Montego Bay Community College’s Career Advancement Programme (CAP) boasts second place in Diamond Challenge for High School Entrepreneurs Competition
Excellence, dominance and hard work have always been the mantra of the Montego Bay Community College. Undoubtedly, the Montego Bay Community College has made its hall mark in meeting the criteria of being dubbed the best ‘University College in Western Jamaica’. Under the tutelage of Dr Maureen Nelson, this quote synchronized with the recent achievements made by the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) at the College.
The CAP Programme caters to students who are passionate in skills, relating to cosmetology, entrepreneurship and other relatable trade. The CAP programme is coordinated by Mrs.Sonja Madden who has indicated, in more ways than one, her interest and enthusiasm in this programme. The journey began with the College submitting two entries into the CAP Entrepreneurship Competition: ‘Eco- Lamp’ and ‘Shubby Dust Pan’. From a total of 19 teams across the island that entered the competition, the eco-lamp entry walked away with prizes including, ‘Most Creative Concept’, and ‘Best Overall Concept’ with Noel McDonald getting the award for best male presenter. Subsequently, the original concept was redesigned and renamed ‘Paradise Care’. The impetus to continue resulted in the creation of a national team that was led by Noel McDonald. The Eco-Lamp concept specialized in the removal of waste, thereby educating the population on the importance of recycling. Another target audience involved in the promotion of this concept were surrounding schools. Furthermore, the concept was entered into the Diamond Challenge Competition and was selected as a quarterfinalist from among the over 700 entries.
The quarter finals took place in Kingston on Saturday, February 10, 2018. The team, consisting of Noel McDonald, Sophia Morris and other members earned the prize of first place in the social concept track in the Jamaican leg of the competition. However, victory did not end here! The team was qualified to enter the semi-finals–with all expenses taken care of– held in Delaware, USA. The team showcased their talent yet again and was able to captivate the attention of the judges so much so that they dominated the title of second place. The animated Madden reiterated, “The students were placed second in the Diamond Challenge Competition. The competition started with over 700 entries and in our track we competed against approximately 370 entries from all over the world including Australia, Pakistan, Georgia and the USA. We want to thank the Board, Dr. Nelson, Mrs Walters, Mrs Christie and those staff members who gave us the support that was necessary to achieve such success. The students were very grateful for the opportunity and the experience they gained.”
Madden’s focal point, and by extension, her resilience in making this programme an unforgettable one, has been highlighted in her success of capturing the Regional CAP Coordinator of the Year Award at the recently held CAP Awards Banquet held February 12th.. Achievements like the success of the Montego Bay Community College’s CAP programme should not go unnoticed and should be celebrated by the people of Montego Bay, Western Jamaica and by extension Jamaica. The school’s motto, ‘The end crowns the work’ and the colloquial phrase, ‘Wi likkle but wi tallawah’ can be deftly employed in these accomplishments as the team has placed the school and Jamaica on the global sphere. This competition has indicated yet again that Jamaicans are creative, innovative and dynamic individuals who work assiduously through ‘sweat, blood and tears’ to fulfil their dreams.
The spirited Dr Nelson publicly announced her excitement and lauded the achievements of the team. She expressed, “The performance from the members of the institution was outstanding in Delaware, USA over the weekend! The CAP programme has been marginalized over the years; however, these CAP students have done the College proud. I just want to laud them and impress upon them that they are the flagbearers to this institution.” Through this medium, the Board of Management, Principal and the rest of the Montego Bay Community College’s fraternity extend their heartiest congratulations to Mrs Madden and her team for an effortless job well done! Below are highlights of the competition held in Delaware, USA:
(L-R) Mr. Noel McDonald (CAP student); Mrs. Sonja Madden (CAP Coordinator) and Ms. Sophia Morris (CAP student) share a moment with the lens.
The winning team of the MBCC CAP Entrepreneurship Competition shares an exciting moment with the camera.
Kemorine Buchanan
Faculty Advisor, The Press Club