Rollins makes history
Published:Sunday | November 17, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Philanthropist and renowned businesswoman, Michele Rollins, made history last Saturday when she became the first woman to be conferred with a honorary degree from the University of Technology, Western Jamaica.
UTech has been in existence for 55 years, 18 of which it has been a university. Last Saturday was the second time that the institution hosted a graduation exercise in the west since setting up shop here.
Rollins, chairman of Rose Hall Limited, the holding company which owned the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall for several years, was conferred with the doctor of laws, honoris causa during the event at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.
Ninety-eight graduands shared the spotlight with the woman who also holds the post as a member of UTech's Hospitality and Tourism Management School advisory board.
In conferring the honour on her, UTech's orator, Pamela Kelly, said that the university was recognising Rollins for her contribution to Jamaica.
"Since she assumed the position of chair of Rollins Jamaica Ltd, she has been contributing significantly to the growth and development of our tourism industry as well as to the development of the island's people."
Described as an intrepid entrepreneur, Rollins has set about transforming Rose Hall into a tranquil paradise - a vacation colony of the highest quality, providing employment opportunities for Jamaicans while helping the island realise its true potential.
For her effort in fulfilling this commitment, she was in 2012 recognised by the Government of Jamaica through the conferral of an honorary Order of Distinction (Commander Class). For her advice and support to the Spanish hoteliers in their bid to enter the Jamaican market, King Juan Carlos 1 of Spain presented Rollins with the Civic Order of Madrid, an award which carries the most fitting title of 'The Most Illustrious'.
Viewed as the Mother Theresa of the SOS Children's Village in Rose Hall, in her response, Rollins said, she felt wonderful about her latest accolade.
A staunch believer in education, the holder of three degrees, namely, a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, a Masters in Taxation Law, and a PhD in Jurisprudence, Rollins expressed pleasure in the fact that major universities, particularly UTech, have made their way to the north coast as it would mean better access for youth whose parents cannot afford to send them to Kingston.
Photos by Janet Silvera