Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, Jamaica, during the unveiling of the upgraded iMac Lab held on Friday, March 6, 2026, in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS) Building. Mr. Lennox Haldane (second right), Technical Officer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, FELS, explains the demonstration. Looking on (from left) are Professor Shermaine Barrett, Deputy President and Provost, Mr. Andrew Smith, Programme Director for the B.A. Communication Arts & Technology, Dr. Henry Lewis, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies and Dr. Granville Pitter, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) programme at the University of Technology, Jamaica, received a significant technology upgrade with the installation of 30 new Apple iMac desktop computers valued at over $14 million. The new equipment was officially unveiled during a special ceremony held on Friday, March 6, 2026, in the iMac Lab located in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS) building.
The iMac lab serves third and fourth year BACAT students providing them with advanced tools to support their studies in media production, digital design, and communication technologies. This upgrade follows an earlier enhancement to the programme’s Windows-based lab, which was completed in March 2025. That facility supports first and second year BACAT students, allowing them to develop foundational digital media and communication skills.
An iMac computer is Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer, combining the monitor and computer components into a single unit. Known for their powerful performance and high-resolution display, the iMac is widely used in creative industries for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, animation, and digital media production, making it well suited for the needs of BACAT students.
Providing an overview of the lab, Mr. Lennox Haldane, Technical Officer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, explained that the upgrade will allow students to complete their work more effectively. He expressed profound appreciation to the management of the university and the Procurement Unit for, “giving our students the avenue that they need to perform their tasks and complete their assignments in style, in fashion and properly.”
Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica emphasized the importance of the upgrade in relation to the university’s RESET transformational strategy focused on becoming more research-intensive, expanding access, becoming more student-centered, entrepreneurial, and technology focused.
Reflecting on the growth and development of the BCAT programme, Dr. Brown highlighted its increasing impact within the university. “I’ve seen the full cycle of BCAT, and in terms of RESET, we have seen growing enrollment in the programme, so it’s expanding access, the E in RESET. I have seen where the vast majority of BCAT students seem to have a good student experience,” he said.
Additionally, the President pointed to the programme’s creativity and innovation, particularly through its annual student showcases. “When I come to your showcase each year, I am just overwhelmed by the diversity of projects that you do.” Dr. Brown also noted that entrepreneurship and technology are also important features of the programme recognizing the production work done in CAT Productions which assists with producing the President’s Riverside Chat programme, adding that, “the Apple iMacs here are central to what you do in terms of pre and post production.”
Professor Shermaine Barrett, Deputy President and Provost, who is a former Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, remarked that “the leadership of this faculty has always been committed to the BACAT programme.” She explained that once successive faculty leadership recognized that there were not enough functioning machines, steps were taken to address the issue because of the importance for students “to engage with the equipment.”
Expressing appreciation to those involved in the realization of the upgraded lab, Professor Barrett encouraged students to make full use of the modern facility. “I trust that you students will use it and allow your creativity to soar,” she said.
Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, Dr. Granville Pitter, noted that the initiative resulted from sustained efforts over time and acknowledged the work of previous faculty leadership in helping to secure the equipment.
Meanwhile, Director of Procurement and Office Services, Mrs. Denise Haldane, described the ceremony as an opportunity to recognize the university’s investment in the faculty.
“We are here to celebrate,” she said, while also encouraging users to “take care of the assets,” adding that the investment should lead to “great things coming out of the faculty.”
Third year BACAT student, Miss Paris Wright extended thanks to the leadership of the university, noting “your support and investment in our student’s education make a lasting impact and create more opportunities for learning.”
Dr. Brown noted that the FELS team is seeking to expand the audio lab and studio space in order to strengthen the practical training environment for students in the BACAT programme.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: [email protected]
