The African Cultural Renaissance Movement (ACRM), a
forty-four year (44)old Pan African
Organization will see its building demolished to make room for a car park. The
planned demolition forms part of the University of Technology, Jamaica Enhancement Project as the University
bids to improve its capacity to provide quality education through the expansion
and upgrading of the school plant.
In a recent press release ACRM expressed their opposition
and issued a national call to action as they strive to prevent the demolition
of ACRM’s building.
ACRM has contributed significantly to the student
community and the areas of Tavern and August Town adjacent to the University,
having grown from an organization that promotes African Cultural Awareness on
campus, to forming an evening school outreach programme that aids at risk youth
in furthering their studies.
Chronology of the events surrounding the demolition
March 6, 2015 – Representatives from ACRM attended an
impromptu meeting with the Office of the UTech Enhancement Project, Project
Management Unit. ACRM were told that they had two weeks in which to vacate
their building though no formal notice was given. They were promised two
containers to store their items, but were not presented with a key.
March 13, 2015 - ACRM sent a letter to Delta Wright, then
President of the UTech Students Union. She lobbied on their behalf and was able
to arrange a meeting with decision makers.
March 20 - No demolition was executed
April 2, 2015 – Meeting with decision makers was
postponed. ACRM was given assurances by Ms. Wright that ACRM’s building will
not be demolished until this meeting was held.
Examination period April – May
ACRM continued with their normal operations
May
8- Participated in the New Providence Primary School Boy’s Day
May
15 - Advocated for the protection of our children from abduction and abuse on
Jerry Small’s “Straight Up” Radio show on News talk 93 Fm
In the two months that elapsed since the meeting was
postponed
·
A new Student’s Union executive has assumed
post that is not in tune with ACRM’s concerns
·
ACRM has received nothing in writing regarding
their building’s demolition or the key for the two containers promised.
A verbal warning by the Site Contractor, prompted ACRM to
send a letter to the Hon. Ambassador Burchell Whiteman Acting President of
UTech requesting an urgent meeting to stop the demolition of ACRM’s building.
The letter was sent on June 10, 2015 and Mr. Vivian Crawford, Pro Vice Chancellor
of UTech, Mr. Darrian McGhann, President of the UTech Students Union as well as
the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, Chancellor of UTech were all forwarded a copy.
On the outskirts of the University’s campus lies the
aqueducts that are remnants of our enslaved past. It is my belief that UTech as the first national
university and a symbol of attainment for the marginalized black in Jamaica,
through this destruction would be resurrecting the ignominies of old when
African Beliefs were trampled on and academic literature outlawed in the
pursuit of profit and swift, but ultimately transient gain.
Rowen A. Johnson
Public Relations Officer
rowen_johnson@yahoo.com
Great article
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