Follow NCU's template
Published:Monday | January 11, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
Am I to understand that the high incidence of corruption in Jamaica is due to the absence of laws, rules, policies and procedures? Obviously not.
The existence of these prohibitors clearly have not deterred the many Jamaicans who have not only accepted the reality of corruption, but who have also decided to level the playing field by getting involved as well. I am not convinced that an increase of laws will necessarily do the trick to tackle the tide because, at best, all these will exist outside of human morality. What is needed also is a way of affecting the moral thinking of the average Jamaican. While I don't claim this to be the only approach, allow me to suggest a possible measure to stem the tide.
Ncu's approach
Northern Caribbean University (NCU), as a Christian university, I believe, is on the money. Here's its mission: 'Northern Caribbean University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, has as its mission quality, Christ-centred education achieved through academic excellence, social interaction, spiritual and physical development and a strong work ethic, thereby fitting each student for committed professional service to country and to God.' It further operates on the mantra, NCU CARES (Christ-centredness, Affirmation, Respect, Excellence, Stewardship).
The aforementioned elements are what characterise the environment, and which through a system of exemplification and nurturing, accreditation aside, students are provided not only with training for a profession, but are also taught important values, which should define their professional lives.
This, of course, is not a foolproof system, but is certainly an approach worthy of emulation not just at the tertiary level, but also, and maybe even more important, at the lower levels of the educational hierarchy in Jamaica. So NCU may lose its distinctive advantage in the marketplace, but Jamaica will be the better for it.
I am, etc.,
CHARLES EVANS