Caribbean News
MOU signed between cultural powerhouses, Jamaica and Russia
By Breakthrough Communications
Apr 15, 2015 - 2:44:41 PM

The Most Honourable Mrs. Denise Eldemire-Shearer (left) of the University of the West Indies and Professor Vyacheslav Tyutyunnik, Rector of Moscow State University are all smiles as they are locked in dialogue following the signing of the MOU between the Moscow State University and the University of the West Indies at a ceremony inside the Russian Embassy on Tuesday, April 7.

KINGSTON, Jamaica - A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between cultural powerhouses, Jamaica and Russia's, premier tertiary educational institutions the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Moscow State University on Tuesday, April 7 at the Russian Embassy in Jamaica. The memorandum comes in accordance with the celebration of the 40th year of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Russia.

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the UWI, Professor Archibald McDonald noted that, "The UWI, and Jamaica by extension, stands to benefit greatly from this agreement especially in the areas of science and technology. I hope that in time, though, that this agreement can move to having our personnel at both universities in constant communication; exchanging of ideas, research and findings which is what will strengthen and maintain this relationship moving forward.

Professor McDonald believes this initial step can help to strengthen the relationship between Jamaica and Russia as both nations stand to benefit from exchanges in culture and research areas but warned that relationships must be established between the universities' respective personnel.

Principal, Professor Vyacheslav M. Tyutyunnik of the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts explained, "We have agreed to exchange staff and students for practical experiences and research as well as the exchange of scholarly, pedagogical material and publications. Joint research and investigative collaborations will take place in the fields of medicine, science and technology and culture among other areas. Both Universities will facilitate technical assistance and training, artistic and cultural exchange and language exchange."

The memorandum will allow for students and staff of both universities to participate in exchange programmes in an effort to continue building on the relationship between the countries. Consequently, Jamaica and Russia will also benefit from cultural exchange in arts and language as well as educational exchange as it relates to joint research and sharing in the areas of science and technology and medicine.

The signing was overseen by the Russian Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Vladimir Polenov who deemed the occasion as the most important event in the history of the 40 year relationship between Jamaica and Russia.

"Russia will continue to support Jamaica's development through offering scholarships to Jamaican nationals to study in Russia across various disciplines. These students will then later return to Jamaica where they can use the educational advances to then offer their service in aid of Jamaica's national development," concluded Ambassador Polenov.

Special guests in attendance included Professor The Most Honourable Mrs. Denise Eldemire Shearer and Dr. The Honourable Arnold Foote OJ, CD, DHC, JP.

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