long, and inhabits deep-sea cold seeps and hydrothermal vents from Trinidad & Tobago to the Gulf of Mexico, and possibly the Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano near Grenada. FFA Market Launched on Campus In March 2023, the St. Augustine Campus’ Faculty of Food & Agriculture launched their Market Place, offering a diverse range of locally sourced, sustainable products. These include UWI- branded dairy items, eggs, meat, fish, vegetables, unique items like quail, honey, and chocolate, and healthy pre-cooked meals. The Market Place promotes entrepreneurship among students and staff. Foundation Laid for UWI Chocolate Factory In April 2023, the foundation stone was laid for a new chocolate factory under the Cocoa Research Centre’s International Fine Cocoa Innovation Centre (IFCIC). The factory, set for completion in early 2024, will specialise in producing various chocolate items. It is part of the IFCIC initiative which includes technology incubators, a cocoa orchard, and a ‘Chocolate Academy’ providing “bean-to-bar” courses. The IFCIC aims to commercialise the CRC’s research, boost the local economy, and create jobs in the cocoa industry. UWI/USAID Train Local Farmers More than 750 local farmers benefitted from the three-year USAID John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) programme, conducted in collaboration with Purdue University and the Faculty of Food & Agriculture. The programme provided crucial expertise in nutrition, food safety, value-added agriculture, marketing, and climate adaptation through a unique approach involving technical support and farmer-to-farmer interactions. This initiative effectively promoted sustainable farming practices and is expected to establish a lasting network for knowledge exchange and collaboration among local farmers. IIR Alum Elected President of the UN General Assembly The University celebrated the election of Ambassador Dennis Francis as the 78th Session President of the United Nations General Assembly. In June 2023, Ambassador Francis, a St. Augustine Campus alumnus with a distinguished 40-year diplomatic career, became the first Trinidad & Tobago native and second UWI graduate to hold this position. At a time when there are critical global discussions on post-pandemic recovery, economic challenges, and climate change, this election underscores The UWI’s global impact and international confidence in the Caribbean’s leadership capabilities. Seismic Research Centre Celebrates 70 The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) marked its 70th anniversary in 2023. The work of the SRC has been crucial in advancing knowledge about seismic and volcanic activity in the Caribbean. It monitors earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and
93 | The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
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