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Contents 10
28 4 Vice Chancellor’s views 6 News from the UWI-RHQ 8 Very Important Pelican 10 celebrating excellence 11 uwi grads on the move 13 focus on entrepreneurship 14 UWIAA Chapter News 20 bfuwi News 24 Alumni programmes and
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services
28 29 32 35 39
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uwistat happenings books and publishing milestones memorials
16 The University of the West Indies (UWI) magazine is published quarterly for Alumni, Parents and Friends of the UWI by the Institutional Advancement Division, UWI Regional Headquarters. Reproduction, republication or distribution of content and photography is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the Editor.
Editorial team: Celia Davidson Francis (Editor-in-chief ), Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Lacey-Ann Bartley, Marcia Erskine, Aileen Standard-Goldson, Beverley Pereira, Stephanie Alleyne-Bishop and Candice York Sources: IAD, UWI Regional Headquarters, Marketing and Communications Offices; Faculties; Departments; UWIAA; UWIMAA; Office of Administration; UWI STAT Corps, alumni and others Photography: JD Nairne | facebook.com/pages/J-D-Nairne-Photography Steve McDonald | linkedin.com/steve-mcdonald Jeremy Francis | www.jeremyfrancisphotography.com Publishing: eMedia Interactive Limited Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The University of the West Indies.
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Editorial
@celiaDF
from the Editor’s desk The importance of reducing, reusing and recycling is undeniable, but do we do it consistently or enough? The UWI aims to train professionals who can educate our communities about the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of preserving our environment, as well as provide relevant research in areas such as sustainable agriculture, climate change, global warming, sea level rise, species extinction, energy conservation, renewable energy, habitat destruction, invasive species, soil conservation, pollution and more. As you know, reducing means cutting down the amount of garbage that we make; reusing means using something again before putting it in the garbage and recycling means taking things that we have finished using and make them into brand new things. Thirty years from now we will be the beneficiaries of the positive environmental acts we do today. So Pelicans, let us ensure our children and our communities are involved in the conservation and protection of the environment on a daily basis.
Preparedness Month, June 5 - World Environment Day, June 8 - World Ocean Day and June 17 - World Day to combat Desertification and Drought, to name a few. These observances underscore the heightened awareness we all should have regarding our environment. Our Book Corner features Sustainable Food Production Practices in the Caribbean by Wayne G. Ganpat and Wendy-Ann P. Isaac (Editors) which addresses the issue of sustainable agriculture from a practical perspective. I invite you to peruse this section to find out more and also read about the other publications by UWI graduates. We once again capture a brief snapshot of UWI Life from March – June 2013 for posterity and hope that you will enjoy reading this issue. Let’s all adopt and action the 3 “environmental” R’s ! Celia Davidson Francis Director, Alumni Relations and Editor-in-Chief
The decision to highlight the environment was based on the fact that there are several global observances during March to June and just beyond, for example, April 22 Earth Day, May 31 World No Tobacco Day, June Disaster
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Vice Chancellor’s Views
Professor E. Nigel Haris
I recently attended the UWIAA New York Chapter’s inaugural Pelican Awards. While UWI has many opportunities to celebrate and interact with its alumni in the Caribbean, opportunities to do the same in the Diaspora have been limited – indeed, there have been too few. This event serves as a model for what can take place in other cities of North America and the UK where sons and daughters of the Pelican are present in significant numbers. I make the point time and again that our University’s richest product is our graduates and it is important that both the University and alumni celebrate these successes in every way possible. I congratulated the awardees and others in the audience who were a representation of the thousands of UWI graduates who have come to North America, gone to Europe and other parts of the world to make a success of their lives, who have made contributions to their communities and who have given flower to the first class education they received at their alma mater, the UWI. A short while ago, the leadership of the University examined the world
The vice chancellor’s views ranking numbers of UWI that have just been published with a view to determining how we fared and how we might continue advancing our position. Current estimates are that there are 20,000 universities globally and I can say that in all three systems we reviewed, we are in the top 5% -- in one of them we are first in the Caribbean which includes among others, Universities in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Haiti countries with populations much larger than the combined total of the West Indies and some with more resources than we do. The debate that engaged our University’s leadership centered on the question of the degree to which ranking systems measure a university’s impact in their countries and in our case, impact on individual island nations as well as the Caribbean region as a whole. Ranking systems measure primarily a university’s research productivity – the number of papers published, where they are published and numbers of citations. Quality of teaching, student satisfaction, books, scholarly manuscripts and technical papers are not counted. Ranking systems do not recognize the fact
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that our University has produced 17 Prime Ministers, 7 of whom are currently heads of government – they do not count the fact that in the UN today, there are more UWI graduates that are heads of government than any other university in the world. This event serves as a model for what can take place in other cities in of North America.The system does not account for a university that has produced leaders in every sector of the communities in which it exists. It is said that if graduates of the UWI were to go on strike for a single day – then nearly all government cabinets in 15 of our contributing countries and government offices would close; banks and other businesses will go silent because their management at all levels and staff would be unavailable; all institutions of learning – tertiary, secondary and primary would shut down as would the courts, hospitals and medical practices; even the churches would not operate for the day because many of their clergy have UWI degrees.
Doubtless, in the Diaspora, while our graduates are not as concentrated in one place, many institutions would suffer some impact if our graduates were to stop working for a day, for example, I am sure that some Diplomatic Missions would close. The impact of the University is even broader. Countless academics and graduate students are continually crafting avenues of growth and development for our societies’ governments and private sector. Thanks to our academics doing the necessary work over the last 60 years, the history of our Caribbean peoples has been better characterized than was done previously by any European historian. Our social and economic circumstances have been more carefully documented and presented, the nature of the physical lands in which we live, the flora and fauna better documented and reported. The characterization of the Caribbean Sea and the marine life that exists within it, the threats that face us, both physical in terms of hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis and threats to our health and wellbeing have and are being documented and addressed. Can you imagine any of this happening if we were still a colony of a great power? Self-knowledge is power and the more we know about ourselves, the more we shall be able to be masters of our fate. I cite the well-known African proverb – “Until the lion learns to tell his story, the tales will always be that of the hunter”. Universities, like ours are not merely factories turning out students – we are not off-shore, for-profit mills, we are much more – we are the protectors of the patrimony of our people; through our educated graduates we are the essence and soul of what is required for stable, resilient, productive societies. It is vital that you and I and others like us commit to preserving who and what we are as a people, as a community of islandnations, as contributors to the wellbeing of a shrinking global community in
which even small numbers of people can through their ideas, wisdom and action, affect an entire world. In expressing the many successes and value of the UWI, let me say that we will pay attention to ranking systems. We have to benchmark ourselves against universities in the world in which we live – because students and their parents look at these data, but what will continue to drive us, what will be our abiding mission is our contribution to the sustained growth and development of Caribbean people and the nations in which they live. It is an imperative that now I ask how might you, our alumni, and you, our friends who are not alumni, work with us to make a difference? The tag line that I use to summarize UWI’s Vision Statement is a “University with Regional Impact, and Global Visibility”. One of the goals is to markedly broaden our “Outreach” and an Objective within that Goal is to link more effectively with our alumni. Such a linkage may take multiple forms. Every alumnus and alumna should at least become advocates for the UWI. To do this well, you must be well acquainted with the current interests and activities of the UWI. Our University has doubled in the last decade with current student numbers of nearly 50,000, numbers equivalent to some of the larger institutions in the world. We have an academic staff of a few thousand, about 10% of whom are full professors, most of whom are internationally recognized in their field of study. The University has added to its facilities across the region by in excess of half a million square feet of space. We are a transforming university and if our alumni are to become our advocates and supporters they must know what they are supporting. Alumni can serve as mentors, advisors or just friends of our students. Come visit the campuses and interact with our students. In the newly constructed Regional headquarters at Mona, we have started a museum that tells the history of UWI – it is worth a visit! We are also
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active in shifting our support base from government to other sources. Today, less than 50% of our revenues come from governments. We have to rely more on tuition and fees, scholarship support, research grants, commercial activities and, linkage with philanthropic organizations – Foundations, donor agencies and other like entities. Getting awards from US Foundations are not easy for universities outside the USA and sending blind requests to these entities are almost always fruitless. But you may know someone, who knows an influential somebody in a Foundation, whom we might contact. Most universities rely heavily on the generosity of their alumni – even a small amount given over time can make a difference - support the UWIAA’s “Every Dollar Makes a Difference Campaign”. When organizations are assessing the support of a university, it is not the total amount given that is counted, but the percentage of alumni providing donations. We have nearly 120,000 alumni, we should be doing better – even a “giving percentage” of 25% would make a huge difference. Our push in the last few years has been to raise funds for student scholarships, because there are hundreds of students dropping out every year or unable to attend UWI - not because these students lack talent, but because they cannot identify the relatively small amount of funds by American standards, namely US$3,000 annually, to attend UWI. What might be a small sum for someone in the USA, is often an impossibly large amount for some parents in the West Indies. If education is power, then inability to enable student’s access to that education will leave a society powerless. I am sure that many of you are able to help make, even in a small way, that difference. Feel free to donate 24/7 to www.uwi.edu/ alumnionline/donatenow Together we can contribute to a great university which can make a difference to all Caribbean people no matter where in the world they live.
The UWI’s “Green” Footprint gets deeper! The first study of its kind in the Caribbean and Latin America - a landmark Green Economy Scoping Study (GESS) for the Government of Barbados - has been completed by the Cave Hill Campus, in association with the United Nations Environmental Programme. It will provide comprehensive policy, investment and governance options towards a greener national development approach for Barbados, one which can be used as a model and emulated across the region. This is a reflection of The UWI’s commitment to assist with the transition to Green Economies in the Caribbean. The UWI has also collaborated with overseas universities on renewable energy initiatives, one of which is the Developing Island Renewable Energy Transfer project (DIREKT) which is funded by the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Science and Technology Progamme. The European Union (EU) funds this to facilitate collaboration between the EU and the ACP region. This is just one example of The UWI’s involvement in the promotion of renewable energy.
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Environmental Impact
Renewable Energy is the
new “cool” in St. Augustine
ASMA Goes Green!
The University of the West Indies St Augustine campus will be the site of a Renewable Energy Research Centre jointly established by Trinidad and Tobago and the United States, coming out of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both countries in May 2013. The promotion of the rapid deployment of critical technologies for renewable energy in the Caribbean is the Centre’s primary aim. Energy efficiency and clean energy technologies through the exchange of ideas and information in accordance with the respective national priorities and socio-economic development goals and strategies will be facilitated. It is expected that this agreement will lead to effective and focused research and development programmes, which can spur Caribbean green technology innovation and ultimately support the development of a resilient local green energy technology industry.
Ada Mohammed Abraham graduated in 2002 from the St. Augustine Campus with a BSc in Management Studies. ASMA Distributors is her new company which evolved out of a deep concern for the environment and specifically the harmful effects of plastics and Styrofoam. They provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to these materials since their products are made from sugar cane fiber (bagasse) and corn starch which decompose over time rather than pile up in landfills, to the detriment of the environment. The product line comprises of biodegradable plates, cups and cutlery and products are available at leading national supermarkets in Trinidad and the aim is to go regional. ASMA Distributors participates in environmental conferences to gain additional knowledge, the most recent being the Sustainable Tourism Conference at the Hyatt Trinidad.
Responding to Climate Change
Climate change is also expected to lead to sea level rise and contribute to changes in water availability; alter agricultural production; reduce landscape aesthetics; and increase the incidences of vector-borne diseases and heat stress. About 70% of the Caribbean’s population inhabits cities, towns and villages located in vulnerable low-lying coastal areas. These populations will be directly affected by climate change impacts such as sealevel rise. From an economic perspective, the Caribbean is the most tourism-intensive region in the world. Due to its heavy reliance on marine, coastal zone and other natural resources, tourism as an economic sector is considered to be highly sensitive to many of the effects of climatic change.
The Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), in partnership with The UWI Open Campus is offering a Certificate in Climate Change consisting of four courses offered under the Open Campus’ continuing education and professional development thrust. Climate Change is an important area of study as human activities associated with economic and social development have altered the composition of the global atmosphere through the emission of greenhouse gases. These activities have led to accelerated changes in the climate which has the potential for causing devastating impacts on all productive sectors and livelihoods in the region. While the study of climate change has largely been the domain of natural scientists and geographers, Caribbean citizens need to learn more about how climate change is impacting them in various ways, as well as adaptive and proactive measures that can be taken to reduce some threats of climatic changes.
The programme targets: • Public and private sector businesses involved in tourism, agriculture, construction, etc. • Teachers and other educators interested in expanding their knowledge of Climate Change. • Other individuals interested in career advancement within the public or private sector. • Civic leaders with an interest in how climate change impacts their community. The Open Campus provides attractive options for academic progress, lifelong learning and career development in a variety of formats and modes of delivery. Join the over 20,000 students who study in the Open Campus each year.
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Very Important Pelican Prizes and accolades won by alumni, as well as their professional successes, are one of ways that Universities are judged and we are delighted to highlight our graduates’ successes here.
y n n Pe o –Smith l l a b FRSA , r a C LLM , C LE , LLB
Penny Carballo-Smith won the 2013 Financial Times research prize with an essay calling for a single regulator to oversee the world’s biggest banks. In her essay entitled, “International Financial Supervisory Convergence – Building the architecture to win the next war and not to fight the battle already lost”, she said global financial institutions should be required to contribute to a single worldwide insurance fund that could be used to stabilise the financial markets in times of crisis.
“Banks need not be dangerous. Indeed, a thriving global economy needs strong global banks, regulated by empowered and accountable international regulators”. She entered the contest on the urging of her husband, Alan Smith, a banker. “He said to me I should enter because I am not a banker and fresh perspectives and out of the box thinking are needed. I am completely overjoyed to have won.” Past winners of the prize have included academics and government advisors. Trained in the West Indies as a lawyer, Mrs Carballo-Smith moved to the
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United Kingdom where she attended the London School of Economics and worked for nine years as a Tax Manager and Consultant in KPMG’s London Corporate Finance Tax practice and in fact wrote KPMG’s Guide to the Tax Aspects of Corporate Finance Transactions. She now works as a governance consultant who works with charities and think tanks.
She also founded and heads Future Think Limited, a social enterprise group that identifies potential jobs and matches them with people who have less access to employment information. Future Thinks’ stakeholders include parents, professionals and organisations and she notes that they help their clients achieve success in the fast changing 21st century global marketplace by researching labour market trends and skills shortages, informing their target communities, and encouraging them to acquire essential qualifications, skills and mindsets. Prior to founding Future Think Ltd. Penny was the Legal and Policy Adviser at Ascension Trust and led and directed the legal, governance and policy function of this major charity as it expanded nationally over the United Kingdom into 200+ cities and towns with its faith based programme to foster urban social cohesion. She is an alumna of The University of the West Indies, Bachelor of Laws (LLB), and Sir Hugh Wooding Law School (Trinidad) LEC, Law. She then went to the London School of Economics and Political Science where she obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Business Law. She says “Attending UWI empowered me as a Caribbean person living in the UK in ways I had never imagined. At the still developing
age of 18, I was immersed in an academic environment where expectations were high, peer support was strong and role models were abundant. It was incredibly affirming to simply be one of the many (rather than one of the few) who succeeded. This is perhaps what helped build confidence, resilience and aspirations in not just me but in so many other UWI alumni here in the UK. UWI was also hugely enjoyable - the parties, the limes, the clubs, the debates, the all night discussions and the friendships made with so many from across the Caribbean which have stood the test of time. Even exam time was fun with the blossoming poui trees heralding the start of all night group study sessions, fortified by bun and cheese (Mona), coconut bread (Cave Hill) or sweet bread (St Augustine) - what can I say, I studied at all three campuses!” Her multi-faceted career has also included her being Advisor to the Chair in Strategy and Governance at The Ramphal Centre and Advisor on Legal and Policy Matters at the Harrow Council for Racial Equality. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She has also published Global Opportunities for Barbadian Entrepreneurs”,“International
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“Attending UWI empowered me as a Caribbean person living in the UK in ways I had never imagined. At the still developing age of 18, I was immersed in an academic environment where expectations were high, peer support was strong and role models were abundant.
Financial Supervisory Convergence - Building the architecture to win the next war”and “Future jobs for lawyers : the new FCA regime.” To change society given the chance, she says “ I would reduce inequality through education, skills and employment.” She has many skills and is blazing a trail in non-profit organization management in the UK, and she remains a loyal UWI graduate, noting “I will certainly always treasure and be grateful for my days at UWI”. We wish her continued success!
Dr. Christopher Walker received his medical degree from The UWI and practiced Family Medicine in Jamaica. He completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he was privileged to be taught by the world renowned Urogynecologist, Professor Kermit Krantz. Among an elite group of robotic surgeons in Orlando, Dr. Walker provides excellent patient outcomes for complicated gynecology, bladder, bowel and bleeding disorders. For the 5th year, Dr. Walker was named Most Compassionate Doctor & Patient’s Choice Awardee - out of America’s 870,000 active physicians, only 3% were accorded this honour. The Compassionate Doctor certification is part of the Patients’ Choice recognition
Celebrating Excellence
programme in the USA, where patients rate and vote for their favorite doctors. Additionally the American Registry, LLC, has added Dr. Walker to The Registry(TM) of Business Excellence. Jacob Opadeyi, a professor at the UWI St. Augustine Campus, has been named Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana. Dr. Hazel Carter – Her outstanding work caused her to be selected to receive the President’s Award for Outstanding Faculty Service in the School of Education for the inaugural year of the President’s Awards at the City College of New York. President Coico presented her award at a special reception for faculty on May 20, 2013 in the Great Hall.
alumni online facebook memories Richard Simms: ”Liming on the Spine - Irvine Hall”
Marilyn Barnett: “Mary Seacole life and sessions at the Union1”
Annette M. Gilzene: “Hall Life and Football Season. When Irvine Hall goes marching in........”
Shakarah McCrae-Levy: “Hall life”
Danique Williams: “Rex Hall life! Big up Cluster 7-Sam Sharpe”
Charles Carlitos Ball: “The quality education I attained at the UWI which enables me to compete on a global level with my counterparts.”
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News from the UWI Regional HQ
UWI Regional HQ
•The
Vice Chancellor of the UWI, Professor E Nigel Harris will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews in Scotland on September 14, 2013. He will receive the doctorate for his accomplishments in medicine and in recognition of the relationship between the University of St Andrews and the University College of the West Indies at the time of the founding of the UWI. He received the centennial award for his work in medicine by the National Medical Association, USA; a Caribbean Health Research Council (CCHRC) Award for achievements in medical research, and in 2012 he was elected a Master of the American College of Rheumatology. He is currently Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Chair of the Caribbean Examinations Council.
• Guardian Gift: Eric Hosin, Guardian Life Limited’s President presented a cheque for J$5million to the UWI
Laleta Davis-Mattis
Regional Headquarters Building. Guardian Life is a silver sponsor of the building which is the seat of central governance for the entire regional university.
• Mrs Laleta Davis-Mattis is the new University Counsel and Head of the Legal Unit. She first joined the academic staff at the UWI Mona Campus as an Adjunct Lecturer in 2002 in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences and more recently, the Faculty of Law. Most recently she was the Executive Director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust after serving for over eleven years in varying legal capacities at the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). She is an outstanding lawyer, administrator, teacher and academic.
You should carry THIS card! The card that benefits both YOU and UWI Low annual fee + reduced interest rate, plus Visa benefits like travel accident insurance and travel assistance services, as well as emergency cash and card replacement! Just by having and using THIS card, you ‘give’ to your Alma Mater!
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UWI Grads on the move
UWI GRADS ON THE MOVE
Dr. Tomlin Paul
UWI Mona graduate, Dr. Tomlin Paul has won the WONCA Region North Americas 5-Star Award making him eligible for inclusion with the winners from the 6 other regions- Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, South-East Asia for the Global Award to be awarded in Prague in June 2013. In 2009 Dr. Sonia Roache (Class of 64) won the WONCA 5-Star Award for Excellence in Family Medicine for the Region North Americas and then went on to win the WONCA Global 5-Star Award in Mexico in May 2010, sharing it with another female Professor Ruth Johnson from Canada, the first females to be so awarded.
SickKids
Dr. Upton Allen (L) and members of the Sick Kids team
The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids)
Dr. Michael McFarlane, Senior Lecturer and Consultant Surgeon in the Dept of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care was promoted to the rank of Professor.
Ann Marie Bonner
UWI Alumna, Ambassador. Ann Marie Bonner, former Consul General to Canada has been appointed as Director of the Institute of Jamaica.
UWI alumnus, Dr. Upton Allen is the Head of Infectious Diseases and Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. He notes with pride, “I am very privileged to have been able to reach the pinnacle of academia, as measured by any yardstick in any country, as a result of the solid foundation that was provided to me by The UWI. As one of the world’s greatest universities from several perspectives, The UWI will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of young men and women in the Caribbean for years to come.” The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world’s foremost paediatric healthcare institutions and is Canada’s leading centre dedicated to advancing children’s health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada’s most research-intensive hospitals and
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has generated discoveries that have helped children globally. Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids is proud of its vision for Healthier Children. A Better World. For more information, please visit www.sickkids.ca. SickKids has had a longstanding relationship with The UWI that goes back decades. This has resulted in the training of Caribbean medical and surgical specialists as well as collaboration around clinical care, education and research. Visit Caribbean-SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Project
Focus On Entrepreneurship
LEVI ROOTS: Keith Graham, better known as Reggae Reggae Sauce Mogul Levi Roots, was guest lecturer at the Mona School of Business and Management at the Mona Campus on April 8, 2013 where he addressed both students and faculty on ‘Insights for entrepreneurial success’. The presentation led to a dynamic interactive session. According to Graham, who in 2007 appeared on Dragons’ Den, a BBC reality show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to millionaires willing to invest their own cash, were it not for these attributes, he would not have become who he is today. And today he is a British millionaire (Jamaican born). He advises that teamwork, determination, creativity, a manageable team, partnership, and faith in your product, are some of the most crucial elements for a young entrepreneur who wants to achieve success. The presentation also took place at the Western Jamaica Campus on April 13, 2013.
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UWIAA Chapter News
The CEC was pleased to note that resources are being given to:
CEC 2013
Advancement Revisited: The Way Forward
• The Raiser’s Edge database • Dedicated Alumni Relations personnel at each Campus • Marketing support for the UWIAA annual giving campaign “Every Dollar Makes a Difference” • The UWI Visa card • Promoting the 24/7 credit card donation capability of the Alumni Online website • The establishment of an Alumni House on each campus
Mr Cheridan Woodruffe, President, UWIAA Trinidad and Tobago Chapter was elected as Alumnus Representative to serve for the next two years (August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2015). Ms Julie-Ann Laudat, President, UWIAA Antigua and Barbuda Chapter, was elected as Council Representative to serve for the next year (August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014). The sterling contributions of the current Alumnus Representative Mr A. Gilbert Bellamy, UWIAA President, Jamaica Chapter and the Council Representative Mrs Leonora Wynter– Young, President, Cayman Chapter were recognized.
The Meeting of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of The UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA) was held virtually on March 1, 2012 via Blackbaud Collaborate. A moment of silence was observed in respect for the following past UWIAA Presidents who passed recently: Maud Fuller – Toronto and Stewart Daley – Washington DC, who both gave outstanding service to the UWI. The Vice-Chancellor advised that enhanced resources will be committed to Advancement, Alumni Relations and Marketing and Communications. Additionally top leadership will be involved through the assignment of more responsibility and accountability for these areas. The Director, Alumni Relations, Mrs. Celia Davidson Francis thanked the UWIAA for its continued volunteer service and support of The UWI and noted that the major focus for Alumni relations will be a donor-centric model with the regional UWIAA Chapters and Contacts working with the campuses in a structured manner to increase philanthropy and engagement and collaboratively on activities to involve Young, Professional and Established alumni.
Donations from the collective UWIAA, Alumni Online and alumni which amounted to US$ 202,184.52 were reported to Alumni Relations, IAD. This figure includes the contribution of The Great Things Programme (UWIAA Jamaica), the Alumni Circle (Cave Hill), the UWI Visa Card and the 1948 Society (Medical Alumni Programme). It does not include funds raised by the UWI Foundations or Galas which alumni also support. In-kind donations are not included in this amount, neither is an estimate of the value of the time that alumni give to the UWI, nor donations across the institution from alumni that are given directly to campuses, faculties and departments which are not reported to the IAD.
In summary, the UWIAA will support the new University Institutional Advancement thrust through the Institutional Advancement Division (IAD) and the campuses in the context of the overarching goal of Alumni Relations and Outreach as outlined in the 2012-2017 University Strategic Plan. The Central Executive Committee of the UWIAA Presidents indicated their full support of increased collaboration in Fundraising, Alumni Relations and Marketing and Communications across the regional institution.
Special thanks to Mrs. Pauline Cobley, Mr. Tommy Chen and the the Open Campus for the use of their system and all the assistance given to facilitate the CEC 2013.
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UWIAA Chapter News
The interactive discussions at the mixer and the workshop were significant in terms of proposals that were made. The lecture provided a significant fresh perspective of the Belizean community taking initiative and putting in place structured support. Proactivity was emphasized, the review and history of the alignment of media and political and union mobilization is a key factor to be recognized in Belize. Women’s Organizations have a model on how to mobilize keeping watch on the media and impacting on the issue of violence. It is all about building bridges making connections and building relationships. Overall, the workshop was phenomenal in terms of the presence and participation of the media and the significant concerns raised. The lecture will serve as a means to devise strategies to develop alternatives, in fact UWI’s expertise has already been tapped as Dr Dunn was asked to meet with government officials to assist with putting reforms, policies and legislation in place.
Dr. Leith Dunn
UWIAA Belize The Chapter organized a Public lecture by Dr. Leith Dunn Senior Lecturer / Head UWI Institute for Gender and Development Studies which had the theme “Media and the Portrayal of Violence, its Effects on Children and the Wider Community” at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City on April 9, 2013 at 7 p.m. The Chapter President, Mr. Paco Snith was the MC and noted that the lecture was most insightful and she proved (as was expected): dynamic, thoughtprovoking, inspirational and forthright and her presentation was masterful. He thanked Executive members, especially Ms Andrea Polanco, Ms Baja Shoman, Ms Nellie Trench and Mrs Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, for their unyielding support which went a considerable way towards making this activity a reality. He also thanked the UWI Open Campus Belize, in its entirety, for the continued administrative support provided. Finally, a genuine expression of gratitude was extended by him to those entities which provided much-needed sponsorship for this event: Belize Telemedia Limited, Belize Tourism Board, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Belize Bank, Galen University, University of Belize and KREM Television (for recording the event) and to the media houses which afforded appearances on television morning talk shows: KREM and LOVE. Dr. Dunn also presented at the University of Belize and gave a sensitization workshop to journalists. Dr. Dunn noted that “the media response was more than expected and I hope that this event by the Alumni and partners will be a tipping point’ for change in future”. Many of the over 230 persons who attended also felt that this was an important milestone in moving forward and breaking the cycle of violence in Belize.
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UWIAA New York The inaugural Pelican Awards of the UWIAA New York Chapter recognised and honoured the achievements of UWI alumni, people of Caribbean heritage who have made a significant impact on the lives of the people and communities, or on The UWI, the Caribbean region or the world. As The UWI has been producing heads of state and Nobel Prize winners for decades, it is no surprise that the UWIAA New York chapter had a distinguished group of seven Caribbean Achievers for its inaugural Pelican Awards Gala and Dance on June 7, 2013. Chapter President Dr. Gerald WhiteDavis noted that the stellar group of awardees was largely comprised of UWI alumni and that the event coincided with the June celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month and Caribbean Week in New York. It was held at Antun’s, 96-43 Springfield Blvd., in Queens Village, from 7 p.m. to midnight. The formal affair included a cocktail hour, music, dinner and the awards presentation. There was a delightful musical performance by Mathieu Jean, sax player. Music by DJ Hanif and Hugo had everyone on the dance floor. UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris was the guest speaker and delivered an inspirational and emotive address. The Director, Alumni Relations, Celia Davidson Francis, Sha-Shana Crichton, UWIAA President of the Washington DC Chapter and the Executive Director of the American Foundation, Dr. Hazel Carter, former Chapter President and Dennis Walcott, Chancellor , New York City Department of Education, as well as other VIPs attended.
Dennis Walcott, Chancellor, New York City Dept of Education and his wife, Vice Consul of the Bahamas Consulate, Sandra McClaughlin and Mr. McClaughlin, Professor E. Nigel Harris, Celia Davidson Francis and Dr. Gerald-White Davis enjoy the ambiance.
Awardees with the UWI Vice Chancellor
Dr. Gerald White-Davis Chancellor NYC Dept. of Education Dennis Walcott.
UWI Vice Chancellor
The honorees were Harold Robertson, former consul general of Trinidad and Tobago’s New York consulate; Dr. Gerald Groves, diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and a member of the University of the West Indies Medical Alumni Association; Caple Spence, executive director of Local Development Corporation of Crown Heights Inc.; Yvonne Graham, associate commissioner of the state Department of Health and director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention; Missouri Sherman-Peter, former Bahamas Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations; the Rev. Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones, priest for Pastoral Care and Nature at Trinity Church; and Laurine Fenton, former Chief Executive of the Montserrat Development Corp. The inaugural Pelican Awards Gala was considered a success noted Dr. White-Davis, however the Chapter has been active over the years, and he cited events such as book signings and a successful music workshop and awards presentation to the popular reggae band Third World in 2011. Proceeds from the event benefitted the UWIAA-NY Chapter’s Scholarship Fund. Dr. White –Davis was also delighted to receive a spontaneous $1,000.00 donation at
the Awards from the Grenadier Reality Corps in honour of Mr.Caple Spence’s award. The funds will also go towards the Chapter’s Scholarship fund and will help to fulfill their mission and commitment to provide financial assistance and other academic related services to students. Sha-Shana Crichton noted “I must congratulate Gerald and the UWIAA-NY team on their inaugural Pelican Awards Gala. It was fabulous! Everything was well organized, the music was great and the ambiance was simply outstanding!” Dr. White-Davis concluded “I am indeed touched and inspired by the raving congratulatory remarks. The Vice Chancellor was our guest speaker and his presentation, as always, was brilliant and informative. His presence and that of our Director Alumni Relations, Celia added significant value to the evening’s event. Yes, we are gratified with the outcome of the Gala. The fact that there was a massive thunder storm and flooding throughout the various boroughs of New York and this did not deter our guests from turning out tells us that we have something of value to offer. The feedback which keeps coming is all positive, and tells us we should start planning for the next year. Look out for an early invite everyone. We hope that you will join us then”.
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UWIAA Washington DC Past UWIAA Washington DC President, Professor Franklin Knight has been honoured again. At its second biennial meeting held at the end of June at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic the Asociación de Historia Económica del Caribe (AHEC) unanimously voted Jamaican Professor Franklin W. Knight of the Johns Hopkins University to its select Comité de Honor, or Honour’s Board. Four other international scholars were also elected to form the initial representatives on that distinguished board. Founded two years ago, the association has about 200 members and meets every two years at some location in the greater Caribbean. The previous meeting was held in 2011 in Santa Marta Colombia where Knight gave one of the keynote addresses.
Carl Farley- UWIAA President Barbados
The UWIAA Barbados Executive at the church service where the executive was officially blessed
Salud - Wine and Cheese
UWIAA Trinidad & Tobago
UWIAA Barbados Newly elected UWIAA President Carl Farley and his Executive Committee have already had several meetings and will be collaborating with the Cave Hill Campus to engage Young, Professional and Established alumni. They will be meeting with Deans and Heads of Departments to strengthen collaboration at every level. They will host their first social in August and plan to have a Wine, Cheese and Jazz event in February 2014.
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The Chapter held “Salud” in celebration of their 25th anniversary on April 27, 2013 at the Hilton Grand Ballroom. The event consisted of a Wine Festival from 7pm - 10pm and an AfterParty from 10pm until the wee hours. The proceeds of this event went towards bursaries to UWI students, the annual mentorship programme, donations to the library and other official UWI alumni-related initiatives.
UWIAA Antigua & Barbuda “An hour with the UWI Chancellor” was hosted by the UWIAA Antigua & Barbuda Chapter, at UWI Open Campus, on March 1, 2013. The Head of the Open Campus site in Antigua & Barbuda, Mr. Ian Benn gave the welcome and Miss Julie-Ann Laudat (Chapter President), introduced the UWI Chancellor who took the alumni present on a pleasant walk down memory lane. Starting with his first trip outside of Barbados, to study medicine at the Mona campus of the UWI, he recounted that he stopped over night in Antigua. He fondly remembered having grilled lobster and grapefruit for breakfast. He then went on to share his memories as a student at Mona in the 1950’s, graduating as the gold medallist in 1957. All of this interspersed with humour. He then spoke of his time as a lecturer and his interest in fostering the culture of alumni giving back to the university. This was not then, a focus area of the UWI, it being a
mostly North American tradition. Over time, alumni relations gained in focus and has come a long way. Sir George shared his experiences as a Chancellor - the frequent travels, the current 13 graduation ceremonies to officiate at, and the various demands on the UWI Chancellor of an institution spread over 16 countries, with four main campuses. His charge to the local chapter was to keep the energy going, to constantly infuse it with energy. He focused on three items: Pelican Pride: The UWI pin opens conversations; he shared that he often gets opportunities to speak about the university when someone asks, what does that pin represent? He spoke about the tremendous marketing opportunity to be gained by the display of the university symbols on pins, tee shirts, mugs, scarves, etc. This could also be an area of fund raising for the local chapter. He encouraged each graduate to get and wear UWI pin proudly. Help the UWI today: volunteering and mentoring are two important ways that alumni can give back to their alma mater. He invited alumni to share their
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stories with the various UWI magazines and encouraged graduates to send in articles. Donate: alumni should donate to their university. He emphasised the importance of giving regularly no matter the amount. Small amounts over time add up and urged support of the UWIAA “Every dollar makes a difference” campaign. He called on all alumni to practise giving. Alumni shared with him as well. It was found that almost 25% of the persons present had a child or children who were students or alumni of the UWI. One person commented on the great honour he felt at his graduation to walk up and shake hands with the Chancellor. The alumnus said that this was the most defining moment of his studies. The Chancellor pledged to continue this tradition for as long as he was physically able to do so, as he recognised the importance this had, not only to the graduands but also to their parents and supporters. Mrs Jennifer Roman (Vice President) gave the Vote of Thanks.
UWI Foundations AFUWI - The Mix and Mingle event on May 16 ,2013 at the Barbados Consulate in New York was a fun event and over 100 alumni and Friends of the UWI came out to support the Foundation.
Gail L Moaney
(L-R) A. Desmours-Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch, AFUWI Partnership Board; J. Rollé - AFUWI Gala Chair, L. Hawthorne - President and CEO Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill, AFUWI Partnership Chair; B. Nelson - VP Associate General Counsel Jet Blue Airways, AFUWI Corporate Secretary
(L-R) Christopher Castriota- Community Relations Officer Jamaican Consulate, UWI Alumnus; Janet Rollé and other guests came out in support
Gail (3rd Left) and her staff
Saluting AFUWI Supporter
Gail L. Moaney Gail L. Moaney, APR, is managing partner and director of Finn Partners’ Travel and Economic Development Practice. Gail has 20 years of experience in agency and corporate public relations and in television broadcasting, implementing communications programmes for destinations, transportation companies, hotels and resorts, and economic development entities worldwide. Clients have included Affinia Manhattan, Air France KLM, Air Jamaica, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and the Jamaica Tourist Board. Gail held the position of chief of communications for the State of Ohio Department of Economic Development. Earlier, she spent 12 years in broadcasting as a producer and executive producer for NBC/WRC-TV, PBS (Public Broadcasting System) and Warner Amex Cable Communications. A fine arts graduate of Howard University, Gail holds an MA degree from American University in broadcasting production and management. An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), she has been a member of the Board of Directors of PRSA NY since 1995. She is a member of the Travel & Tourism Research Association; The Caribbean Tourism Organization; Women in Communications Inc.; the North American Airlines Public Relations Association (NAAPRA); and the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Gail is an adjunct professor in the Marketing and Public Relations Department of New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
Brandon Nelson, AFUWI Corporate Secretary delivering the Vote of Thanks.
She is a past honoree and an executive member of the American Foundation for The University of The West Indies Inc (AFUWI) Board, an organization that she has served with distinction for many years. In addition, she is the recipient of many local and international awards in recognition of her outstanding professional accomplishments and her involvement in community service.
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BFUWI News
BFUWI Trustees Elizabeth Mullings-Smith and Vanessa Hutchinson
BFUWI Trustee Diane Edwards
Inaugural Dr. Eric Williams Panel Discussion: Held on May 22, 2013 at 6 p.m. at the Commonwealth Club, the theme was “New Caribbean Oil Exploration: High Risks, High Rewards?”. From all the reports, attendees were pleased and impressed with the event and the BFUWI Trustees were commended by the speakers, notably David Jessop and Sir Ronald Sanders, for hosting a debate on an important topic which is not being widely discussed in the Caribbean, “although it ought to be.” Approximately 70 persons were present and everyone enjoyed themselves and the overall opinion was that for the first venture of this kind was that “we set the bar very high” according to Trustees and organizers Susan Belgrave, Vanessa Hutchinson, Diane Edwards and Elizabeth Mullings Smith. The panellists were:
BFUWI Trustee Susan Belgrave
Reach Society Conference
The BFUWI participated in the annual Careers Conference organised by the Reach Society on 4 April 2013. The Conference is aimed at Afro-Caribbean students, 14 and over, who are considering their options in preparation for University or technical college. Those manning the BFUWI stand were overwhelmed by the interest shown by students and parents alike in the possibilities of studying in the region. The Trustees fielded a variety of questions about relative costs of studying in the Caribbean as opposed to remaining in the UK, the breadth of courses available and what qualifications were needed. Everyone was very impressed by the recent UWI graduates, Kamille Adair and Kamal Wood, who spoke at the workshop recounting their experiences of life on campus. There were over 700 attendees at the event and several new friends and contacts were made who expressed an interest in finding out more about the work of The BFUWI in the UK.
Sir Ronald Sanders KCMG AM: currently a visiting
Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies in London and a widely respected commentator on economic, political and social policy in the Caribbean. He has served the Caribbean at the highest levels in the diplomatic arena. He has also worked in the Private Sector, sitting on the board of directors of financial institutions, telecoms and media companies.
Mr. David Jessop: currently the Managing Director of the Caribbean Council. As such he advises and supports a number of major Caribbean industries, associations, governments and companies in Europe on investment, trade policy and political issues.
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Dr.Veronica Broomes: a consultant in sustainability and corporate social responsibility with over twenty years’ experience in the Caribbean. She was a Research Associate with the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit (CPSU), a think tank within the University of London’s Institute of Commonwealth Studies. Mr. Halvor S. Snarvold: Managing Director of Caribbean Exploration Limited of London, Halvor has
33 years’ experience with major and independent oil companies, including Mobil, Texas Eastern and Enterprise Oil, and has a successful track record in finding oil and gas in frontier offshore environments.
Mr. Calvin Walker: Head of the Project Finance practice group in London at the international law
firm, Baker and McKenzie. His primary focus is the financing of international energy and infrastructure projects, particularly in the Middle East, CIS and Russia. He acts for oil companies and other sponsors plus lenders, governments and other stakeholders on project financings and acquisitions in the power, oil and gas, LNG, mining and infrastructure sectors.
Health and Wellbeing Lecture: Health and Wellbeing Lecture: On June 19, 2013, a lecture was given by Professor Dalip Ragoobirsingh at the DiabetesUK HQ which was well received by their guests; medical practitioners, podiatrists, nutritionists, care-givers and diabetics alike. Attendees were not limited to London, with some coming from PCT (NHS Primary Care Trusts) in Bristol, Brighton and Leeds, where large Caribbean communities exist. They were particularly interested in the medication strategies successfully employed in the Caribbean and many met with him after to discuss this aspect further. The BFUWI was invited to their event, which was attended by BFUWI Trustees, Diane Edwards and Susan Belgrave. The following day, June 20th was the BFUWI event which was a free health and wellbeing lecture. It was advertised for free both via CaribDirect and The Voice online and over 50 people attended. The feedback so far, has been excellent and there has been an overwhelming call for more of this type of sharing of research from the UWI; it fulfils a need and a desire for more information, especially with respect to health and wellbeing within the UK Caribbean Community. There was considerable interest expressed by those who attended, including the bush-tea and alternative health company representatives present, in the need for more information as it relates to the health and wellbeing of the UK Caribbean Diaspora. This free lecture was an example of BFUWI fulfilling its responsibility of ‘giving back to the community and its community benefit’- one of the key tests of a functioning charity. Mr Garvin Nicolas, the High Commissioner of Trinidad and his wife, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Energy (present in the UK for meetings) all attended. They were impressed with the turn out as well as with the content and delivery of lecture. They remarked that it was ‘a good opportunity and a window into the research excellence of UWI’.
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Overall achievements: • Radio and newspaper interviews • Coverage by both the Voice and CaribDirect • A lecture to healthcare professionals and a firm link to a successful charity- DiabetesUK • A free BFUWI lecture giving back to the community • The BFUWI Trustees were pleased as they achieved a good profile raising opportunity for UWI and the BFUWI within and beyond the Caribbean Community in two days.
Philanthropical Impact
Toronto Gala May11,2013
Ms. Anya Schnoor, Managing Director, Scotiabank Ltd.
Dr. Mary Anne Chambers and husband
UWI Chancellor Sir George Alleyne and Lady Sylvan Alleyne
The 2013 Toronto Gala held on May 11, 2013 was a scintillating affair which raised over CA$300,000.00 for student scholarships, to the delight of the Patron, the Honorable G. Raymond Chang, the Gala Chair Mrs. Elizabeth Buchanan Hind, as well as Gala Honorary Co-Chairs Jenny Gumbs, the Hon. Consul General of Grenada and Dr. Herbert HoPingKong, the Gladstone and Maisie Chang Chair in Teaching of Internal Medicine at UHN. The Awardees were Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay, Dr. Lennox Lewis, Dr. Upton Allen, Mr. Nicholas Brathwaite, Dr. Mary Ann Chambers, Dr. M. Jamal Deen, Ms. Brigiitte Shim, the Hon. Douglas Orane and the University of Toronto.
The Hon. G. Raymond Chang LLB (Hon.) and Mrs Donnette Chin Loy Chang
Dr Budhendranauth Doobay
Dr Herbert HoPingKong and Mrs HoPingKong
Dr. Upton Allen giving his response
Guests enjoying the wonderful evening
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Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith and Mr Monteith
Mrs Elizabeth Buchanan Hind – Gala Chair
Professor Brigitte Shim
Dr. Mary Anne Chamber’s response highlighted the UWI’s contribution to Canada
Dr Lennox Lewis and the Hon David C Onley, Lt. Gov. of Ontario
Judith Wolfson, Dr Yvette Harris, Professor E. Nigel Harris and Mr Wolfson
Dr. Mary Anne Chambers, a Vice Chancellor’s Awardee highlighted UWI’s contribution to the medical field in Canada and indicated that this is true of many professional fields – so The UWI truly has had and continues to have global impact:
The Hon Raymond Chang, Lt. Gov of Ontario and Mrs Onley
“When I served on the Board of the Rouge Valley Health System which through its two hospitals, serves residents of east Toronto and west Durham, in Ontario, the Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff was a UWI graduate, the Chief of Paediatrics was a UWI graduate, and the Chief of Psychiatry was a UWI graduate. And when children in Ontario needed a more advanced level of care than their local hospitals could provide, they would be rushed to the world renowned Hospital for Sick Children in the City of Toronto where the Head of Emergency Services was a UWI graduate. UWI graduates are faculty members, professors, at the University of Toronto’s Medical School. And I could go much further, in Health Care, and beyond Health Care into Education and Business and Law and other fields.
Dr. M. Jamal Deen by George Pimentel Photography
The Hon. Douglas Orane LLB (Hon.) and Mrs Michelle Orane
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The Caribbean and The University of the West Indies contribute immensely to the quality of life we are able to enjoy in Canada. I have always felt immense pride in the celebrations of excellence that shine the spotlight on the strength of the Caribbean diaspora.” She further thanked the Patrons, the sponsors and everyone for attending and supporting the Gala so that “current and future students of The UWI will continue to have the opportunity to make us all proud and grateful for their outstanding contributions to the world”.
ALUMNI PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES Legacy Programme: This programme is a part of the Institutional Advancement Division’s philanthropic thrust. UWI graduates are invited to remember The UWI in their Wills. All bequests are valued, no matter the size. The programme benefits undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, buildings, student scholarships and bursaries and endowed Chairs. UWI Visa Card: For UWI students, staff and alumni. It allows them to donate to UWI at no cost, every time they spend! Specially reduced annual fees and interest rates on Classic, Gold and Platinum cards! Each time a cardholder makes a purchase and every time an account is opened or renewed, the UWI benefits financially, supporting its continued development. UWI STAT - The Student Alumni Programme: The Vice Chancellor’s (UWI Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow) Ambassadors: Activities and events on all 4 campuses are organised and coordinated through the Institutional Advancement Division (IAD). Main Objectives: To promote UWI, foster “Pelican Pride” and loyalty to Alma Mater, to encourage Caribbean integration and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), to promote HIV/Aids prevention in the Caribbean and to promote Disaster Mitigation and Risk Management in the Caribbean region. UWI STAT Ambassadors introduce students to the importance of alumni relations, service and loyalty, educate them about the UWIAA and the relevance of Caribbean cross-cultural integration, thereby cultivating in students the relevance of a life- long relationship with The UWI. • FOOTPRINTS: The first ever annual regional student giving campaign. Run annually by UWI STAT, it encourages student participation in campus development by leaving “their mark or footprint” and also seeks to foster “Pelican Pride” and encourage an allegiance to the university. Students are asked via survey to choose any facility or service that they would like to see improved. The
top choice then becomes that year’s ‘Footprint’s Goal. • Pelican Pride Programme: UWI STAT is responsible for this programme on all 4 UWI campuses. They work with the Office of Student Services at Orientation and through the year to engender loyalty and “Pelican Pride” amongst incoming students and the general alumni population through information on the UWI’s history, halls of residence, sports etc. • UWI STAT Regional and National Ambassadorial Visit Programme: Two Ambassadors from different Corps visit Open Campus countries between November and April each year to showcase the young leaders that UWI is creating and assist with the promotion/ of and recruitment for the UWI, as well as gather current information for the Vice Chancellor and Executive Management for strategic decision making purposes.
Alumni Experience Programme (AEP): A one to three week overseas summer programme for students which is designed to expose the students to the language, culture and society of the host country, especially important in our global society. The UWIAA Chapter members host the students (providing accommodation and food). Alumni Apprentice Programme (AAP): A three to six week overseas summer internship/ apprenticeship programme for students, designed to expose the students to the cultural, professional and social fabric of their host country. The UWIAA host Chapter is responsible for locating the internship opportunity and members host the students (providing accommodation and food). A key benefit for the employer is to develop or strengthen their links with the Caribbean while also deriving benefit from the multi-cultural interaction, leading to a better understanding of diversity in this global village. UWI Email for Life Addresses: A permanent e-mail address for all alumni of the University and it is FREE. It provides graduates with an easy and secure way of
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receiving e-mail from friends, colleagues and classmates through their life journey. Pelican Perks Programme: A structured discount/concession loyalty programme that “adds-value” to and encourages UWIAA membership and UWI loyalty. Available through the UWIAA Chapter card, wherever discounts are negotiated, no matter which Chapter graduates join. Vice Chancellor’s Presidents’ (VCP) Club: Past and Current UWI Alumni Association Presidents. Involved in Young, Professional and Mature Alumni Programmes across the UWI through the UWIAA Chapters; engaged as volunteers, guest lecturers, professional /academic E-Mentors, participants in VCPC teleconference which meets annually and sends a report to the Vice Chancellor with suggestions/ concerns, so that their expertise is retained. UWI Connect- The alumni magazine: With a strong Caribbean essence, an engaging and dynamic content, and an attractive layout, this regional and international publication pulls together and showcases an array of UWI developments and achievements. It highlights news, it celebrates the achievements of faculty, alumni and regional professionals and leaders in all spheres, spotlights undergraduate and graduate research, knowledge creation and the significant impact that The UWI has had and continues to have, in the Caribbean and the world. It engenders “Pelican Pride”. It is available in print and through Alumni Online in a flipformat e-magazine. Alumni Online (AO): The official central Alumni Website for all UWI graduates and UWIAA Chapters – www. alumnionline.uwi.edu which also features AO Facebook AO Twitter, AO LinkedIn and other AO social media.
UWI SPORTS
Volleyball (female): Mona vs St. Augustine Team L-R Jowayne Hibbert, Nicholas Maitland, Duwayne Ferguson and Kavean Smith
Championships of Americas
The UWI (Mona) won the Championships of Americas relay title at the 119th Penn Relays in Philadelphia, USA, on April 26, 2013 after obtaining the men’s Sprint Medley Relays (200mx200m x 400m x800m). It was the first time they had ever won this relay title.
Athletes from Mona, St. Augustine and Cave Hill on the track.
Cricket: Mona vs Cave Hill
Supporters cheering their campus Netball teams St. Augustine vs Cave Hill
UWI Games – May 2013
Swimming: Mona, St. Augustine and Cave Hill
Photos by Steve McDonald
The athletes from the four UWI campuses competed and showed true sportsmanship at the 2013 UWI Games.
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Student Alumni Programming - UWISTAT
(L-R) After unveiling the plaque the UWI Chancellor congratulates Alumni Ambassador Hylton Dennis on having the idea for the Chudy Zone, Campus Librarian Mrs. Leona Bobb-Semple shares the moment.
Randy McLaren (L) and Timar Jackson( R )
MONA
UWI STAT Ambassadors receive Jamaican Prime Minister’s Youth Awards: On March 24, 2013, UWI STAT Alumni Ambassador Maxsalia Salmon won the Prime Minister’s Award in Leadership. Alumni Ambassador Timar Jackson won for Academics (he has a 1st Class Honours in Actuarial Science) and current Ambassador Randy Mclaren won the award category for Arts and Culture.
Chudy Zone: The UWI STAT Mona Corps officially launched UWISTAT’s ‘Chudy Zone’ in partnership with the Main Library on April 4, 2013. The name “Chudy” was initially created by one of the UWISTAT Ambassadors and means “chill and study”. The Chudy Zone will not only allow UWISTAT Ambassadors to promote “Pelican Pride”, Caribbean integration, HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster mitigation to their peer students, but also serve as a comfortable and quiet area where students have the opportunity “to chill and to study.” The Mona Corps will also be promoting the CARICOM Skills Certificate in the Chudy Zone, which is essential knowledge for all Caribbean youth. Various displays, application forms and brochures are also available in the Chudy Zone to promote the UWI Alumni Association, as well as other UWISTAT initiatives. UWISTAT will work closely with the Main Library to continuously improve the area and will assist in ensuring that students are aware of the vital role that the library and information studies plays in today’s technologically oriented world. Induction and Awards: The UWISTAT Mona Corps officially welcomed fifteen new ambassadors at its recent induction and awards ceremony. The inductees are all Caribbean students currently enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the Mona Campus of The University of the West Indies. Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris noted “What one can be so proud about is that the Corps has matured and they really have been able to spread their “footprints” well beyond the traditional areas in which we expected that UWISTAT would succeed. Special presentations were also made to Ambassadors based on their performances over the academic year. UWISTAT Ambassador Randy McLaren was the recipient of the inaugural Celia Davidson-Francis Ambassador of the Year Award for 2012-2013, organized and named in honour of the Director of Alumni Relations as a surprise to her, for his outstanding performance, commitment and high level of excellence.
Labour Day Project: “The Mona Corps volunteered at the Mona Common Basic School in collaboration with UWI Township on Labour Day under the theme “Lend a Hand, Build our Land” to improve the learning environment of the school. Nine Ambassadors from the Mona Corps participated in the project and were also joined by Ambassador N’Kosi Myers of the St. Augustine Corps. The supervisor of the project was very impressed by the team’s positive energy.
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St. Augustine
and most schools, primary through college, are not in sync with the changes in the market place. The solutions he postulated were varied, and included among other things a greater focus on science programmes in high schools and colleges across the region, which are in need of upgrading, as he felt that this was one of the necessary changes needed to boost the Development of a Caribbean Information and Knowledge Society.
Helping the Mandate of Alumni Relations in T and T: UWI STAT Ambassadors Andre and Tkeyar assisted the UWIAA with overseeing their elections. The five new members of the UWIAA executive are Mr Jerry Medford, Ms Gisela Granado, Ms Jacqueline Taylor-Chase, Ms Helen Joseph and Ms Dolores Juteram. There are also seven new faculty representatives. UWI STAT’s incoming executive introduced themselves at the UWIAA’s Executive Meeting held on May 4 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the UWIAA office. UWI STAT attended the discussion on Active Citizenship on April 16th from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Social Sciences Lounge, with the theme “A conversation between seasoned activists and those of us interested in becoming more engaged citizens”.
Great turnout
Prime Minister Mitchell fields a question
cave hill
UWI STAT – REGIONAL REPRESENTATION Two UWI STAT Ambassadors, Mr. Kendall Elva (BSc Social Work) and Mr. Matthew Gibbs (BA Communication Studies) from the Cave Hill and St. Augustine Campuses respectively, were recently guests of the Open Campus Saint Lucia from March 11-15, 2013 for a Country Visit. They were there to fulfil the UWI STAT mission of contributing to youth leadership development and regional interaction and integration, as well as providing feedback to the Vice Chancellor of The UWI from a regional youth perspective.
Boost to Regional Integration: The UWI STAT Cave Hill Corps put up a booth at the Social Sciences Career Day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. where information about the CARICOM Skilled Nationals Certificate was displayed and available and queries answered. This was in keeping with their mandate of Regional Integration and promotion of the CSME. Annual Prime Minister’s Lecture: Ambassador Jeniece St Romain reported that Dr. The Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada was the guest speaker for this year’s UWI STAT Annual Prime Minister’s Lecture on April 10, 2013. He spoke on the theme “The Use of Technology to Unlock Caribbean Potential in order to Create Further Caribbean Development”. Prime Minister Mitchell shared his vision for shaping a future for people of the region as, “a Caribbean with an economy that’s globally competitive and growing, equipped with a citizenry that is fully literate and continues to learn and grow; where poverty and diseases such as HIV and AIDS have been brought under control.” Referencing a paper titled ‘A Time to Choose: Caribbean Development in the 21st Century, 2005, Prime Minister Mitchell spoke to the fact that to survive, the Caribbean must become globally competitive. His proposition in this regard was that the Caribbean will be shaped not by the technology itself but by the choices we make on how to use these technologies to access information and regulate our activities to provide economic prosperity and sustainable growth by developing our economies to become globally competitive. Prime Minister Mitchell noted “Education must prepare the future workforce for a world driven by information and knowledge.” He lamented that the current Caribbean education system has been unable to reinvent itself
Discussions were also held with their counterparts in the National Youth Council, The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Student Council as well as with UWI Students and Alumni. Their mission was also shared with the wider public during interviews with several popular radio and television stations. Perhaps the highlight of their visit however, was outreach to Secondary Schools in both the North and South of the island, the purpose of which was to motivate students to strive for academic excellence, as well as promoting awareness of CSME and regional integration and HIV/AIDS prevention amongst young persons. The many and varied opportunities available to students at all four campuses of The UWI were also highlighted.
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UWISTAT INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION: The Jamaica Medical Students’ Association (JAMSA) Delegation to the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) who attended the March 2013 Meeting 2013 in Baltimore, U.S.A. felt privileged. IFMSA - the body that represents medical students from over 100 National Member Organizations (NMOs) has been affiliated with International Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Within this international body, there are regional bodies including the Pan American Medical Students Association (PAMSA) of which JAMSA is a member. The Head of Delegation and Vice President for Internal Affairs was UWI STAT Ambassador Sachalee Campbell. Her team consisted of Secretary General- Brandon Dixon; Directors of the Standing Committees on Medical Education, Research Exchange and Public Health - Anna-Lee Clarke, Auvarhenne Howell, Adrian Coore respectively; Director of the Division on Health Policy Development- Jason Knight, IT Representative and Webmaster- Errol Williamson, Class of 2017 President- Annya Gordon-Whyte. Dr. Cecil Wilson, President of the World Medical Association was the Guest Speaker at the Opening Ceremony and spoke on the research process and the related conflicts of interest, especially as it relates to collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. There were plenary sessions (similar to Parliamentary gatherings) which are the sessions in which important decisions within IFMSA are made, regional meetings and NMO hours when delegates meet with other members of their NMO to discuss the day’s events, ensure all persons have been adjusting well and also make important decisions on which there would be voting later in the meeting. There were also Training Sessions and an AF Market where different National Member Organizations (NMO’s) had the opportunity to present their countries to other NMO’s in order to encourage the signing of contracts for Professional Exchanges. This is important to JAMSA as our MBBS programme offers two Elective periods in which students have the option of doing their Electives abroad. On the last day, the delegates went to Washington DC for the final meetings and tours of the area, as well as the Closing Ceremony. The ending was the beginning of a new journey however as social media soon buzzed with new friends and numerous photos being posted.
Doing the Bolt!
Participants from around the globe
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Happenings
CAVE HILL • Chairman of the First Caribbean International Comtrust Foundation Ltd, Michael Mansoor, announced that fifteen annual scholarships would once again be awarded, each valued at US $2,500.00. The scholarships are awarded to UWI undergraduate and graduate students. This year Danielia Chambers, a Jamaican who is pursuing her Bachelor of Laws degree, Gale Ann Jordan, a Barbadian pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance and Kathrina Watson, a second year Law student, were the appreciative recipients.
MONA • As China continues its dominance as one of the world’s largest economies, more persons seek to learn Chinese. The Confucius Institute at Mona seeks to bring Mandarin to UWI students and to High School students across Jamaica. According to Director Lu Shaogang, the Institute seeks to bridge the language
barrier for Caribbean students. • The Microsoft Innovation Centre (UWI MIC), which will be hosted through the UWI Business Centre is set to open in August 2013. This partnership with Microsoft will foster innovation and stimulate a sustainable local software economy. Among its various components are an IT academy; a developer camp; an Imagine Cup preparation programme; and a MIC Technical Trainee and Student-to-Business module. Microsoft has committed to fund 12 Techentrepreneurs to serve in the centre, as support staff. The UWI MIC will target entrepreneurs, software developers, IT professionals, and academic researchers.
OPEN CAMPUS • Canada has agreed to help Caribbean youth to gain greater access to postsecondary education through a distance learning partnership with The UWI. The announcement was made in Antigua at UWI’s Open Campus, on behalf of Julian Fantino, Minister of International
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Cooperation. The ‘Strengthening Distance Education in the Caribbean’ project will be implemented mainly by UWI’s Open Campus. The Canadian government plans to contribute $19.6 million over five years (2013-2017). The project aims to increase employment opportunities of Caribbean citizens and generate the economic prosperity of the 16 Caribbean countries which UWI serves. • The UWI Open Campus, St. Kitts and Nevis has launched the new course ‘Exploring Kittitian History’. The launch was a collaborative event organised by The UWI Open Campus, St. Kitts & Nevis (OCSK&N), The National Archives and the History and Heritage Committee. The course is especially relevant to teachers and students preparing for CXC-CAPE level examinations. Two young persons who performed at the event were offered scholarships covering full tuition fees for the course by The UWI OCSK&N. Additionally a member of the audience offered a full scholarship to a deserving individual. The Exploring Kittitian History 10 week course began on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.
• The UWI Open Campus St. Kitts and Nevis, in collaboration with Island Xpressions hosted “A Evening of Caribbean Expressions” on April 28, 2013 at Mapau, Port Zante at 6 p.m. The event featured poets from St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Dr. Mark McWatt and Dr. Phillip Nanto of the UWI Cave Hill campus. It preceded the workshops for teachers being organized as part of the Caribbean Poetry Project on April 29th and 30th which brought together leading poets, educators, scholars, publishers and administrators in an exciting collaboration to develop joint research with the University of Cambridge and the UWI on Caribbean poetry. • The UWI Open Campus Belize celebrated its Second Annual Women’s Week from March 18-22, 2013 under the theme, “The Gender Agenda, Gaining Momentum.” Sub-topics on spirituality, education, health, finances, social aspects and human rights were addressed during the forum and lunch seminars. Participants were drawn from the Public Service, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government agencies and the religious sector. The UWI Open Campus Belize seized this opportunity to recommit its support for the development of the human capital of Belize, particularly as it relates to community and social issues such as gender equity and empowerment which
continues to be of priority for national and international organisations which champion such a cause. By hosting this week of activities, the Open Campus Belize provided a platform for discussing relevant women’s issues via a learning and empowering opportunity for women from all cross sections of the Belizean society. Sponsorships were made via monetary donations and gift baskets courtesy of the Women’s Department, the U.S. Embassy and GraceKennedy Co. Ltd. respectively, as well as others. • The UWI Open Campus Dominica and the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, in collaboration with the UWI Cave Hill, the University of Cambridge, Commonwealth Education Trust and the Caribbean Examination Council, presented “An Evening of Poetry” on Monday, March 25, 2013 at the auditorium of the UWI Open Campus Dominica. The evening’s event featured poetry and music by Dominican and other Caribbean poets.
ST. AUGUSTINE • The UWI Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (Lok Jack GSB) Alumni Relations Centre highlighted how to attract investors. The “Lok Jack GSB Business Showcase” was held in collaboration with the Ministry of
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Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development, and the National Integrated Business Incubator System (IBIS) and took place at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad from May 27 to 29, 2013. The three day business showcase featured sessions on how to attract investors; how to invest; networking; how to do business in China, Panama, Brazil, and Guatemala. The Labour Ministry, the Business Development Company (BDC) and the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship also hosted sessions. There were “business-to-business meetings with key contacts and financiers/investors” as well as informational workshops to help with “ramping up your business, doing business in other countries, managing and attracting investment. Exhibitor booths, an “Entrepreneurial Venture Challenge” for existing and future companies with innovative ideas, as well as workshops for growing sectors such as agribusiness, seafood industries, entertainment, culture, information and communications technology and philanthropy, were held.
Philanthropy Making an Impact
“The UWIREF Scholarship has helped me tremendously!” “Being one of the first set of recipients of the UWIREF Scholarship has been a tremendous blessing. Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation. These events have shaped the person that I am today. Throughout my tenure at the prestigious University of the West Indies I have been tremendously blessed. It is absolutely impossible for an individual to attend a tertiary institution and remain completely the same. Being in new surroundings, with continuous interaction with new people, characterized by their unique cultures and beliefs can have both a positive and negative impact. However I have been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by thoughtful, encouraging individuals, both friends and lecturers.
The 1948 Society of the UWI Medical Alumni Association Inc. Scholarship “It was vital in helping to make all my achievements possible”. “These are the first words that come to mind when I reflect on the contribution I received from members of the 1948 Society. I am a proud recipient of the 1948 Society scholarship for the 2010/2011 academic year. At the time when I was awarded this scholarship, I was just about to start my clinical years of medical school. The scholarship made a real difference in my life as it facilitated my efforts to propel my academic capabilities. As a result of the contribution from the 1948 Society, I was able to purchase books which were critical in establishing a foundation for my clinical years of medical school. The blessing of the scholarship came at a financially difficult time in my life and I have now made it through to my final year of medical school. I would like to once again express my gratitude, and may you continue to be a blessing in the lives of other students.”
The UWIREF Scholarship has not only afforded me the opportunity to complete my tertiary education, but it has also allowed me to help others where possible. I have met students who have faced severe trials as they try to not only attend university, but also fund their siblings’ education; due to lack of parental involvement. It is therefore my aim to continue to assist students in dire need, as they push towards the mark and the privilege of achieving a tertiary education. I say thank you again to the donors of the UWIREF Scholarship. Your continuous support and involvement in the lives of students have opened up innumerable opportunities. As I, and other beneficiaries of the Scholarship, become graduates, it is my hope that such generosity will be passed on to others. Thank you once again.” Anne-Teresa Birthwright - B.Sc. Geology, Upper Second Class Honours (Abridged)
Mario Thomas - Medial Graduate
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Books & Publishing
Ambassador Rudy Insanally
MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY FOR SMALL STATES “The art of letting others have your way”
Denis Benn, Former Michael Manley Professor of Public Policy at the UWI notes that “Far too seldom have diplomats from the developing world, particularly those from small developing states, recorded their experience in the international arena.”The publication of this volume by former Foreign Minister Rudy Insanally of Guyana, which contains a number of his addresses and speeches, mainly at the United Nations, is both timely and important, particularly since it reflects a multi-dimensional perspective, based on the fact that the author has served in many important capacities, including Ambassador, Minister of Foreign Affairs, President of the United Nations General Assembly and Chairman of the Group of 77, and therefore has a unique perspective on global issues. The volume, which describes the role of multilateralism in the context of a changing panorama of global events in the immediate post-Cold War era and the intensification of regional conflicts around the world, treats with a number of issues on the United Nations agenda, such as development, globalisation, peace and security, human rights, disarmament, and the environment. The volume also highlights Ambassador Insanally’s role in conceiving and organising in 1994 the World Hearings on Development in an effort to advance the objectives of the Agenda for Development that was being debated in the United Nations and also his role in elaborating and promoting the concept of a New Global Human Order (NGHO), advanced by the late President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Jagan, as a holistic framework for encompassing the various international development initiatives aimed at improving human well-being.” Professor Benn concludes that “Based on its substantive themes and its insights into the diplomatic process, Multilateral Diplomacy for Small States constitutes a primer on international relations and is therefore required reading for the professional diplomat.” He also recommends it to national and international policy makers, the academic community, as well as those interested in international relations.
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Hazel Carter PhD
Creating Effective Partnerships for School Improvement Creating Effective Partnerships for School Improvement by Hazel Carter PhD, places the school within the community which is composed of a number of key players, including school leaders, classroom teachers, private foundations, higher education institutions, business and community based organizations, and government agencies. This book encourages leaders to embrace this broader community of stakeholders and to focus on the often overlooked and underutilized college and university partnerships. Grounded in case study analysis of innovative programmes and practices, this book explores research-based strategies for educational leaders to implement in order to develop and sustain effective partnerships. Creating Effective Partnerships for School Improvement is an important text for aspiring and practicing administrators interested in creating effective partnerships for school improvement. Special features include: Reflective exercises and portfolio building activities to help aspiring and practicing leaders make on-the-ground connections; Learning objectives, key terms, and additional resources which further engage readers with the chapter content. Extensive appendices with sample activities, evaluation plans, meeting agendas, promotional materials, and budgets provide additional support to leaders. It is aligned to the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Standards.
Wayne G. Ganpat and Wendy-Ann P. Isaac
Sustainable Food Production Practices in the Caribbean Sustainable Food Production Practices in the Caribbean by Wayne G. Ganpat and Wendy-Ann P. Isaac (Editors) addresses the issue of sustainable agriculture from a practical perspective. Unlike most books on food production which tend to focus on the science and/or technology aspects, this book is unique in that the authors use a nontraditional approach to sustainable food production practices. The authors advocate a “truly green revolution in agricultural practices”, for the region, using crop and livestock farming techniques that require an agro-ecological approach that can be readily adopted by both small and large scale farmers and which will result in significant reduction in the use of water, inorganic fertilizers and pesticides that cause environmental degradation. They emphasize practices which incorporate an ecological approach rather than an intensified chemical approach as the sensible way forward to increased agricultural productivity. Chapters focus on tested, simple production systems that sustain soil fertility, eco-systems and people. It combines tradition, best practices, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment. Moreover, the book deals with issues beyond primary food production such as quality assurance along the value chain, marketing and post-harvest improvements that are not often considered a priority. The book is both relevant and timely especially for us here in the Caribbean, the least food secure region in the western hemisphere with a current food import bill in excess of US $ 4.5 billion. The authors attempt to create an awareness of the errors in current agricultural practices employed in the region and propose sustainable methods of overcoming these.The authors, most of whom are members of academic staff and graduate students from the current Faculty of Science and Agriculture (St. Augustine Campus, UWI are hopeful that this book will be of immense help to students, farmers, agronomists, agriculturists, horticulturists and teachers in the field of agriculture. This book is recommended reading for all students of agriculture and environmental science, farmers, extension officers as well as home gardeners and all interested in environmental sustainability.
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Carolyn Correia (BA MA)
Thinking Out Loud Trinidadian Carolyn Correia (BA, MA) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the UWI. Her passion is writing and she is multi-talented with expertise in broadcasting, human resource management, industrial relations and classical piano. Thinking Out Loud is a collection of inspirational articles and each page contains a special message. The book examines the myriad aspects of life and can be referred to for any situation along life’s journey. Correia says “ My first book Thinking Out Loud is a collection of inspirational articles that promises to be a special treat to readers interested in a deeper meaning to life, discovering their true purpose, evaluating our connections with others in this dance of life and all the other great things in between. It celebrates life, milestones, family and those we hold dear. It pays tribute to parents and recreates the special sentiments that we experience at holiday time...particularly at Christmas, end of year and New Year’s.” She invites feedback at inspirationescape@gmail.com.
Dr. Kumar Mahabir
Traditional Medicine and Women Healers in Trinidad: Postnatal Health Care
Maia’s Journal: A Jamaican Mother’s Journey with Autism Maia Chung, a Master’s student at the Mona School of Business and Management and holder of a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons.) in Journalism, has published Maia’s Journal: A Jamaican Mother’s Journey with Autism through LMH Publishers. Chung recounts her passage from childhood to womanhood through profound art, poetry and essays. Maia, the mother of an autistic son, describes her journey as being a challenging one, as she recalls her experiences of raising an autistic child in the Caribbean today. She is the founder of the Maia Chung’s Autism and Disabilities Foundation, which is now in its 5th year of existence.
Dr. Kumar Mahabir is an Assistant Professor in the Centre for Education Programmes at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). He obtained his M.Phil and BA degrees from UWI, St Augustine Campus. He has written ten books, including two national bestsellers Caribbean East Indian Recipes and Medicinal and Edible Plants used by East Indians of Trinidad and Tobago. This book discusses the relationship between traditional healers and modern healthcare practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago. It focuses on folk masseuses, and the new mothers and newborns they treat. The study is divided into three major chapters. The two medical systems are presented in the context of racial, ethnic, class and gender dynamics which give rise to issues of power and control. The political-economic context of the Third World which has a history of dependency on foreign goods and services rooted in the plantation economy is the background and the book also discusses the implications of the study for contemporary primary health care.
Chung invests heavily in social entrepreneurship, through her flagship MCADF Ambassador’s Programme, which seeks to sensitize the youth of the Caribbean to the needs of the disabled community. The foundation will benefit from the proceeds from the sale of the book. She plans to do a two month book tour in North America to increase awareness about disablity issues in the Caribbean diaspora.
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Milestones
Cave Hill at 50 “I first became aware of UWI while in my final year at the Boys Foundation School. There was a visit from a UWI team and I remember Dr. Keith Hunte (now Sir) answering questions at a meeting. I then got some more information from a fellow waterpolo player, Karl Watson (later Dr. & a History Lecturer) and decided I would like to obtain a BA degree in something. Later that summer, my father reported that the lady he spoke to (Mrs Moseley) recommended I enter the Division of Natural Sciences since I had passes in Mathematics & English Language……thus began my journey in science at UWI. As a student, I recall a tight group pursuing their degrees, from 1st Year to Final Year, which included Keith Mitchell (Grenada), Roland Mandeville, Margaret Pestania, and quite a few other students from the Eastern Caribbean. I recall assisting in the formation of the first UWI football team, practising at Combermere School football playing field because the nowexisting UWI cricket field was the remnants of an old canefield unfit for any sport, and winning the Barbados Football Association 4th Division title in our first year with no losses and one drawn game only. This was followed up by winning the 3rd Division the following year with no losses and gaining promotion to the 1st Division in my final year. I remember epic knockout games against the local equivalent of Barcelona in those times - New South Wales Football club. Despite having most of the Barbados international players among its squad, UWI would match them in every game. Returning to UWI as a staff member and spending over 30 years progressing from an assistant lecturer to dean of the faculty has been an enjoyable career path. Slowly you realise that you are ‘part’ of UWI and not just an employee and you feel committed. I remember the difficult times when teaching loads rose to include labs finishing at 9:00pm and being back at Cave Hill the next morning for 8:00am lectures. I recall the blossoming of the landscape of the campus since Principal Beckles took over; the
large increase of students after 2000; the student marches during difficult periods; inter-campus games as both a student and a member of staff; but mostly, the freedom to work at a job which allowed me to indulge in all the passion it brings - assisting young people by teaching them as they develop, carrying out research with equipment and “toys of the trade”, and the friendships with colleagues from across the globe. The only aspect that won’t be missed is the “meetings”! There are many more fond memories of Cave Hill which will surface in time and whether they are written, or not, I can honestly say that they were all good!”
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Outstanding Cave Hill Graduates
The Cave Hill Campus selects graduates and highlights their achievements every month in order to recognise the achievement of excellence by graduates of the Cave Hill Campus who have brought exceptional honour and prestige to the University through exemplary personal or professional service to their alma mater, their local, regional and/or international community, such that they can be considered role models for current students of the UWI. In this issue we feature four graduates as we look at Cave Hill @ 50:
Mr. Andrew Lewis was awarded the Alumnus of
the Month for his service to the University. Andrew, an Economic and History graduate of the Class of 1967 has served the University in various capacities after joining the staff of the University in 1980 as an Assistant Registrar, rising to Campus Registrar in 1990. On his retirement from the University in 2003 he was appointed on post-retirement contract as Director of Special Projects and Planning. As one of the students in the first class at the Cave Hill Campus in 1963, he served as Secretary and then President of the Guild of Undergraduates, becoming Student of the Year in 1966 and earning a postgraduate Scholarship in 1967. In May 2006 he was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Special Award for his outstanding and distinguished service to the University.
Ms. Cheryl Corbin was awarded Alumna of the Month in recognition of her pioneering work as the first Forensic Scientist in Barbados. Cheryl graduated with an honours degree in Chemistry and was founding President of the Natural Sciences Society, which produced PHOTON (a publication totally owned by the students). One of her fondest memories of life at Cave Hill was “Short Pants Day”, an annual event in which even lecturers participated. “Every year colleagues looked forward to Dr. Meek and Dr. Newton “showing knees”,” she recalls. After leaving Cave Hill, Cheryl joined the Sugar Technology Research Unit as a Technologist. In 1986, she was attached to the Government Analytical Services Unit and gained promotion to Assistant Director before departing in 1987 to pursue a Master of Science in Forensic Sciences from Kings College, University of London in 1990. She noted that the field of Forensic Science is ever challenging and fast paced. Ms. Corbin said that the training she received from Cave Hill had been invaluable and has positioned her firmly to perform credibly. The Hon Vance Amory received the award on the
occasion of his election for a second term as Premier of Nevis on January 23, 2013 and in recognition of his contribution to the social and economic development of his country. Premier Amory began his political career in 1987 when he founded
the party, the Concerned Citizens Movement and previously served as Premier from 1992 to 2006. Prior to entering politics, he taught at the Charlestown Secondary School from 1967 to 1970 before coming to the UWI, Cave Hill Campus to pursue his university education. After graduating in 1973 with a BA General degree, he returned to Charlestown and continued there as a teacher from 1973 to 1977, before taking up the post of Headmaster in 1977 – 1981. In 1981, he made a career change when he became a Manager at the St. Kitts-NevisAnguilla Bank Ltd for three years before entering the public service as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. Parallel to his professional success, the Premier continued to participate in many community activities and worked with various youth and sports groups, serving as founding President of the Nevis Football Association and the Amateur Athletic Association. He also served as President of the National Cricket Association and was a West Indies cricketer, playing for the Combined Islands and the Leeward Islands teams.
The Hon. Alix Boyd-Knight, a champion of women
and children’s rights and a graduate of the Faculty of Law (Class of 1988), is the longest serving Speaker of the House of Assembly in Dominica, having held this position since 2000. She is currently Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians. Sometimes referred to as “the battered women’s lawyer” in Dominica, Mrs. Boyd-Knight is passionate about empowering and uplifting women and has contributed to the development of legislation in Dominica to protect abused women and children, including the Sexual Offences Act, the Domestic Violence Bill and the Maintenance Act. She works actively to motivate women through radio and television programmes and works on community income generation and poverty alleviation projects. In 2012, she published the book Women in Parliament in Dominica: Past and Present, co-authored with Lennox Honychurch. The hard work of this distinguished career woman has been rewarded through the “Women of Great Esteem Award for Excellence” - From Q Kingdom Ministries, New York, USA; and the GlobalPOWER® Partnership of Women.
Note: Graduates of the UWI Cave Hill are encouraged to nominate an alumnus/a who has received outstanding recognition in his/her career field nationally, regionally or internationally or made exceptional contributions to his/her profession over a sustained period of time; or have given noteworthy, compassionate, humanitarian or community service, which has improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity; or have demonstrated exceptional personal or professional contributions, dedication and commitment to the goals and objectives of the UWI through their consistent and continuous contributions of time, talent or resources; or have received outstanding recognition in his/her sport nationally, regionally or internationally or made exceptional contributions to his/her sport over a sustained period of time. The photographs of all Alumni of the Month are placed on a wall of honour on the Campus. Contact Roseanne Maxwell: alumnioffice@cavehill.uwi.edu
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UWI Cave Hill honours alumna, Senate President Kerryann Ifill By Kerri Gooding The UWI Cave Hill campus main library now boasts the Kerryann Ifill Unit, which caters to visually impaired students, and the Campus Librarian Margaret Iton notes that she and her team are delighted. Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of UWI Cave Hill Campus, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said that the University is very proud of President Ifill. He admitted that her academic success was always expected “because she is a bright girl”, but he showered praise on her for her political achievements to date. “With President Ifill at the helm in senate”, Sir Hilary said, “We are very proud to have her there. We know that our country is in good hands and we know that despite the difficulties the University is in good hands too.” Sir Hilary noted , “We are pleased to honour her again in this specific way, to name a facility for teaching and learning and research in her honour reflective of her thinking, reflective of her own ideologies. Senator, we thank you for allowing us to put your name on this place.” The new unit, equipped for visually impaired students, accommodates four work stations and a table for small group work. It includes computers and technologies which magnify, read and scan print documents for this group of students to make their educational experience more satisfactory while allowing them to be more independent as they learn, research and develop on campus. The new unit with its equipment and software programmes will enable students with visual impairments to successfully accomplish their academic requirements and take them one-step closer to their career goals. This Unit is one more step in the direction of making the university a fully inclusive tertiary educational institution. In its 50th year of existence, the Cave Hill campus is truly a ‘pathway to progress’. Sir Hilary posited that with this Unit, the university will continue to raise awareness of persons with disabilities while creating a more accessible environment for them, and he emphasized “No one should be denied full access to our teaching.”
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Memorials
In Celebration of their lives
Professor Emeritus John Arnott Spence Professor Emeritus John Arnott Spence was a Saint Vincentborn Trinidadian politician and botanist. He served as an independent Senator in the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago from 1987 to 2000. He was a passionate advocate for agriculture and served the UWI with commitment and dedication. His contributions to the UWI were both significant and varied. His scientific work has been published in over 50 scientific publications. He also served institutions such as NIHERST, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute, the Association of Professional Agricultural Scientists of Trinidad and Tobago, the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (Rome) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (Colombia). He sat on advisory committees to the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and the Commonwealth Science Council. At the UWI he served as a lecturer and Professor of Botany and was Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. When he retired in 1989, he began revitalizing the Cocoa Research Unit and as its head, saw its international recognition for excellence. He received the Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 1980 and was elected Fellow of the Caribbean Academy of Science in 1990 and received a NIHERST Lifetime Achievement Award (2000) for his contribution to agriculture.
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Dr. the Hon. Joyce Robinson OJ CD Dr. the Hon. Joyce Robinson OJ CD played an important role in advocating for the establishment of a library school on the Mona Campus of The University of the West Indies and was a founding member of the National Council on Libraries, Archives and Documentation Services (NACOLADS). She served as the Chairman for the latter from 1980-1990 and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Library of Jamaica, which she served as the first board chairman from 1979 to 1996. Her contribution to library development and to other aspects of national life was so significant that in 1994, the Library Association published a book of essays in her honour entitled Libraries, Literacy and Learning. Because of her vision, the Jamaica Library Service made rapid strides and was selected the model for free public libraries in developing countries of the British Commonwealth. JAMAL, the adult education agency she later headed, was also recognised internationally as a model for adult education. She also served as the general manager of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1980s. Her husband was a Jamaican scholar and renowned mathematics professor, who became Principal of the Mona campus of The UWI. They would become the first married couple awarded separate Orders of Jamaica. Their children, Leslie Anthony Robinson and Dr Lilieth Ann Robinson Bridgewater are both UWI graduates.
professional colleagues from other territories of the Englishspeaking Caribbean to make representations to the UWI concerning the establishment of a school for the education of librarians in the region. Although UWI approved the request in 1963, funding had to be identified, and Dr Robinson’s influence, along with representation by the Jamaica Library Association, led the Government of Jamaica to approach UNESCO for funding. With support from Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago, UNESCO provided seed money as a grant which facilitated the establishment of the Department of Library Studies at Mona in 1971. In its formative years, Dr Robinson and other pioneer professionals from the region served on the UWI Senateappointed advisory committee and the department benefited enormously from their advice. The development of a cadre of professionally trained library and information professionals in Jamaica and the Caribbean must, therefore, be attributed, in large part, to the role Dr Joyce Robinson played in the establishment of the Department of Library and Information Studies, whose graduates now make significant contributions to the delivery of library and information services throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
The Department of Library and Information Studies, UWI, owes its existence largely to the advocacy of a group of pioneer librarians led by Dr Joyce Robinson, who influenced
Dr. Josette Lewis Smikle Dr. Josette Lewis Smikle, late lecturer of the UWI, Mona, was an outstanding educator during the three decades she served. She was inspiring, caring, resilient, statuesque, fashionable, considerate and an outstanding scholar, and educator. Members of her family knew her to be helpful, loving, caring, and kind, one who gave selflessly to others, especially her relatives. She was a member of 2012 Literacy Group and considered by them to be a ‘Lady Extraordinaire.’ She was born in 1953. After graduating from St Elizabeth Technical High School, she enrolled in Mico Teachers’ College in 1976.
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She then taught at August Town Primary School before continuing her studies in 1984 at the UWI Mona where she pursued a Bachelor of Education degree in English. She then went to Bethlehem Moravian Teachers’ College as an educator for nine years before being appointed deputy principal of the institution. She received the World Council of Churches (WCC) scholarship to attend the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom where she pursued her Master of Education degree in educational studies. In 1992, she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
UWI Alumni Association Chapters
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Dominica, Florida, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, New York, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Toronto, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Washington DC
The University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor’s Presidents Club (Includes all current and former alumni presidents)
UWI Alumni Association contacts
Alberta, ASEAN, Grenada, Guangdong, Guyana, Ottawa, Suriname, Turks and Caicos Islands
Alumni Representation
Alumnus Representative: Mr A. Gilbert Bellamy - Jamaica August 1 2011 – July 31 2013 Council Representative: Ms. Leanora Wynter-Young - Cayman August 1 2012 – July 31 2013
CAMPUS Contacts Cave Hill campus
Open Campus
Tel: 246-417-4544 alumnioffice@cavehill.uwi.edu Contact: Roseanne Maxwell
Tel: 876-927-1201 alumni@open.uwi.edu Contact: Karen Ford-Warner
Mona campus
St Augustine campus
Tel: 876-927-1583 uwialumni@yahoo.com Contact: Charmaine Wright
Tel: 868-663-1579 alumni@sta.uwi.edu Contact: Crispin Gomez
Coordinating Office, Alumni Relations, Institutional Advancement Division, UWI Regional Headquarters Please send all submissions, articles and suggestions to: editor@alumni.uwi.edu