UCC News & Updates

THANKS FOR THIS MOST POWERFUL AND SIGNIFICANT AWARD- Adam Stewart

“Humbled and Honoured  “: is how Adam Stewart described the reaction of his father, , Hon Gordon “ Butch’ Stewart on being advised in 2019 by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean ( UCC), that he would be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no Commencement Ceremony in 2020 and the degree was conferred instead, posthumously at the UCC 2020/21 Virtual Commencement Ceremony on July 18, 2021.

Addressing the ceremony Mr Adam Stewart, referencing his father’s  death in January, 2021,  noted “ although Dad isn’t here to see this, I know he was tremendously happy to receive this honorary degree and the family humbly and graciously  accept on his behalf.”

UCC SALUTES BERNARD BENSON - PHILANTHROPIST AND HUMANITARIAN

Many students of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) have been the beneficiaries of the kind support of philanthropist and humanitarian Bernard Benson. Mr. Benson was presented with a special Humanitarian Leadership Award at the 2020/2021 Commencement Ceremony.

Bernard Benson distinguished himself as a senior executive of the celebrated US-based firm of financial advisors, Merrill Lynch, Minneapolis, Minnesota private client group and was listed as one of the top thirty financial advisors in the USA by RJ Shook, “The Winner’s Circle” in 2002 and named one of America’s top brokers by “Registers Rep” magazine that same year.

GORDON “ BUTCH” STEWART, OJ, CD, - DOCTORATE, HONORIS CAUSA (POSTHUMOUSLY), BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
 

Hon. Gordon Arthur Cyril “Butch” Stewart, OJ, CD, Hon. LLD, was known throughout Jamaica, the Caribbean and internationally as the consummate marketer.

Hotelier, businessman, entrepreneur, he was founder/owner and chairman of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International. He was also founder/owner and chairman of Sandals as well as the ATL Group and its subsidiaries, Appliance Traders and the Jamaica Observer - influential entities on the Jamaican business landscape.

“Butch” as he was affectionately called by all, was a visionary and dynamic leader whose pioneering influence led to the advancement of the hospitality industry in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Thanks UCC, I feel Blessed – Dr. Street Forrest

It’s official, Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, CD, JP, Phd (Hon).  The affable Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) was conferred with the honorary doctoral degree in Public Policy at the virtual 2020/2021 Commencement Ceremony  of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) on July 18, 2021, and she is elated.

Marlene Street Forrest CD, JP - Doctorate, Honoris Causa, Public Policy

Marlene J. Street Forrest, CD, JP, is an exemplary leader who has blazed a trail of firsts and extraordinary achievements for Jamaica in the complex and intricate world of stock market exchanges.

This proud native of Port Antonio serves as Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) guiding the realization of its vision of facilitating growth and development of the company and the Jamaican economy by allowing for the mobilization, exchange and expansion of capital, while providing a return on equity that is acceptable to shareholders.