Thompson

By December 2009, Jamaica will be tuned into Northern Caribbean University's (NCU) FM radio and television stations.

NCU's push to join the broadcasting market comes at a cost of $45 million. The union of Seventh-day Adventists will foot the start-up bill.

Dr Herbert Thompson, president of NCU, made the announcement at the inaugural President's Banquet for Education at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on the weekend, where six teachers were awarded for their contribution to education.

The plan has gathered serious momentum, as, according to Thompson, "all the equipment has been paid for and we have secured the licence to operate".

"The great thing about this latest addition to the NCU family is that the commitment of the members (of the Union of Seventh-day Adventists) allows us to be independent. All the funding came from them. It is a triumphant feeling," said Thompson.

Dr Thompson mentioned that students from the campus would be working on the new venture, however, there would be other personnel employed to maximise the effectiveness of the project.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com

The new nursing school at the Northern Caribbean University. The school was named in honour of Hyacinth Chen, mother of Michael Lee-Chin. - file