Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen congratulated IBI Ambassador, Sujae Boswell, in his recent success at the polls of the 2020 Guild Elections at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. Mr. Boswell was successful after beating back challenger, Gabriela Morris, on Thursday, June 4th for the post of Guild President.
Boswell secured 3271 votes to Morris’ 2068, in this the University’s first online guild elections.
In his letter, Sir Patrick Allen expressed his “heartiest congratulation” to the Incoming Guild President and notes that Sujae’s accomplishment is a reflection of the confidence UWI, Mona constituents have in his ability to lead them with integrity and honesty.
Sir Allen also encouraged Mr. Boswell to empower those around him using the mantra of the I Believe Initiative to “use what is right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong with Jamaica” and to “move steadfastly and purposefully in the journey that lies ahead, even in times of despair and uncertainty.”
Mr. Boswell expressed great delight at the encouraging words of His Excellency while reflecting on the journey of becoming Incoming Guild President. In an earlier interview, Boswell notes that early consultation with students and administrators was key to drafting feasible solutions to the issues being faced by the Campus’ student population. This, he says, helped to fuel his manifesto and set a “grassroots movement” into motion, which ultimately worked in his favour.
Having been pinned as an IBI Ambassador by Sir Allen in 2016, Sujae is not new to leadership. In fact, he credits his background as Student Council President at Munro College and President of the National Secondary Student Council (NSSC) as key moments in his leadership development.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS
High on Sujae’s agenda is advocating for what he calls a “mixed-blend approach” to the future of the University’s pedagogy. This involves both an online and a face-to-face teaching experience which “caters to learning preferences,” against the backdrop of the coronavirus.
Boswell also hopes to tackle the long standing issue of on-campus security and ramping up nightly security patrols. Also on the list is pushing for exercising greater tuition payment leniency, as he believes “the economic impact of Covid-19 is yet to be fully felt” among the student population.
Following his installation, Boswell will take the helm from fellow IBI Ambassador and Outgoing Guild President, Christina Williams.
Written by: Andwayne Davis
