The Key Point:

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid,  noted that the rebranded institution, located in Hanover, will bring tertiary studies to the doorsteps of residents of the parish in addition to St. James and Westmoreland.

The Facts

• These are Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, The Mico University College and G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport.
• “It is now viewed as a post-secondary (institution) and it needs to be reclassified and upgraded to become a full polytechnic, as we have done with the Trench Town Polytechnic. That will attract tertiary-level programmes, so that the students can achieve better certification and be better aligned to industry,” he further pointed out.

The Full Story

The Knockalva Agricultural School is now a polytechnic college, providing greater access to tertiary education for persons in western Jamaica.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid,  noted that the rebranded institution, located in Hanover, will bring tertiary studies to the doorsteps of residents of the parish in addition to St. James and Westmoreland.

“We cannot have all our colleges and universities in Kingston and St. Andrew.  We don’t have enough space, and more so, education and training systems are changing so rapidly that even in your living room you can access certain programmes. So we have to bring education and training as close to our people as possible,” said Minister Reid.

He was speaking at a ceremony to officially launch the 2018/2019 school year and mark the new Knockalva Polytechnic College, on Thursday (September 6) on the grounds of the institution in Ramble.

The ceremony included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Knockalva and several institutions for the provision of tertiary qualifications.

These are Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, The Mico University College and G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport.The Education Minister, who informed JIS News of Government’s intention to upgrade Knockalva earlier this year, said at the time, that the ins

“It is now viewed as a post-secondary (institution) and it needs to be reclassified and upgraded to become a full polytechnic, as we have done with the Trench Town Polytechnic. That will attract tertiary-level programmes, so that the students can achieve better certification and be better aligned to industry,” he further pointed out.

titution “fits very neatly in our K (kindergarten) to 18 strategy”.

The official launch of the school year was held under the theme ‘Ramp It Up or Fix it Up; K to 13… An Inclusive Education System’.

Senator Reid, in his address, lauded the collaboration between the Ministries of Transport and Mining, and Labour and Social Security to implement the rural bus system in 12 parishes.

The bus system is intended to provide affordable transportation for students and improve school attendance in rural areas.

The Key Point:

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the Knockalva Agricultural School in Ramble, Hanover, will be upgraded to a polytechnic institution in the very near future.

The Facts

• “This school fits very neatly in our K (kindergarten) to 18 strategy. It is now viewed as a post-secondary (institution), and it needs to be reclassified and upgraded to become a full polytechnic, as we have done with the Trench Town Polytechnic. That will attract tertiary-level programmes, so that the students can achieve better certification and be better aligned to industry,” the Minister said.
• The Minister said the Knockalva Agricultural School is in the process of “redefining itself”, and whilst the promotion of agriculture, agricultural science “and all the different skill sets and occupations and professions related to agriculture will continue to be its key focus, other disciplines such as maritime logistics and business process outsourcing (BPO) are being considered.

The Full Story

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the Knockalva Agricultural School in Ramble, Hanover, will be upgraded to a polytechnic institution in the very near future.

“This school fits very neatly in our K (kindergarten) to 18 strategy. It is now viewed as a post-secondary (institution), and it needs to be reclassified and upgraded to become a full polytechnic, as we have done with the Trench Town Polytechnic. That will attract tertiary-level programmes, so that the students can achieve better certification and be better aligned to industry,” the Minister said.

He was speaking with JIS News following a visit to the institution on Tuesday (January 30). The Minister also visited St. James High School in Montego Bay, as well as Anchovy High School and Knockalva Technical High School.

The Minister said the Knockalva Agricultural School is in the process of “redefining itself”, and whilst the promotion of agriculture, agricultural science “and all the different skill sets and occupations and professions related to agriculture will continue to be its key focus, other disciplines such as maritime logistics and business process outsourcing (BPO) are being considered.

“We will be bringing education to the community, which was the original concept of community colleges, so you don’t have to go off to Kingston or Montego Bay. Right here in this community, tertiary education will become available to the young people and adults,” he said.

“The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and The Mico University College will also be partnering with them to build them up, and so participants in that programme will get Mico certification depending on what they want to do, or Caribbean Maritime University qualifications or other tertiary qualifications,” the Minister added.

Senator Reid argued that institutions such as the Knockalva Agricultural School will continue to play a key role in Jamaica’s development, as the nation’s economy is inextricably linked to agriculture.

“When agriculture does very well, the economy grows; when agriculture doesn’t do well, the economy declines,” the Minister said.

The Full Story

Principal of Knockalva Polytechnic College Natalie Thompson has expressed gratitude for the support the institution has received from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

“We are receiving support as we speak at unprecedented levels from the Ministry. We are really grateful and thankful for the attention that we are being given,” Mrs. Thompson stated.

She was addressing a press briefing hosted by the school at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) St. James parish office in Montego Bay on Friday (August 8).

Acknowledging the challenges faced during the past year, especially in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the principal informed that support has also been rendered by the Jamaica Dairy Development Board.

“The Jamaica Dairy Development Board has since provided great assistance in having our dairy parlour roof replaced. For that, we are immensely grateful. Our greenhouses were significantly impacted by the hurricane… the education ministry has given every indication that support is on its way,” Mrs. Thompson said.

On the technological front, the Principal informed that donation of equipment from the alumni is imminent.

“Efforts have been made for those resources to be shipped. We should have them in our possession before the end of August,” she informed.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Thompson stated that though progress took time, recent advancements demonstrate positive momentum.

“It took us too long to get to this point, but we’re thankful that at least the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture over the last year has made significant changes [that positively] impacts the institution,” she outlined.

With regard to student recruitment, the principal was optimistic, noting that, “We went on a massive recruitment drive throughout the course of this academic year. Our students here are testament to that. We continue to remain close to those students who had demonstrated interest in being a part of us.”

Looking ahead, Mrs. Thompson expressed confidence in the institution’s future, underpinned by strong ministry support.

“Yes, it may seem as if it’s a long time coming, but the truth is that support is now here,” she shared.

Knockalva Polytechnic College will culminate its 85th anniversary celebrations on October 24 and 25, featuring a series of activities to highlight its legacy of excellence.