St. Monica's College & Computer Centre

A young Accountant, Jonathan Thomas-Shorter founded St. Monica's College 50 years ago. The original name was St. Monica's Academy. He had another dream and that was to open a school in Ocho Rios. In 1981, he opened St. Monica's College at 68 Main St, Ocho Rios, and St Ann. The same year another school opened its doors; this was the Fitz Henley Institute, Milford Rd, St Ann. The community welcomed both schools because there were no commercial schools in the area. The first principal appointed was Mr. Caroll Douglas. For the next seven years the school enjoyed very good attendance of both male and female students. During that period the school taught English Language, Business Mathematics, Commerce, Typewriting, Accounts, Office Procedures and Shorthand. The students were then able to sit the Pitman and R.S.A and G.C.E.Examinations.

Due to blindness Mr. Thomas-Shorter was unable travel on a weekly basis to Ocho Rios. His daughter Guadalope Thomas-Shorter is now the new Principal. In the 90's the students were being prepared to sit the CXC examinations. The passes were very good. Miss Thomas-Shorter realized that an evening division was needed and hence the introduction of the Hotel Receptionist Course. After preparation these students they were sent to various hotels to do their work experience. Other courses were also introduced namely, Telephone Operating, Room Attendant Skills, Waiter/Waitress Skills, Night Auditing, Tour Guiding, Travel Agent Skills and Electronic Cashiering and hotel managements courses.

In the late 90's the school realized that the students now needed computer skills along with their other skills. In 1997, St. Monica's College Super course Package was created offering Receptionist, Telephone Operating, Office Procedures and Computer Studies for 3 months. Later, students could combine other courses with Computer Skills.

Short hotel courses were also offered in Kingston, Portland, and Montego Bay. We have trained thousands of students' islandwide. We also now over CXC evening classes in English Language, Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business and Office Procedures. We encourage our students to upgrade themselves in order to be more marketable. Our present location is 134 Main St, Pineapple, Ocho Rios, St. Ann.