The University of Technology, Jamaica Press has launched its first book titled, “The Jamaican Public Health System From the 17th – 21st Centuries – A Policy and Structural Perspective”   authored by Dr. Adella Campbell, Associate Professor and Head of the Caribbean School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, UTech, Jamaica.  The book was officially launched at a special ceremony held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.
The book is an in-depth exploration of the health care system in Jamaica over four centuries. It provides insight into the delivery of healthcare services to the Jamaican citizenry set within the context of Jamaica’s own development over the period, from the plantation system into the 21st century.
A large gathering comprising leaders in the nursing and health care fraternities, educators, students and other well-wishers came out  to witness the historic moment in the life of the University which is this year marking its 60th anniversary.
Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD, President, UTech, Jamaica who is also Chairman of the UTech, Jamaica Press Editorial Advisory Board told the gathering that the UTech, Jamaica Press which was launched in February 2018 “represents an important effort to enhance research and publication at the University in dealing with a broad array of matters related to development in Jamaica and the Caribbean.” 
In extending congratulations to the author, the President said that the Press has been established primarily to provide “a ready and accessible outlet for University members to venture into the publishing world.”  He pointed out that the UTech, Jamaica Press seeks to publish books not primarily on the basis of likely, although desirable profitability, but rather with preference to the quality of the book.
Professor Vasciannie whose formal endorsement appears on the back cover of the book praised Dr. Campbell for her “insightful bird’s eye view of the public health system in Jamaica.”  He noted that “her historical approach – ranging from the Columbine period to the present – should provide valuable guidance to all stakeholders in the Jamaican health care system.”   The President encouraged purchase of the book which he said should inspire others to write and to publish their work.
Minister of Health Dr. Christopher Tufton whose endorsement also appears on the book’s back cover,  has noted that  “as we seek to improve and modernize Jamaica’s public health care system, it is important to have an understanding of its roots and precedents.  This book by Dr. Campbell is a timely contribution to the literature,” the Minister wrote.
In her remarks at the launch, Dr. Adella Campbell offered profound thanks to her colleagues, members of her family and friends who supported her in the journey to the realization of the book which stemmed from her 2013 dissertation on the Jamaican public health system, while she was a Commonwealth Scholar  at the Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Dr. Campbell said her research interest was motivated by the dearth of published work on the development of Jamaica’s public health system.  She noted that the text elucidates the policies and structures which form the core of health infrastructure from one century to another. She highlighted the expected usefulness of the book to health practioners, students, scholars, policy makers and the general public.
Ahead of her remarks, Dr. Campbell was introduced by her Member of Parliament, former Minister of Health, Mr Horace Dalley, MP, Clarendon, who shared snippets of the author’s academic journey and her fortitude and determination to succeed despite occasional challenges and setbacks which included her completion of high school with only a single passed subject.
Guest Speaker was Mr. Everton Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, National Health Fund.  He noted that the book captures much of what has happened in Jamaica’s public health system and serves as a reminder of how far Jamaica has come.  He congratulated Dr. Campbell on her published work and underscored the importance of Jamaicans documenting our history by writing our own stories.
Other speakers on the programme were Dr. Janet Campbell-Shelly, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr Audrey Gittens, Lecturer, Caribbean School of Nursing, UTech, Jamaica; Mrs Audrey Dawes-Jarrett, Chaplain, UTech, Jamaica and Dr. Kamilah Hylton, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport/ member UTech, Jamaica Press Advisory Editorial board, who ably chaired the launch ceremony.