MONTEGO BAY, St James — A significant step toward revitalizing performing arts education occurred at Cornwall College when alumnus Albert Spence (Class of 1989) donated a complete drum set to the school’s music program on March 2, 2026. The presentation ceremony, held in the institution’s chapel, marked the beginning of what Spence described as a comprehensive initiative to rebuild the school’s cultural infrastructure.
Spence articulated an ambitious vision for the program, stating: “We’re launching a complete transformation of the performing arts curriculum designed to establish a sustainable cultural environment where creatively gifted students can achieve their full potential. This undertaking will provide structured training, mentorship, and performance opportunities across multiple disciplines including music, drama, dance, and technical production.”
Despite welcoming the donation, music instructor Robert Green—himself a Cornwall College graduate—highlighted persistent equipment shortages that continue to hinder student development. “While this drum set represents tremendous progress,” Green explained, “our program still lacks essential instruments. We have exceptionally talented students whose growth is constrained by inadequate resources.”
Green provided the Jamaica Observer with a detailed inventory of missing equipment critical for a professional-level program. The school currently operates without functional speaker systems, professional-grade keyboards, bass guitars, or bass amplifiers. Existing wind instruments require technical maintenance, and the available practice keyboards lack the sound quality necessary for proper training.
Having served in various teaching roles at the school since February 2025, Green emphasized how equipment deficiencies have impacted student readiness: “It would be unfair to expose unprepared students to public performances where they might experience embarrassment. My priority is ensuring proper training and adequate instruments before arranging public events.”
Spence acknowledged that achieving their vision requires broader support, noting plans to engage the school’s alumni network and establish partnerships with cultural institutions including the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. These collaborations aim to provide mentorship, funding, and industry connections to create viable career pathways in Jamaica’s creative industries.