Brown’s Town Community College (BTCC) recently marked a major milestone in its illustrious 50-year history with its 2nd Annual Research Conference, held on April 16, 2026, at the scenic Seacrest Beach Hotel in St. Ann, Jamaica. The event, themed “Fueling the Passion for Research: Innovative Tracks to Evidence-Based Decisions,” brought together faculty, students, researchers, and stakeholders for a day dedicated to advancing research and fostering intellectual dialogue across disciplines.
A Celebration of Research and Reflection
As part of its golden anniversary celebrations, BTCC reaffirmed its commitment to cultivating a vibrant research culture. The opening session was filled with enthusiastic messages from the College’s leadership. Board Chairman Christopher Charley, JP, set an inspiring tone, emphasizing the necessity of evidence-based decision-making in an ever-changing world. “This requires not only access to information, but the discipline to question, analyse and apply knowledge in meaningful ways,” he stated. Principal Claudeth Haughton, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the conference as both a tribute to BTCC’s history and a launchpad for its future. “As we celebrate our 50th year, we reaffirm our commitment to building a research-driven culture — one that encourages all stakeholders to use research as a tool for progress,” she said.
Inspiring Keynote: Embracing Innovation and AI
The conference’s keynote address, delivered by Professor Sean Thorpe, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at the University of Technology, Jamaica, was a definitive highlight. Professor Thorpe, a renowned expert in computing and emerging technologies, urged participants to harness the power of innovation and artificial intelligence in making sound, evidence-based decisions. He even challenged the College to establish an AI Lab, leveraging the institution’s growing talent for modern research and practical application. Student Executive President for the Technical Campus, Christian Hamilton, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Professor Thorpe's inspiring message at Research Day encouraged us to build strong, pursue our ideas with dedication, and ground our work in solid evidence and passion.”
Diverse Research Tracks and Lively Dialogue
The day’s agenda featured two main research sessions, each highlighting the depth and diversity of BTCC’s academic community. The first session, “Digital Transformation, Educational Innovation & Student Experience,” covered topics such as the use of AI in undergraduate education, while the second session, “Indigenous Knowledge, Innovation & Sustainability,” explored Jamaica’s rich natural and cultural heritage. A panel discussion concluded the day, bringing researchers and practitioners together to delve deeper into how evidence-based practices can drive meaningful progress for both the academic community and wider society.
Looking Ahead: BTCC’s Golden Legacy
Founded in 1975, Brown’s Town Community College has spent five decades serving the communities of St. Ann and Jamaica, staying true to its vision of “Creating Opportunities, Connecting Communities.” The 2nd Annual Research Conference stands as a cornerstone event in this golden anniversary year, reaffirming the College’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and national development. With a diverse range of programmes in business, nursing, computing, hospitality, tourism management, engineering, social work, environmental studies, and the arts, BTCC continues to empower graduates with the skills and intellectual rigor needed to make a lasting impact in Jamaica and beyond.
Cheers to 50 years of shaping minds and inspiring futures—here’s to many more years of research, innovation, and community impact!
