Metry Seaga, president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), has showered high praise on UWISTAR, the new Short-Term Advancement and Resource Centre of the University of the West Indies, which he called it a “strategic and timely intervention” in the region’s economic development.

Speaking at Thursday’s (May 29) launch, Seaga commended UWI for what he described as a bold and necessary move.

“UWISTAR is more than just another academic milestone,” he said. “This is a demand-driven response. It’s what happens when academia listens to industry and says, ‘We hear you. Let’s build together’”.

UWISTAR, said Seaga, is a demand-driven response. “It is what happens when academia listens to industry and says, ‘we hear you. Let’s build together’”. 

The PSOJ president noted that too often, there is a disconnect between education and industry, as people graduate and are qualified on paper, but not always ready for the realities of the job.

“What I appreciate most about UWISTAR is that it addresses this head-on. It offers businesses a seat at the table – a chance to co-design content, provide feedback, and ensure relevance. That’s a game-changer.”

Seaga also praised UWISTAR’s flexible, stackable approach to learning. “It’s not just about education—it’s about empowerment. The stackable credits model allows individuals to earn marketable certifications and steadily work toward a full degree. That kind of flexibility is essential for today’s workforce.”

Building on his endorsement, Seaga challenged PSOJ members and the broader business community: “Let’s partner with UWISTAR. Let’s co-create a curriculum. Let’s sponsor access for underserved communities. Let’s enrol our teams. Let’s finally put our money where our mouths have been for decades—into the professional development of our people.”

The PSOJ president, in the meantime, challenged his members and the wider business community to not just applaud the initiative but use it.

“Let’s partner with UWISTAR. Let’s co-create a curriculum. Let’s sponsor access for underserved communities. Let’s enrol our teams. Let’s finally put our money where our mouths have been for decades – into the professional development of our people,” he added.

Pro-vice chancellor and Mona campus principal, Professor Densil Williams, emphasised the need for scalable, short-term solutions to support the national workforce.

“Of the approximately 1.3 million people in the labour force, only 118,000 have certification that would classify them as highly skilled. As a leading higher education institution, UWI has a vital role to play in upskilling the labour force to support economic growth in Jamaica and the region.”

He continued, “UWISTAR was born to support those in the workforce who may not have the appetite for long degree programmes but want to enhance their careers and professional development through shorter periods of study.”

Dr Olivene Burke, director of UWISTAR, contended that the launch marks a shift in how UWI delivers relevant, high-quality short-term learning opportunities.

“With more than 150 short courses across UWI’s faculties and departments, UWISTAR is driven by academic excellence, industry alignment, and real-world impact,” she said.

She explained that the centre serves a broad cross-section of learners: working professionals upgrading their skills; entrepreneurs building capacity; recent graduates preparing to enter the job market; and lifelong learners striving to stay current and competitive.

UWISTAR also received endorsements from Minister of Labour Pearnel Charles Jr, and Dr Tamika Benjamin, assistant chief education officer at the Ministry of Education.

Both lauded the UWI’s leadership in workforce training and expressed commitment to supporting the centre’s roll-out.

Charles described the UWI as the standard of tertiary education in Jamaica and promised the assistance of the labour ministry in pushing the short-term, professional courses being offered.

“[UWISTAR] is certainly a move in the right direction, and the next step is improving the productivity of the labour force,” said the labour minister.