The University of the
West Indies, is the premiere institution of tertiary
education in the Caribbean. There are three main
campuses on three islands, Cave Hill in Barbados,
St. Augustine in Trinidad, and Mona in Jamaica.
Your pre general assembly
would be taking place at the University of the
West Indies, Mona Campus. The University lies
just in the northern region of Kingston and spans
653 acres in a valley between the Blue Mountains
and Long Mountains. The University is a historical
landmark as it takes its roots from the colonial
era when it used to be a slave plantation. As
such, much of the architectual remains remind
visitors and students alike of its rich heritage.
The University started
as a College of the University of London in 1948,
and was later granted University staus in 1962.
Between then and now much has taken place to make
the institution one worthy of international recognition.
This year the University is proud to celebrate
its 60th annniversary, and at such a milestone
it is proud to welcome the IFMSA.
Currently, the University
offers students a plethora of undergraduate and
postgraduate degrees in the faculties of Social
Sciences, Pure and Applied Sciences, Humanities
and Education, Law and Medicine. Students are
taught by a wide range of local and international
lecturers and professors which have made significant
contributions to their respective fields.
The many modern conveniences
and facilities make the learning experience a
memorable one as the University keeps up with
the demands of globalisation. Halls of residence
are provided for foreign students and those living
too far to commute. Modern sporting facilities
which have honed the talents of many of the Caribbean's
greatest athletes are present. Large libraries
with access to electronic data and journals are
also readily avaliable. All this is done with
true Caribbean cultutre and flair which gives
Jamaica and the other islands theirreputation.
The Faculty of Medical
Sciences has been around since the first days
of the institution when it accepted its first
group of 33 medical students. Presently there
are about 500 medical students enrolled at the
Mona Campus. Since its inception major discoveries
have been made with in its walls. Its achievements
include internationally recognized research in
areas such as Sickle-cell Anaemia, Human T-Lymphotropic
Virus (HTLV1), the development of the drug ‘Canasol’,
derived from the Cannabis plant, used in treating
Glaucoma and, Veno-occlusive disease of the liver,
vomiting sickness of Jamaica, then an entirely
new disease of the liver which was discovered
in Jamaica and subsequently identified elsewhere
in the world. The University is also home to the
Tropical Medicine Research Institute (TMRI), which
performed major studies in the field of malnutrition
and the related diseases.
The University of the
West Indies Mona Campus has its gates wide open
to the IFMSA and other guests. Enjoy the hospitality,
experience the history, culture and tradition
of the premiere educational institution of the
West Indies.
We
look forward to welcoming you!
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