The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus has formalized a strategic partnership with EdgeChem Jamaica Limited through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aimed at strengthening campus infrastructure while advancing workforce development and professional training.

The three-year agreement establishes a collaborative framework under the Mona Infrastructure Restoration Fund (MIRF), a flagship initiative focused on refurbishing and modernizing the campus’ aging physical environment.

Under the agreement, EdgeChem will contribute over JMD 18 million in combined financial support and in-kind resources over the three-year period, dedicated to building improvements and renovation projects across the Mona Campus. In addition, EdgeChem has extended a credit facility to The UWI, Mona, providing the University with increased financial flexibility to better plan and implement restoration initiatives at scale.

A central pillar of the partnership is workforce development. The UWI, Mona will facilitate access to professional training opportunities for EdgeChem employees through scholarships to its UWISTAR programmes. These short courses are designed to enhance skills, improve productivity, and support continuous professional growth.

The agreement was formally signed by Professor Densil A. Williams, Principal of The UWI, Mona Campus, and Mr. Ockino Petrie, Chief Executive Officer of EdgeChem Jamaica Limited.

“This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for deeper collaboration between academia and industry. It will facilitate internships, research collaborations, and mentorship programmes for our students and faculty alike.  We encourage more of our private sector partners to support this modernization initiative as we work to create a modern campus befitting the stature of a globally ranked University” said Professor Densil A. Williams, Principal of The UWI, Mona Campus.

“This is a meaningful partnership for EdgeChem. We see this as an opportunity to contribute to the region’s leading educational institution, which has helped shape the Caribbean, while investing in the development of people and infrastructure that will have lasting national and regional impact for years to come. As a graduate of the University, I encourage others to come forward and support this important initiative,” said Mr. Ockino Petrie, Chief Executive Officer of EdgeChem Jamaica Limited.

This partnership underscores the power of private-sector collaboration in addressing critical infrastructure needs while investing in human capital. Through a combination of financial support, operational flexibility, and educational opportunity, The UWI, Mona and EdgeChem are laying the foundation for long-term impact on campus and beyond.