International Women’s Day invites us to celebrate the achievements of women, and to reflect on the profound ways in which their leadership, resilience, and generosity continue to shape our societies. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that when individuals invest their talents and compassion in the advancement of others, the benefits extend far beyond the present moment and across generations.

In Jamaica, women have long been central to the progress of our nation. As mothers, educators, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. They have strengthened families, nurtured communities, and helped guide national development.

Today we see Jamaican women excelling across fields that were once largely closed to them – from law and business to science, governance, and public service – demonstrating every day that the advancement of women is inseparable from the advancement of the nation itself.

At The Mico, the principle of “Give to Gain” is deeply rooted in our history. Nearly two centuries ago, Sir Thomas Buxton used funds from the Lady Mico Trust to support the education and upliftment of those whose lives had been shaped by slavery. Our University College is the only surviving teacher-training institution of that legacy, and it continues to prepare many of the large number of women who sustain Jamaica’s classrooms. 

Today the overwhelming majority of teachers in our schools are women, especially at the early childhood and primary levels. Their dedication can help to shape the intellectual, moral, and civic foundations of our children. Through their patience, creativity, and leadership, they prepare each new generation for the responsibilities of citizenship and nation-building.

At The Mico University College, we witness this commitment daily in the women who serve as lecturers, administrators, students, and staff. Their work reflects the enduring spirit of this institution, and our guiding charge to “Do It With Thy Might.” By giving of their knowledge, leadership, and compassion, women educators continue to transform lives and strengthen communities.

So as we mark International Women’s Day and reflect on its message, let us honour the women whose contributions sustain our families, our institution, and the nation. We proudly celebrate their leadership and reaffirm our commitment to empowering the next generation of educators who will carry this remarkable legacy forward.

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National Recovery and the Role of Education

A nation is most tested in moments of disruption, not in times of stability. Across Jamaica, the effects of Hurricane Melissa and recent economic pressures have likely forced difficult national choices. The Government’s 2026/27 budget reflects this – prioritising reconstruction, strengthening public systems, and introducing new revenue measures to finance recovery. For many citizens and businesses, these tax adjustments will represent struggle, real sacrifice or even hardship, and only long-term investments in education and the development of the labourforce can produce the revenue tomorrow that we are struggling to find today.

Education is the sector that creates the most positive impact on citizens’ lives. Teacher education in particular has a great multiplier effect, both pre-service and in-service teachers are valuable and necessary to improving Jamaica’s production capacity. Even in times of austerity, policy makers should continue to prioritize investments even in the professional development of current teachers. Spending more to educate and train the people will signal a genuine commitment to rebuilding stronger and more resilient national foundations, building the workforce and not just infrastructure.

While roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure can be restored easily through financial investment and effective management, the rebuilding of a nation ultimately depends on its people. Human capital is developed through education, and it remains the most enduring foundation of national progress.

Teacher Education at the Centre of National Development

Recovery must therefore go beyond replacing what was lost; it must strengthen the systems that sustain growth. Teacher education lies at the centre of that effort. For generations, educators have shaped the nation’s capacity to adapt, innovate, and thrive – often quietly, yet always with profound impact.

I am reminded of young teachers who travel miles each day to serve rural communities, including districts across Westmoreland and other western parishes still recovering from hurricane damage. With limited resources but unwavering dedication, they transform classrooms into spaces of hope and possibility for affected students. Their work affirms a simple truth: resilient societies are built by resilient educators.

The Mico’s Historic Role in Nation Building

For nearly two centuries, The Mico has stood at the forefront of preparing teachers of integrity and purpose. Its origins reflect a similar moment of national transformation. Following emancipation, funding to prepare educators to teach newly freed Jamaicans came through beneficent gifts from the Lady Mico Trust and abolitionist advocates, at a time when public financing for education was not yet a state priority. From its inception, the institution was grounded in a belief that education empowers people and advances nation-building.

Today, Jamaica again stands at a pivotal moment. Our economy was damaged by a natural disaster, and recovery spending exceeds J$60 billion for reconstruction, with additional costly resilience measures. This underscores the scale of the national challenge, and policy makers have promised a sustainable development plan for recovery. However sustainable development is more about people than physical infrastructure. Sustainability will depend on a skilled, adaptable, and forward-thinking population. If the nation is to withstand future economic, environmental, or social shocks, the preparation of educators must therefore be a national priority.

Impact of Mico Graduates and the Wider Education Sector

The transformative power of education is evident in the work of some of The Mico’s graduates, from Governor Generals Sir Howard Cook and Sir Clifford Campbell, to the many who lead schools in underserved communities, introduce innovative teaching practices, and mentor generations of students who themselves become agents of national development. These individual contributions collectively shape the country’s progress and empowers families and communities. This year The Mico recognized the Hon Steadman Fuller and Dr. Claudette Morris with honorary degrees for exactly this type of nation building. They join other educators who have shaped industries outside of education, like Dr. Glen Christian in the health sector and Dr. Sylvester Tulloch in the housing and construction sector.

So in response to evolving national needs, the mission of institutions like The Mico remains clear: to prepare graduates who transform education, advance research, and contribute meaningfully to development. In other examples, like at At Sam Sharpe teachers college, they have been expanding the undergraduate programme and last year the historic Moneague Teachers’ College was accredited by the University Council of Jamaica, after expanding their own programmes to meet the needs of the community, even offering hospitality and tourism management.

Strategic Focus and Institutional Development

The desire to drive first work academic excellence, operational standards, and student success, is a vision that guides the strategic focus of institutions like ours. The Mico continues to expand research capacity, strengthen technological innovation in teaching and learning, broaden global engagement, and support student success and community development. These are priorities that align with Jamaica’s wider development agenda.

Mico Week 2026 and National Resilience

It is in fact within this context that The Mico University College will observe Mico Week 2026 (from March 23 to 27), reflecting on how higher education supports national resilience. The week will open with a General Assembly that underscores leadership and institutional responsibility. A Research Spotlight will highlight the importance of evidence-based solutions and knowledge production in shaping national policy and competitiveness. Even the annual Sports Day celebrations will focus on holistic development this year, and will recognise that resilience, teamwork, and wellbeing are essential to both personal and national progress.

Mico Week will also recognise intellectual leadership through Student Awards and the Glen Owen Lecture, that both reaffirm the university college’s commitment to academic excellence and critical inquiry. The week will culminate with Founders’ Day, a Thanksgiving Service, and an Alumni Luncheon – all reminders that education is sustained through partnership, legacy, and shared responsibility.

Partnerships, Innovation, and Global Engagement

It is important to note that this spirit of collaboration extends beyond these observances. Later this May, the institution will host its Innovation With and For a Purpose Summit, engaging global partners such as University of Miami and Amazon Web Services, alongside public and private sector leaders advancing research and knowledge-driven growth.

Together, these initiatives illustrate the ecosystem required for national advancement – leadership, research, innovation, human development, and partnerships, all working in concert.

Fiscal Responsibility and the Role of Higher Education

The Government’s fiscal programme calls for efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth within constrained resources. The introduction of new taxes – despite earlier commitments to avoid them – must reflect the magnitude of the recovery challenge. Such measures demand accountability not only from citizens, but from national institutions entrusted with public confidence. Partnerships must be forged to help ensure that higher education institutions are expanding access through technology-enabled learning, strengthening research output, and equipping graduates with the skills required for a rapidly changing economy.

At The Mico University College, we had already embraced these responsibilities by expanding online delivery, enhancing quality assurance systems, and developing programmes responsive to national and global needs.

Teacher Education as Essential National Infrastructure

These are real investments in our student teachers, and strategic investment in teacher education will have the greatest multiplier effect, producing measurable returns. Well-prepared educators improve learning outcomes, strengthen workforce readiness, promote social mobility, and foster civic responsibility. These outcomes contribute directly to economic growth, social cohesion, and national resilience. Teacher education, therefore, is not merely a sectoral concern; it is essential national infrastructure. Teachers impact almost every individual.

A Call to Action for National Recovery

As Jamaica continues its recovery journey, the question is not whether we can afford to invest in education, but whether we can afford not to. A nation’s capacity to adapt and prosper depends fundamentally on the quality of its educators and the strength of its institutions.

For Miconians, Mico Week is both a celebration and call to action. It affirms our historic responsibility while pointing toward our future – an agile institution, responsive to national needs, technologically driven, and committed to research, innovation, and community development.

The rebuilding of Jamaica will take many forms. Yet lasting recovery will depend on the knowledge, values, and capabilities of our people. By strengthening teacher education we can impact every student in Jamaica, we will be investing in the nation’s most enduring resource – and securing the successful future that we have a duty to build together, with Thy might.

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In today’s higher-education landscape, effective branding, targeted recruitment, strategic partnerships, and disciplined communication are no longer peripheral activities. They are central to institutional success. The decision to strengthen the Marketing & Business Development Department reflects a clear understanding that these functions must operate not merely as support services, but as drivers of visibility, relevance, and growth across the institution.

The expansion builds on the solid foundation laid by the department’s continuing members, whose institutional knowledge has been critical in grounding this transition. Their contributions have supported access, development, recruitment, and investment initiatives that have advanced The Mico University College’s mission. Importantly, this team has welcomed the addition of new professionals whose expertise strengthens the department’s capacity to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.

The Expanded Team

The newly expanded department brings together a diverse range of skills essential to advancing the University College’s strategic objectives. The team includes:

• Ms. Erica Bent, Marketing and Business Development Manager
• Ms. Shyan Mitchell, Recruitment Officer
• Ms. Malaika Sterling, Marketing Officer
• Mrs. Yvonne Young-Wallace, Projects Officer – Scholarships & Alumni Affairs
• Ms. Rachel Forrest, Projects Officer – Business Development and Marketing
• Mr. Deon Orrett Montague, Communication and Public Relations Officer
• Mr. Andrew Edwards, Media and Technology Specialist
• Mr. Edward Massias, Graphics Editor

Collectively, this team integrates strategy, recruitment, project development, communications, digital engagement, and creative production — capabilities that are increasingly essential to institutional advancement in the modern university context.

A Clear Institutional Mandate

The department has been charged with a clear and purposeful mandate: to elevate The Mico’s brand, secure new and diversified income streams, and focus the attention of the wider community on the institution’s strategic aims. This charge underscores both the seriousness of the task before the team and the expectations attached to this expanded structure.

Through this investment, The Mico University College is strengthening its institutional capacity and coherence. The expanded department is expected to work collaboratively across the College to enhance public presence, deepen stakeholder engagement, and contribute meaningfully to long-term sustainability and strategic growth.

As this work unfolds, members of the Mico community are encouraged to engage with the department, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that support both the institution’s historic mission and its future direction.

Join the Legacy | Mico 190
Celebrating 190 years of excellence, leadership, and service to Jamaica and beyond.

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Talk Di Tings! is open to anyone with a story to tell, inviting real-life narratives (up to six minutes in length) to be submitted in writing by September 15, 2025.

And the rewards are worth it:

• 1st Place: $30,000 JMD
• 2nd Place: $20,000 JMD
• 3rd Place: $15,000 JMD

The winners will also gain automatic entry as semi-finalists in the annual What’s Your Story, Jamaica? showdown – where the top prize soars to $400,000 JMD (USD $2,500).

Want to throw your hat in the ring?
Read more here: Talk Di Tings! brings truth, talent, and big prizes to the mic
Follow @jaikupoetry on Facebook and Instagram
Or email jaikupoetry@gmail.com

Thanks to the support of Miconian Scholarship Donor Mr. Canute Lawrence, this initiative gives aspiring writers and storytellers the chance to share their truth, showcase their talent, and compete for life-changing prizes.

So, what’s your story? Talk Di Tings!

The post TALK DI TINGS! – Send Real Stories Now! appeared first on The Mico Online.

According to The Mico’s Sports Manager, Mr. Dwight Holland, “Romario demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, securing 3rd place and adding to Jamaica’s strong medal tally at the Games”.

For Mr. Holland, the achievement reflects both Romario’s personal dedication and the resilience of Jamaica’s nation’s athletes competing on the international stage.

Romario Stewart secured bronze at the Junior Pan-Am Games and is pursuing a Bachelor of Education in P.E. and Sports at The Mico

Currently advancing to his third year of study in the Department of Physical Education and Sports, Romario is pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and Sports at The Mico. His success serves as a shining example of excellence both in academics and athletics, embodying The Mico’s proud tradition of producing leaders, achievers, and role models.

The Mico’s President, Dr. Asburn Pinnock has commended Romario for his hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship. Dr. Pinnock looks forward to witnessing even greater accomplishments as the athlete continues his journey.

Miconians have been celebrating Romario Stewart for his most recent performance. The young champ is a true ambassador of The Mico University College and of Jamaica!

Visit https://themicoonline.com/start to begin your journey now.

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In a recent email to The Mico community, President Dr. Asburn Pinnock confirmed that since entering its public phase, the campaign has already generated over 103 active applications. He also expressed gratitude for the collective effort behind the initiative, stating:

“The Road Tour is not just about visibility. It is part of a broader recruitment drive designed to establish long-term relationships with high schools, churches, and national agencies.”

The Road Tour is a cornerstone of the campaign, but has been temporarily paused until the upcoming General Election is over. They are expected to resume in the new school term, and will culminate on October 17, 2025, during Heritage Week.

With its focus on legacy, recruitment, and national engagement, the campaign reflects The Mico’s continuing commitment to building Jamaica’s future through education.

The post “Join the Legacy” Campaign Inspires Future Miconians appeared first on The Mico Online.

Road Tour Activities

The Road Tour is a central feature of the campaign and they will resume in the new school term and culminate on October 17, 2025 during Heritage Week. While poor weather led to the postponement of stops in Claremont, Browns Town, and Runaway Bay, every effort is being made to reschedule these visits. The tour has already captured the interest of communities across the island, where local support and anticipation remain strong.

Importantly, the Road Tour is not just about visibility. It is part of a broader recruitment drive designed to establish long-term relationships with high schools, churches, and national agencies. The goal: to ensure a robust recruitment machinery that will serve The Mico for years to come.

ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS TO START NOW AT https://themicoonline.com/start

Keeping the Momentum

Even as the Road Tour pauses, the campaign maintains a strong media presence. Beginning August 22, The Mico will appear across major radio stations with interviews and giveaways, offering scholarships, school fee discounts, and fast-track Student Loan Bureau (SLB) support. Stations include RJR, Power 106, Edge FM, and Newstalk 93FM, among others.

Television coverage is also expanding. Highlights from the campaign will air on CVM TV on Sunday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m., with a repeat on Tuesday, August 26 at 9:00 p.m. Social media platforms—including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok—will amplify this content, featuring influencer collaborations and interactive challenges to engage younger audiences.

Ongoing Campaign Elements

Beyond media appearances, the campaign continues to drive awareness and engagement through:

• A call centre operated by student ambassadors, connecting with prospective students daily.
• Dynamic social media and WhatsApp advertising campaigns.
• YouTube features showcasing President Dr. Pinnock’s messages alongside campaign highlights.
• The onboarding of Recruitment Liaison Officers (RLOs) in schools, churches, and agencies.
• Strategic poster placements across targeted communities.
• Expanded partnerships with the Ministry of Health and private sector entities.
• Installation of a new digital advertising screen with partner support.
• The upcoming launch of the University Mascot, symbolizing school pride and unity.

Lessons and Improvements

Like any major initiative, the campaign has faced challenges, including weather delays, logistical hiccups with meals, and unforeseen costs for banner placements. These issues are being addressed with new systems: advanced site visits, clear itineraries, and dedicated staff oversight to ensure smooth execution moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The campaign is already proving transformative. By the 2026 recruitment cycle, The Mico expects to have:

• Dedicated RLOs in over 60 high schools, 24 churches, and four national agencies.
• A stronger online presence with sustained digital engagement.
• Enduring partnerships with businesses, media outlets, and local communities.

President Dr. Pinnock has expressed deep gratitude for the dedication of faculty, staff, and student ambassadors who have powered this effort. Their contributions are helping to shift public perception, showing that The Mico is not “just a teachers’ college” but a premier institution shaping Jamaica’s future leaders.

The “Join the Legacy” campaign is more than a recruitment drive—it is a movement. A call to Jamaicans everywhere to believe in education as the route to individual emancipation, to invest in their future, and to become part of a living legacy that has stood for nearly 200 years.

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Mrs Dawkins expects this year’s celebration to replace the traditional individual staff recognition days across different departments. The Staff Fun Day 2025 will be held on Friday, August 22 at the Eli Matalon Gymnasium, starting at 9:00 a.m. It promises to be a vibrant occasion filled with games, music, prizes, and loads of fun.

More than just a day of activities, the Fun Day is designed to be a moment of relaxation and reconnection. Staff will have the opportunity to meet new colleagues, catch up with familiar acquaintances, and strengthen the bonds that make The Mico a unique and supportive community. A specially prepared lunch will also be provided, ensuring that everyone is able to share in both fellowship and refreshment.

This day of appreciation will recognize the invaluable contributions of staff across all categories, and will acknowledge the dedication and commitment that continues to drive the legacy of The Mico University College forward.

The Fun Day also aligns with the ongoing “Join the Legacy” (JTL) campaign – a call to every member of the Mico family to contribute to shaping the future of education, while honouring the institution’s remarkable history. The Road Tour elements of that campaign have been postponed until the end of the general election campaigning season. Learn more and join the JTL movement by visiting https://themicoonline.com/start.

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The Mico University College has announced a change to the start of classes for Semester 1 of the 2025–2026 academic year.

In a bulleting released by President Dr. Asburn Pinnock, the University College confirmed that the adjustment was made in recognition of the upcoming 2025 General Election and to ensure that staff, students, and contracted personnel assisting with the electoral process are able to fully participate.

As a result, all classes are now scheduled to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Registration dates previously outlined in Bulletin #76 remain unchanged. However, modifications to the orientation schedule will be communicated shortly by the respective Divisions.

Dr. Pinnock reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting the civic responsibilities of its community, emphasizing the importance of creating space for Miconians to exercise their right to vote.

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