Professor Haughton, Faculty Underscore Role of Research in National Development
MONEAGUE, St Ann; April 30, 2026
Strong and compelling arguments were advanced on the critical role of research in solving Jamaica’s social, economic, and community challenges at The Moneague College’s Research Day, held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Andre Haughton, Professor of Economics and International Finance at The University of the West Indies, challenged prevailing misconceptions about research. He argued that research must be repositioned as a practical and essential tool for national development, rather than an abstract academic exercise.
(IMPACTING TERTIARY LEVEL: From left, UWI Professor Andre Haughton shares lens time with Garth Anderson, Principal of Church Teachers’ College, Chair of the Board of the Moneague College, Aloun N’dombet Assamba and Principal of the Moneague Howard Isaacs).
“Research is not reserved for academics in isolation,” Professor Haughton noted. “It is a powerful mechanism to guide policy, inform action, and solve real-world problems.”
He made the case that research should not be taken as an activity indulged in by nerds with stereotypical thick-lens glasses and a life spent poring over books in the library.
(COLLEGE APPLIED RESEARCH: Second Year Students in the Agro Processing Course at Moneague show an assortment of products from their work).
TOO LITTLE
Professor Haughton highlighted global disparities in research investment, noting that developed countries allocate up to three per cent of their GDP to research, while countries like Jamaica invest less than one per cent. This, he argued, has direct implications for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development.
The event, hosted under the theme “Pursuing Excellence in a Changing World Through Innovation and Research,” formed part of the bi-annual Kenneth Anderson Research Day, held in honour of a former principal of the institution. It brought together students, faculty, representatives from other tertiary institutions, high school participants, and members of the wider community.
STUDENT-LED RESEARCH
The day featured student-led research projects developed to the implementation stage, alongside exhibitions from external agencies and entrepreneurs showcasing innovative products and services. Several research papers were also presented by faculty and visiting scholars.
(PROFESSOR AND THE MAYOR: Professor Andre Haughton is having a lively discussion with Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis, while Chair of the Moneague College Board of Management Aloun N’dombet-Assamba takes keen interest.)
In his opening remarks, Principal Howard Isaacs reaffirmed the College’s commitment to research-led development. “The Moneague College has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to embedding research within its academic framework,” he said, citing the Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) Programme as a flagship initiative. Supported by the Canadian Government and institutional partners, the programme has contributed to the development of the College’s Climate Smart Agro-Processing curriculum.
(REGISTRATION: Before the full day of activities, registration time)
Research Officer Victor Wallace emphasised the broader value of research, stating, “Research is not just an academic requirement; it is a pathway to understanding the world and finding solutions to real-life problems.” In an interview with the North Coast Times, he expressed hope that the event would inspire greater student engagement in research and innovation.
(Kevin Coke, left, gets the interest and attention of Research Day attendees with his displays of innovation and technology)
Greetings were brought by Mayor of St Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis; Board Chairman Ambassador Aloun N’dombet-Assamba; Member of Parliament for South East St Ann and former Board Member, Dr Kenneth Russell; and Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Renee Williams Brown.
The invocation was delivered by Vice-Chairman of the Board, Rev. Michael Llewellyn. The programme was chaired by Howard McCalla, Head, School of Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences. The vote of thanks was delivered by student Kaydiann Harrilal.
The Research Day reaffirmed The Moneague College’s role as a hub for applied research and innovation, positioning students and faculty as active contributors to national and community development.
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