"Let's make a difference: Understand, Support and Act" was the theme for World Mental Health Week, which was observed at NCU from October 5-8. Spearheaded by the university's Counselling and Psychological Services Centre, the week's activities engaged workers, students and the wider community in lectures, displays and games.

World Mental Health Week at NCU addressed several mental health concerns in Jamaica. To address these concerns, sessions titled 'Suicide: Is there a way around it?', 'Testing Your Knowledge of Mental Illnesses' and 'Keys to Mental Health' were explored. The keen interest expressed by members of the large audience indicates that a heightened awareness was achieved among the members of the university family.

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Administrators participate in annual convention

The Jamaica Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (JASAP) recently hosted its 18th Annual Convention and Education Forum at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios, St Ann. The convention and education forum were held over a four-day period under the theme 'Bringing Professionalism, Passion and Productivity Together'.

Shannette Smith-Rowe, secretary at the Hiram S. Walters Resource Centre at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) won second prize in the convention's annual essay competition. Smith-Rowe's award-winning essay was titled 'The impact of the financial crisis on administrative professionals in the workplace'. Charmaine Dixon, vice-president of the Manchester chapter and secretary for the department of communication studies at NCU also participated in the forum.

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NCU president motivates awardees

NCU President, Dr Herbert Thompson, delivered the charge to students and retired teachers who were recognised recently during an award ceremony in the Sydenham district of Seventh-day Adventist Churches, St Catherine.

Dr Thompson encouraged the recipients to give back to their churches time, talent, treasure and service to God. Retired teachers honoured were Lana Suckarloo, who served as an educator for more than 29 years, Carmenita Kennedy (41 years), Paulette Gibson (more than 33 years), Floret Cameron (40 years), Veronica Baxter (40 years), Hope Beverley Langley (37 years), Norma Eileen Esty (40 years), and Jonnelyn Cunningham (37 years).