UWI Connect March 2008

Editorial

Volume 3, Issue 3

Website: www.uwi.edu

“One UWI, One Alumni Family”

March - May 2008

Editorial UWI’s “Light” Burns Brightly Welcome! The University of the West Indies, the “Light Shining from the West” has for 60 years been figuratively taking the peoples of the Caribbean from a state of “ignorance” to one of “educated enlightenment”.

The “Light” of education, wisdom, understanding, research, scholarship and knowledge has shone and continues to shine brightly.

As we prepare to chart our next 60 years, the UWI Family will continue to look to the “Light” for new knowledge, creativity, new initiatives, entrepreneurial ventures and

developments to benefit the peoples of our region.

Cecile Clayton, (Senior Assistant Registrar – Communications, in the Office of the Vice Chancellor) was born in 1948, the same year as The University of the West Indies. We share her recollections with you in this issue and also focus on the celebrations that have taken place to date and those that are to come.

Show your “Pelican Pride” and be an active participant in UWI’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations!

Members of the Vice Chancellor’s Presidents Club UWIAA - Presidents Ms. Maxine McClean - Barbados Mr. Frederick Sandiford - Belize Dr. Marcia Potter - British Virgin Islands Mrs. Deborah Ann Chambers - Cayman Mrs. A. Missouri Sherman-Peter Commonwealth of The Bahamas Ms. Irma Edwards - Dominica Mr. Anthony Williams - Florida Mrs. Claudia Halley - Grenada Mrs. Nadine Marriott - Jamaica Amb. Laurine Fenton - Montserrat Dr. Hazel Carter - New York Dr. Caroline Lawrence - St. Kitts & Nevis Mr. Nkrumah Lucien - St. Lucia Mr. Randy Boucher - St. Vincent & The Grenadines Ms. Maud Fuller - Toronto Mr. Jerry Medford - Trinidad & Tobago Mr. Vernon Barrett - United Kingdom Ms. Sha-Shana Crichton - Washington DC UWIAA- Past Presidents Prof. Frank Alleyne - Barbados Dr. Lisa Johnson - Belize Dr. Kedrick Pickering - British Virgin Islands Mr. Ronald White - Florida Mrs. Beverley Pereira - Jamaica Mrs. Brenda Skeffrey - Jamaica Prof. Neville Ying - Jamaica Mrs. Patricia Sutherland - Jamaica Dr. Cameron Wilkinson - St. Kitts & Nevis Ms. Sheree Jemmotte - Montserrat Mr. Frederick Bowen - Trinidad & Tobago Mr. Ulric Warner - Trinidad & Tobago Mr. Daniel Sankar - Trinidad & Tobago Prof. Franklin Knight - Washington DC

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UWIEA - Presidents Eng. Hopeton Heron - Jamaica Eng. Clyde Philip - Trinidad & Tobago UWIMAA - Presidents Dr. Mike Hoyos - Barbados Dr. Karl Massiah - Canada Dr. Homer Bloomfield - Commonwealth of The Bahamas Dr. Victor Boodhoo - Florida (Central) Dr. Aileen Standard-Goldson - Jamaica Dr. Deo Singh - Trinidad & Tobago Dr. Gerry Groves - USA Tri-State UWIMAA - Past Presidents Dr. Jeff Massay - Barbados Dr. Robin Roberts - Commonwealth of The Bahamas Dr. Cecil Aird - Florida (Central) Dr. Novelle Kirwan - Florida (Central) Dr. Anna Matthews - Jamaica Dr. Peter Fletcher - Jamaica Dr. Sonia Henry-Heywood - Jamaica Dr. Aileen Standard-Goldson - Jamaica Dr. Richard Whitelocke - Jamaica Dr. Nadia Williams - Jamaica Dr. Wendell Guthrie - Jamaica Dr. R. E. David Thwaites - Jamaica Dr. Vijay Naraynsingh - Trinidad & Tobago Dr. Godfrey Rajkuma - Trinidad & Tobago Dr. Winston Mitchell - USA Tri-State Dr. Hardat Sukhdeo - USA Tri-State Dr. Kathleen Watson - USA Tri-State

Contents UWI DAY CELEBRATED

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UWI's 60th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

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SPOTLIGHT Cecile Clayton

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RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE Very Important Pelican

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UWI STAT NEWS Another Successful Island Visit by a UWI STAT Ambassador

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UWIAA PRESIDENT Randy Boucher (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)

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UWIAA CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating 20 Years The Toronto Chapter

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NEWS FROM CAVE HILL

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NEWS FROM MONA

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NEWS FROM ST. AUGUSTINE

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60th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCES

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RUN UWI RUN

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MEDICAL FOCUS

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UWI REGIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND

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On cover: UWI’s 60th Anniversary logo

Correction of name Vol. 3, Issue 1, page 18 Wendy Fitzwilliam

Alumni@UWI Editor: Celia Davidson Francis, Director of Alumni Relations, Office of the Vice Chancellor Sources: Student and Campus Newsletters, News Items and Announcements, Campus Communications and Public Relations Offices, Faculties, Departments, UWIAA, Campus Electronic Messaging Centres, School of Continuing Studies, the Open Campus, UWIMAA, UWI Medical Alumni Secretariat, Campus Alumni Offices, Office of Administration and others.

Photography: Nathaniel Stewart - third-year UWI student, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences and campus photographers.

Publishing Services: Stratcom Marketing Services Limited Yvonne Graham, graduate, Mona School of Business, UWI

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UWI Day 2008 UWI Day Celebrated Across the Caribbean region, Monday, January 7, 2008 was declared UWI Day. The UWI Day Proclamation was signed by the regional governments in each contributing country. The date holds special significance for UWI. On January 7, 1947, the first governing body of the University College of the West Indies (UCWI), assembled for its first meeting in the house of the British Council in Jamaica. It was at this first meeting that the decision was taken that the lands at Mona, Jamaica were most suitable for establishing the first campus of The University of the West Indies. The first official site of the UWI was in fact however at 62 Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston.

In 1946, when the formation of a regional University was agreed, Sir John Huggins, a former Governor of Jamaica, acquired the property at 62 Lady Musgrave Road for the University College of the West Indies and while the Mona

Campus was under construction, Dr. Thomas Taylor, who was the first Principal, arrived from England. He preferred to live in the upstairs section, rather than in a hotel, and the lower part of the building was used as offices.

The official opening of UWI as an institution took place at 62 Lady Musgrave Road on February 1, 1947, and it was a very simple affair, with a few prayers in the presence of Dr. Taylor’s wife Georgina, Philip Sherlock, the only other member of Faculty, Sylvia Dunkerly, the secretary and the first driver, Mr. George Errar. On October 3, 1948, the UCWI opened its doors to students and the Mona Campus was officially opened with 10 female and 23 male students (a total of 33) from across the Caribbean region. They attended the very first Faculty, the Faculty of Medicine.

Montserrat The Montserrat Chapter unveiled their UWIAA Airport Sign at Gerald’s Airport to mark UWI Day. Last year, the Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris, wrote to Mr. Norman Cassell, the Airport Manager at Gerald’s Airport in Montserrat requesting his support of a regional alumni initiative. The Chapters of the UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA) had the vision at the time to place a “Welcome Sign” at the international airports in all the UWI countries to assist with raising awareness and engendering loyalty within the Caribbean region. These signs will be sponsored by the UWIAA Chapters as well as maintained by them. They will increase public and international awareness about the regional Institution and enable UWI alumni to get in touch with other graduates and Chapters when travelling Airport sign mounted by UWI Alumni Association Montserrat Chapter on UWI Day, within the region, as contact information is also January 7, 2008. included. The UWIAA Montserrat Chapter was happy to have the kind cooperation of the airport staff for the media coverage they received about this important with mounting the sign on UWI Day, January 7, 2008, and moment for the UWI Alumni Association in Montserrat.

British Virgin Islands Dr. Marcia Potter, Head of the UWI Centre in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) reported that Premier Ralph O’Neal’s declaration of UWI Day was heard as scheduled on all their radio stations in the morning and again in the afternoon. In his introduction to the declaration, Premier O’Neal gave the UWI glowing kudos for its work in the region and highlighted how it has helped the British Virgin Islands in particular. He reconfirmed the continued

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support of his Government to the institution and stated that he was heartened to see that the UWI has begun to pay more attention to the small territories such as the BVI. He also encouraged alumni to give back to ‘this great Institution’. The Premier extended his best wishes to the Administration of the UWI for 2008 and for a successful year of celebrations.

UWI 60th Anniversary Celebrations Cave Hill Opens the 60th Year The UWI Cave Hill Campus opened the 60th Anniversary University-wide year of celebrations with a special Inter-Faith Service at the St. Mary’s Church on Saturday January 12, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. A Mass Choir performed featuring the Cavite Chorale, University Singers, Voices of Montserrat and the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica.

The grand opening celebrations culminated with a free Gala Concert at the Frank Collymore Hall on Sunday 13th January, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Featured performers were the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica, Cavite Chorale, University Singers, Voices of Montserrat and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Chorus.

UWIAA President (Washington D.C.) Ms. Sha-Shana Crichton was among those who attended and she represented her Chapter at this historic event, which was organised by the Cave Hill Campus Team led by Dr. Leighton Jackson.

Cave Hill celebrates UWI’s 60th Anniversary with music, prayer and dance.

UWIAA Florida Celebrates UWI’s 60th Year The UWIAA Florida Chapter held the first official signature 60th Anniversary UWIAA Chapter event on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the Las Palmas Holiday Inn in Ft. Lauderdale. It was an Awards Banquet and Dance which lasted from 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. – and it was wonderful!

The Awardees were Dr. Cecil Aird, medical practitioner and surgeon, and Mr. Earl Jarrett, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society, for their support of UWI and/or the Florida Chapter and for excelling in their chosen fields.

They were given beautiful Pelican Awards. The Consul General to Jamaica, C. P. Ricardo Allicock and Ambassador Sue Cobb, former US Ambassador to Jamaica, brought special greetings, as did the University Director of Alumni Relations, Celia Davidson Francis.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris, was the Keynote Speaker and Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires were the featured artistes with an appearance by Junior Soul. The event was well attended and the dinner was delicious. One could have a photo taken as a memento of the occasion with US$2 of the US$7 cost going to UWI. There was also a general appeal for pledges to be taken after dinner and at least two persons made US$500.00 pledges, with others making $250 and US$100 pledges as well.

Many alumni as well as “friends” of UWI were present. The Bahamas Chapter supported the event (eight came over

Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris (2nd left) with Dr. Cecil Aird, Pelican Awardee (3rd left) and members of the UWIAA Florida Chapter, from right - Miriam White, Leon Roberts, Glaister Ayr, Ronald White, Margaret Barrett and President, Anthony Williams.

from Nassau) and Chapter President Mrs. A. Missouri Sherman-Peter gave wonderful “reflections” of her time at UWI before the Vice Chancellor spoke. The Caribbean Consuls General also supported the event and there were other “Caribbeans” making it a really regional event.

Anthony Williams and his UWIAA Chapter team, especially Margaret Barrett, Leon Roberts, Glaister Ayr and Ronald and Miriam White, are to be commended for starting the 60th Anniversary year in grand “Pelican” style.

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60th Celebrations in the Region Mona starts off the 60th in fine style At Mona, the yearlong celebrations began with a Service of Thanksgiving at the University Chapel on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. and was followed immediately after by a tree planting ceremony at Founders’ Park. Other activities throughout the year include the annual Commemoration Celebrations and Alumni Week in February, a student awards ceremony in April, several conferences and a special awards ceremony for members of staff in December. A special Convocation Week and Gathering of Graduates will be held at Mona from July 12 -19, 2008. This will be attended by alumni and supporters from across the world.

This year’s University Parade which opened the Commemoration Celebrations and Alumni Week at Mona included Dr. Muriel Veronica Lowe Valentine who marched proudly with other members of the very first class of 1948. She was one of only ten women included in the first 33 students that had the honour of being selected to be a founding student of the University College of the West Indies as it then was.

Dr. Muriel Lowe (centre) marches with other members of the 1948 class.

She graduated from University College of the West Indies in 1956. In 1986 she was awarded the Order of Distinction (officer class) by the Government of Jamaica, and in 2005 was given the Distinguished Medical Alumni Award by the UWI Medical Alumni Association.

She was awarded the Pelican Award by the UWI Alumni Association (Jamaica Chapter) in February 2008 in recognition of her sterling contribution to Medicine in Jamaica and her length of service to the profession. She is still going strong and we acknowledge and celebrate the “1948 student” with great Pelican Pride.

60th Celebrations in the British Virgin Islands On Saturday February 23, 2008, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) hosted its first activity, a fund-raising dinner at the Lambert Beach Resort, Tortola. On Sunday February 24, 2008 a Thanksgiving Ceremony was held at the New Testament Church of God International Worship Center at Baugher’s Bay. At this service, tribute was paid to those persons who served as UWI Representatives, Liaison Officers and Resident Tutors in the British Virgin Islands: Dr. Norwell Harrigan (deceased, represented by his son), Canon Keith Bishop, Dr. Pearl Varlack, Mr. Henry Creque (deceased, represented by his daughter), Mr. Carlisle Scott (deceased, represented by his wife), Mrs. Eugenie Todman-Smith, Mr. George Clough (deceased, his wife was not able to attend), Mrs. Barbara DeCastro (deceased, represented by her son), Dr. Charles Wheatley, Dr. Michael O’Neal and Mr. Ian Austin. Also mentioned were those persons who served as Representatives when the British Virgin Islands were tied to the Leeward Islands and served by Representatives out of Antigua or St. Kitts in the 1950s: Professor Douglas Hall (deceased), Mr. Stanley Sharpe and Dr. Leonard Shorey. The Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris officiated at both events. Other events will take place later in the year, and will include a Distinguished Lecture by Professor Neville Duncan.

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UWI 60th Golf Classic The Jamaica Golf Association/UWI Golf Development Foundation was established in 1998. It was agreed then that each year a Golf Tournament would be held to raise funds to create and maintain a Scholarship Fund to enable suitably qualified and talented persons to acquire tertiary education at the UWI while pursuing excellence in the sport of golf.

As a part of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations, on Sunday, July 13 during the Special Convocation Week being held at the Mona Campus, the eleventh staging of the UWI Golf Classic will take place at the panoramic Caymanas Golf & Country Club just outside Kingston. It is hoped that alumni from all 15 of the UWI countries will participate.

Players will complete an 18-hole course in groups of four, individual Modified Stableford format, off full USGA Handicap. There are many fabulous prizes to be won but the top golfer in the competition will be awarded the coveted Vice Chancellor’s Trophy. Entry fee is US$100 which includes the green fees, cart & caddie, tee gift, range balls, UWI 60th souvenir golf shirt, continental breakfast and on-course refreshment and Awards Cocktail Reception.

Registration Forms are available on the 60th Anniversary website (www.uwi.edu/uwi60)

Spotlight

Cecile Clayton, Born 1948, the same year as UWI Memories of my Mona Campus student life 1966-1969 was a truly exciting time to have been on the Mona Campus. With no exceptions, all my batchmates acknowledge that those three years on campus were the most memorable of their entire lives. Taylor Hall, to which I was assigned initially as a commuting student (in those days, freshmen had to get the permission of the Hall Warden to live “off-campus”), had begun just the year before to accept female students. In the year I came on, about half of these ladies were repeating their first year which just goes to show what went on and how little work was done in that inaugural year! I soon discovered that living off campus was the pits as I was missing out on all the fun, particularly during freshman week, so naturally, I began “squatting” and made sure to register for the second term as a bona fide boarder.

We undergraduates were really right: Cecile Clayton, her daughter Kira and Bette Grant-Otunla, her friend since the first day she entered spoiled back then. Hall life From UWI. Bette is also Kira’s godmother. revolved around meals and the dining room to which we trekked German, which was introduced as an experiment in my five times each day. You read correctly! We were treated first year. We ‘guinea pigs’ had to register for and carry a to breakfast, mid-morning break, lunch, four-o’-clock tea fourth subject as a back-up, in case we couldn’t meet the and dinner. Dinner was formal during week days – with challenge of reaching at least ‘O-Level’ reading standard ‘guest night’ on Fridays – and ‘informal’ on weekends. by the end of the first term. It was just as well, since the The difference between formal and informal was that we initial class of twenty-four dwindled to six by the end of wore academic gowns at formal dinners and were served the trial period. (the waiters were students, mostly Medical Science students who ‘hogged’ these much sought-after positions).

Friendships made during my undergraduate years have The food was generally good and plentiful. I shake my endured through the years. A student I befriended on my head in amazement when I recall how much food ended very first day – Bette Grant, who registered for the same up in the garbage (or more likely, as ‘dog food’) as our subjects I did – is still my best friend today. Fellow appetites were usually much larger than the capacity of Taylorites such as Marva Bernard (nee Green), Bloss our stomachs.

McDonnough and Horton Dolphin, Joe Pereira and Bev Brown, Ralph Gonsalves, Ronnie Young and Neville Ying As much as I enjoyed Hall life, I loved the academic side have remained my good friends throughout the ensuing even more. There was so much going on and we felt years. We share a unique experience, of being young and fortunate to be taught by really outstanding faculty, carefree during the exciting sixties (what with Black including Eddie Baugh, Jean DaCosta, Mervyn Alleyne, Power sit-ins, student demonstrations and ‘the Rodney Sheila Wynter, Gabriel Coulthard and the young Herr Affair’) and we still cherish fond memories of those glory Breitinger from Tübingen University. I did a General years at UWI. Honours degree in Modern Languages, including

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Recognising Excellence

Very Important Pelican (VIP) Stephan G. Gift is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. He is probably best known for his challenge of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in the local media.

Underlying his challenge is his Gravi-strong Theory, a new theory that he developed and which, he believes better explains gravitational action. Among other research activities, he has developed a new model of Magnetism that explains chemical reactivity, covalent bonds and molecular shapes.

New Names for Familiar Places at UWI The Old Arts Teaching Block at Mona, to be re-named ‘The Roy Augier Building’.

The Science Library at Mona, to be re-named in honour of Professor Leslie Robinson, ‘The L.R.B. Robinson Science Library’.

Professor Gift is however not just a theoretical scientist who has made a significant contribution to engineering science by his new theories of magnetism and gravity. He is a research scientist who has promoted and spearheaded programmes of research and development leading to innovations in micro-circuitry and electronics for the benefit of the local industry and the Caribbean as a whole.

The Theatre in the Errol Barrow Centre for the Creative Imagination (EBCCI), Cave Hill to be re-named ‘The Walcott Warner Theatre’ in honour of St. Lucian Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott and Barbadian Playwright/Director, Earl Warner.

During his 12 years as the Director of the Research and Development Centre of TSTT (Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago), Professor Gift led a team of engineers that developed and implemented several advanced micro-processor based systems which improved the company’s efficiency. They included the Subscriber Pair Identifier (SPI) for verifying telephone records, a device that has been patented internationally. He also developed cost-saving maintenance procedures for a wide range of electronic equipment used by the company. His earlier work on Electronic and Control Systems at the UWI, where he initially lectured, undoubtedly contributed to the success of his initiatives at TSTT.

The buildings comprising the dance studio, music room/gallery, administration, lecture room and practice rooms at the EBCCI, Cave Hill, to be named ‘The Rex Nettleford Performance Complex’ in honour of Vice Chancellor Emeritus Professor the Hon. Rex Nettleford.

Professor Stephan G. Gift

Professor Gift also led a research programme on analogue electronics activities at the UWI which involves exploring new and improved methods and devices for power transmission and amplification. He also developed a low-cost Internet access appliance for use in schools, and a system for the remote reading of electricity meters via the telephone network. His innovation, the Low Cost Spectrum Analyser, which was entered in the Prime Minister’s Awards for Innovation and Invention 2002, can determine the frequency components in a signal.

Professor Gift has published extensively in international journals. He was recently elected a Fellow of the Association of Professional Engineers. His brilliance has also earned him several awards most notably the following: Special Award of Merit for Innovation in the field of Electronics Prime Minister’s Awards for Innovation and Invention 2002 BPTT Fellowship, 2002 UWI Guild of Graduates Pelican Award for Excellence in Science and Technology, 1993 Young Innovators Award, Ministry of Culture, 1986

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The Teaching Centre (EBCCI), Cave Hill, to be named ‘The George Lamming Pedagogical Centre’ in honour of noted Barbadian novelist, critic and essayist, George Lamming.

The Main Walkway (EBCCI), Cave Hill, to be named ‘The Toussaint L’Ouverture Way’ in honour of Haitian freedom fighter, Toussaint L’Ouverture.

UWI STAT News Another Successful island visit by a

UWI STAT Ambassador

UWI STAT Ambassador Huanna French arrived in Montserrat on Wednesday 27th February 2008 and she was met by members of the UWI Alumni Association (Montserrat Chapter) including President Miss Laurine Fenton, floor member, Miss Ann Marie Dewar (who hosted Ambassador French) and Mrs. Delena Lynch-Mason, Senior Administrative Assistant at the University Centre.

Gracelyn Cassell Head - UWI Centre, Montserrat

On the following morning, the UWI Centre organised for Ambassador French to meet with officials in the Ministry of Education, including the Minister, the Honourable John Osborne and the Permanent Secretary, Miss Claudette Weekes.

The Minister reiterated his interest in seeing the delivery of practical skills training programmes to reduce the need for bringing experts from overseas whenever equipment needed repairs.

respectively. The discussions with Mr. Taylor were quite useful since he wanted to know how the University could assist with issues such as diversity in a school where 50% of the student and teaching populations were nonnational. He also voiced his concern for the young people in the community and the impact of popular culture such as lyrics in songs, and the widespread adoption of North American language and dress. He wondered if the University was addressing these issues. He also mentioned the need to have training programmes for the parents of students so that they would also be familiar with the technologies being used by youngsters.

Ambassador French was able to meet with fifth formers and one of the issues raised in discussion with this group was that of being able to do a general degree at The University of the West Indies if there was uncertainty as to which career path would be taken. The L – R: Miss Ann Marie Dewar, Mrs. Delena Lynch-Mason, weekly meeting of the Catholic Miss Laurine Fenton and Ambassador Huanna French on Youth Council on Friday provided arrival at the airport. an opportunity for Ambassador Ambassador French participated in the brief Opening French to meet with this group.

Ceremony for the Open Day and Careers Fair at the University Centre. This was covered by the press and On Saturday morning, the following morning, her remarks were aired as part of representatives of the the news on the local radio station. The activities Youth Parliament, the for Thursday afternoon included a courtesy call on Youth Council and the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Rotaract met with Administration, Mrs. Daphne Cassell, who highlighted Ambassador French at the need for Senior Managers to have skills in negotiating the University Centre contracts and an understanding of public law. She and had spirited mentioned that Professor Simeon McIntosh from the discussions on the Faculty of Law at Cave Hill had been instrumental in issues of the prevention getting public servants exposed to training in public law of HIV/AIDS in the but it was recognised that this training needed to be Caribbean, as well as continued. the advocacy of the CSME for the region. L – R: Mr. Alric Taylor, Principal, Montserrat Secondary School, Ambassador French As part of the discussion on issues with youth, In the evening, she met and students. Teacher, Mrs. Cleo Cassell is Ambassador French was able to talk about programmes at with a small group of at extreme right. the Cave Hill Campus such as Team Building and the members of the Alumni Mentorship Programme offered by Student Services. She Association and was interviewed for radio. also spoke about extra-curricular activities such as Cricket, Music, the Photography Club, the Inter-Faith The visit was useful in identifying potential areas for Christian Fellowship and opportunities to participate in further collaboration with other institutions within the professional dramatic productions. community and for heightening awareness about issues affecting our youngsters. Ambassador French was able to Friday morning saw Ambassador French paying courtesy share information on scholarships and programmes of calls on the Principals of the Montserrat Secondary relevance to the interests of the youngsters she met. There School and the Montserrat Community College where she is no doubt that the exchange made the University more met with Mr. Alric Taylor and Mr. Paul Payne visible with this group on the island.

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UWIAA President

Randy Boucher

President, UWIAA St. Vincent and The Grenadines Randy Boucher, former UWI STAT Ambassador (Mona) is now an Alumni Ambassador who has taken the lead in his home country of St. Vincent, and helped to organise the recent launch of the UWIAA (St. Vincent and The Grenadines) along with the Head of the UWI Centre, Dr. Adrian Fraser. He says he is happy to serve as the new President and is pleased to fulfill the Vice Chancellor’s mandate of promoting UWI and encouraging participation an d loyalty to his Alma Mater. He is confident that his Executive Team made up of Hugh Whylie (Vice President),

Timothy Scott (Treasurer), Janeil Henry (Secretary) Sylvia Sutherland (Assistant Treasurer) and Pearl McMaster (PRO) will assist.

Randy attended The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica from 2003-2006 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. Prior to attending UWI he studied at St. Vincent Teachers’ College (1998-2000) where he obtained a Teacher’s Certificate.

While at UWI he was President of the Vincentian Student Association Jamaica Chapter (2006-2007); Vice Chancellor’s Student Ambassador (UWI STAT 2006); Cluster Representative, Jimmy Cliff Cluster (Rex Nettleford Hall, 2004-2005) and a member of the UWI Geographical Society (2003-2005).

Randy is now employed as a Graduate Teacher at St. Vincent Grammar School where he teaches Geography, Caribbean History and Social Studies.

He is a member of New Life Music Ministry and enjoys cricket and volley ball. His favourite quote: “I am in tune with the upward progressive movement of life and the mark of success is upon me.” (anonymous).

Appointments UWI Lecturer appointed Chairman of CARICOM Commission Dr. Kusha Haraksingh, Head of the Department of History, UWI (St. Augustine), has been sworn in as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Competition Commission. The Commission’s main role is to apply the rules of competition, promote and protect competition, co-ordinate the implementation of Competition Policy, and monitor anticompetitive business conduct.

Director of IIR elected to ISA Council Professor Timothy Shaw, Director of the Institute of International Relations (IIR) has been elected as a non-North American representative to the Governing Council of the International Studies Association (ISA) to serve in 2009 (New York) and 2010 (New Orleans). The ISA was founded by a group of scholars and practitioners in 1959 to pursue mutual interests in international studies.

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Representing eighty countries, ISA has over four thousand members worldwide and is the most respected and widely known scholarly association in this field.

Conferral of the title Professor Emeritus/Emerita The University of the West Indies upon the approval of the Finance and General Purposes Committee has conferred the title of Professor Emerita on former Pro Vice Chancellor, Board of Undergraduate Studies, UWI, Mona, Professor Marlene Hamilton and former Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal, UWI, Mona, Professor Elsa Leo-Rhynie.

From the Cave Hill Campus the following retired professors have also been conferred with the title Professor Emeritus: Professor Mark McWatt, Professor Winston King and Professor Alvin Thompson.

At the St. Augustine Campus Professor Lawrence Carrington, Professor St. Clair King and Professor Harold Ramkissoon have been bestowed with the title Professor Emeritus.

UWIAA Chapter Highlights Celebrating 20 Years The Toronto Chapter of the UWI Alumni Association

How we came to be

by Maud Fuller President The Toronto Chapter of the UWI Alumni Association began its life as an ‘ad hoc’ committee of the Guild of Graduates. We had been the first to clamour for a name change from Guild of Graduates to Alumni Association, influenced greatly by North American usage and by strict observance of meaning. ALUMNI is a more embracing, inclusive nomenclature as members may not have graduated but most definitely had attended the University.

How fortuitous that this Chapter’s 20th should coincide with the University’s 60th! And thereby hangs a tale.

After a breakfast visit to a Mona Campus cafeteria (old dining-hall), I was left speechless with disbelief at the miniscule amount of food that students were splitting in two—some for breakfast and some for lunch. As one who is a practitioner of healthy eating, this, to me, was bordering on the inhumane. The year was 1987 and on Labour Day, a small group of teachers had a get-together.

Mr. Winston Davis, a senior Assistant Registrar from Mona was visiting Toronto and he was able to corroborate and elaborate on Campus hunger. It stirred up enough dissatisfaction that Jean Patterson was moved to join me in committing ourselves to help alleviate the hunger. Mr. Davis reminded us that the University would turn 40 in 1988, and that provided the impetus to get something going. We used the upcoming 40th anniversary to lure more than 120 people to join us for a luncheon in February 1988. We made every effort to raise $40,000 for the 40th anniversary. Of course, we did not realise that sum by October 1988 and consoled ourselves with the acknowledgement that the goal was overly ambitious for such a short time.

The following year we surpassed our goal and learned a valuable lesson about fund-raising—a pledge is meaningless until you collect; people do renege for a variety of reasons. We hit upon the idea of concerts held biennially, since the Annual General ‘Meating’ (the luncheon) was not generating enough money to honour our commitment of funding a needy student’s bursary on all of the three campuses. For the most part, the featured artistes were alumni, and therefore sympathetic to our cause: The University Singers (three times); Garth Fagan Dance (once); Marjorie Whylie (three times); Sparrow (once) and Touch of Elegance (once). It is these concerts that have sustained our Scholarship/Bursary Programme over the years.

Jerry Medford, Alumnus Representative presenting Maud Fuller with a token of appreciation in recognition of 20 years of sterling service to the UWI at the recent CEC 2008 meeting held at Mona .

People seemed content to attend the Annual Luncheon and receive an annual newsletter which provides an overview of the going-ons at the University and proposals for the upcoming year. With the constant reminder that we exist to serve the University to the best of our individual abilities, we have managed to retain a small stream of ever-givers and sometime-givers and have continued to urge the large lake of never-givers to give back a little teeny bit. On that note of giving, we depend on a cadre of doctors to ‘seed’ our concerts. We enjoy a cozy co-existence with the Medical Alumni Association. Many members attend the Annual Luncheon and participate in extra-ordinary activities. When we held our first Founder’s Day Celebration, it was the doctors who made the best showing and contribution.

We have hosted Sir Philip Sherlock, Sir Alister McIntyre, the Hon. Rex Nettleford, Sir George Alleyne and the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris and in times of disaster, we rise to the occasion with healthy donations. On a visit to Mona, I observed the inconvenience of inadequate facilities for the commuting student body. We raised money to help with the expansion of the Commuting Students’ Lounge. The one proviso was that it should function more as a mini-learning centre and Continued on page 12

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UWIAA Chapter Highlights (cont’d) not just as a “kick-back” hangout. Over 20 years we have changed some committee members but continue to focus on regional distribution and campus distribution as well.

(So far, we have had Barbadian representation but not Cave Hill representation.) Instead of membership fees, the Toronto Chapter implores people to make a yearly contribution of whatever amount they can afford and be rewarded with a tax receipt. The response has been healthy but far from robust. We avoid such expenses as rental for committee meetings by gathering in homes where “snacks” are meals provided by the host/hostess for that meeting. We convene meetings as necessary, not by annual schedule. Our dedicated secretary, Jean Patterson (Archer), has to e-mail and answer the call for data-base updates and deal with a lot more.

How are we linking our 20th with the University’s 60th?

We will design a GIANT GREETING CARD. On one side—A BOUQUET of BEST WISHES—the names of alumni and well-wishers will be inscribed. On the other side—PLAUDITS and APPLAUSES—messages of congratulations to the University will be recorded. The card will generate some revenue and will be ready for

DISPLAY at our Gala Luncheon on May 18, 2008. It will then go on display during Convocation Week at Mona, July 12 – 19, 2008. We hope to present it with our Chapter’s contribution to the Endowment Fund. But that’s not the end for us. In October 2008, we will put a new twist to our Founders’ Day event—still a celebration followed by a reception. But the In-Sanctuary Celebration will feature visiting Voices of Symphony, and showcase talents that reside among us. The reception will be more secular with the inevitable feasting. We hope that every Caribbean consulate will be represented. We continue to serve by maintaining our Scholarship Fund with stronger emphasis on neediness and by responding to requests as best as we can.

As I begin to warble the strains of an overly-mature cygnet, I am confident that the new leadership of 2009 will uphold our reputation and extend our reach. I have had a fulfilling 20 years of stewardship and am convinced that both the Chapter at 20 has plenty more to come and that the University at 60 is but a Diamond-in-the-Rough.

Complacency would be the death knell. Thank you for allowing me to serve!

St. Kitts & Nevis Celebrate UWI 60th Anniversary The UWIAA St. Kitts and Nevis Chapter

will

be

supporting

the

University Centre, Resident Tutor and Staff at the Service of Celebration on Sunday, April 20, 2008, as the University’s 60th Anniversary is recognised. They look forward to seeing many members and graduates on this special occasion.

Engineering Council (UK) credential for the UWI Engineering graduates & CPD activities for the Practicing Engineers Eng. Clyde Phillip, President of the UWIEA (Trinidad) has advised that systems are “now in place” for the UWI engineering graduates to obtain their IEng, CEng and, eventually, the IntPE credentials. He believes “given the present competitive ‘tertiary level institution’ markets, this is certainly a boost for engineers”.

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He also stated that the 2008/2009 series of Human Resource Interventions (HRIs) are being completed for existing practicing engineers to satisfy the requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for their professional development units.

News from Cave Hill 2008 – Year of George Lamming Students at Cave Hill will have the coveted opportunity to receive instruction from a Caribbean literary icon as internationally-acclaimed Barbadian writer George Lamming will be the writer-in-residence at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI) in 2008.

As the Distinguished Honorary Fellow in Creative Writing at the Centre, Lamming will deliver weekly seminars on creative writing. He will also deliver a number of public lectures, conduct relevant work as patron and consultant editor with Bim Arts for the 21st Century and be available, by appointment, to staff and students for consultations.

Lamming has been recognised by the UWI through having 2008 designated as the ‘Year of George Lamming’ at the Cave Hill Campus; as well as having the pedagogical centre at the Errol Barrow Centre re-named as The George Lamming Pedagogical Centre. The Campus will further honour the celebrated writer when it hosts the UWI George Lamming International Symposium later in the academic year. Director of the EBCCI Professor Gladstone Yearwood said: “Lamming is a national treasure and his residence will help the Centre to strengthen its work in the arts and develop its programme in creative writing. He added that Barbados’ wider arts community would also benefit from Lamming’s visit through the fiction writing master class.

Lamming has led a distinguished career as a Caribbean intellectual, literary artist, teacher, poet, novelist, broadcaster and critic. He published his first and most highly acclaimed novel, In the Castle of My Skin in 1953.

Among his non-fiction writings, are Conversations: Essays, Addresses and Interviews 1953-1990 (1992) and Conversations II: Western Education & the Caribbean Intellectual (2000). He has contributed to many important

George Lamming in action.

literary journals, both poetry and short fiction anthologies and has edited the Barbados and Guyana Independence issues of New World Quarterly and Cannon Shot and Glass Beads: Modern Black Writing. He has also received fellowships and awards including the Somerset Maugham Award for Literature; a Guggenheim Fellowship; the Brachaman Award from Yale University; the Martin Luther King Award; the Casa de Las Americas Award and the Henry Sylvester Williams Award, Trinidad, for Outstanding Achievement in the Pan African Century. He has also held prestigious academic positions and lectured at universities in the region, the United States and as far afield as Denmark, Tanzania and Australia.

Cave Hill launches MSc in Labour Relations The Cave Hill Campus is leading an initiative that could bring enlightenment and greater mutuality to industrial relations. The Faculty of Social Sciences, as part of its strategic programme for the development of postgraduate studies, has launched the Master of Science in Labour and Employment Relations. The first cohort of students has been accepted to start the programme.

The programme is intended to enhance their preparedness for careers in such fields as human resource management, labour and industrial relations, labour economics, trade union practice and labour research. This programme will develop a cadre of graduate students who will be provided with a comprehensive level of understanding of labour history and employment issues in the workplace.

This programme was developed because of the national, regional and international forces that impact on employment relations at organisational and wider macro-economic environments in the Caribbean, and the need for developing a cadre of professionals to influence strategic and day to day responses to such phenomena in shaping the labour and employment relations agenda in the region. The main focus is the strengthening of participants’ knowledge and practical experience in employment relations issues.

The programme is twelve months of full time study including core courses, electives, a practicum or dissertation. Graduates will have advanced abilities in analysis and independent work which will equip them for response to emerging circumstances and issues in the workplace, as well as the tools for contributing to improved management of employment relations at the enterprise and wider levels of the economy.

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News from Mona The annual Commemoration Celebrations and Alumni Week at the Mona Campus organised by the Public Relations Office, took place from February 1422. The Celebrations officially started with the Opening and Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday, February 14 at 5 p.m. The flags of contributing countries were flown as a symbol of the regional nature of the University.

Launch of Caribbean Health Leadership Institute

The Caribbean region was showcased by students in their national dress at Caribbean Day 2008.

The Commemoration Celebrations included several activities such as: the Career Expo; Caribbean Day, where clubs and societies showcased the culture of the UWI’s contributing countries; a UWI Track and Field Invitational; a Church Service and Concert and Pelican Awards. The concert featured performances by Carol Gonsalez, Joan Andrea Hutchinson and Nickeisha Barnes among others. The 2008 Pelican awards were presented to Drs. Henry Lowe, Knox Hagley and Muriel Lowe, Honourable Dennis Lalor, and Professor Franklin Knight.

For the first time, “Mona Moonlighting” was held in the Chapel Gardens on February 21 and featured Dean Fraser, Tarrus Riley and Seretse Small with poetry readings from Yasus Afari, Mutabaruka and others. The week ended with a dinner at the Mona Visitor’s Lodge and Conference Centre on February 22 where the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Patrick Manning delivered the keynote address.

Each year, the Commemoration Celebrations are dedicated to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Institution. For 2008, the honoree selected was Library Educator, Professor Daphne Douglas, former head of the Department of Library Studies at Mona. These celebrations commemorate the founding of the University and are part of efforts by the Campus to engender a greater sense of belonging, develop a feeling of camaraderie among staff, students and graduates as well as to highlight the regional nature of the University.

The plan to establish a Caribbean Health Leadership Institute (CHLI) received the official endorsement from the Ministers responsible for Health in the Caribbean at their caucus in Washington D. C. on September 30, 2007. The CHLI is due to be launched by The University of the West Indies through the office of the UWI HIV/AIDS Response Programme (UWIHARP). Dr. Brendan Bain, Professor of Community Health and Lead Coordinator of UWIHARP will direct the Institute at its inception.

The establishment of CHLI, UWIHARP creates a partnership between the Instructional Development Unit at UWI and the Mona School of Business with the North Carolina Institute of Public Health and the Centre for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina. The CHLI, UWIHARP will receive a five-year grant of US$2 million from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to US$60,000.00 from the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against AIDS.

Induction of Prime Ministers The Hon. Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica and the Hon. David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados were both inducted recently into the park at UWI Mona, which is dedicated to UWI graduates who are or have been Heads of Government in the Caribbean.

From left, Prime Minister Golding and Pro Vice Chancellor Shirley congratulate Prime Minister Thompson who is admiring the plaque bearing his name.

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Prime Minister Bruce Golding (second right) at his induction ceremony with (from left), Professor Gordon Shirley, Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor, UWI Mona, Professor E. Nigel Harris, Vice Chancellor and Sir George Alleyne, Chancellor.

‘Aging - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ The Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences hosted the Inaugural Lecture entitled ‘Aging- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’. It was a part of the UWI’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations and was given

by Professor Denise EldemireShearer, Professor of Public Health & Aging, who serves as Head, Department of Community Health & Psychiatry. It took place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2008 in the Main Medical Lecture Theatre (University Hospital).

News from St. Augustine The UWI Institute of International Relations presented a panel discussion entitled “The Socio-Economic and Political Implications of Fidel Castro’s Retirement” on Thursday 21st February. Panelists included Dr. Mark Kirton, Prof. Vaughan Lewis, Dr. Lancelot Cowie and the Cuban Ambassador, His Excellency Sergio Publio Oliva Guerra.

The Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine hosted an open day for Secondary Schools and the general public on January 17 and 18, 2008 at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. The Veterinary School had a selection of displays and booths from local stakeholders related to Veterinary Medicine and was aimed at increasing visibility of the School of Veterinary Medicine to high school/science students and the public at large.

Professor Lexley Pinto Pereira, Professor of Pharmacology, presented her Professorial Inaugural Lecture entitled, “Sneezes, Wheezes and Uptight Lungs” on Thursday 17th January, 2008 at the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

Her lecture took attendees on a historical journey into the family tree of Pharmacology. Focusing on the study of asthma in children in Trinidad, it highlighted asthmatic children’s visits to the emergency room, triggers of disease exacerbations, treatments and patient perceptions of wellness.

BBC Feature on the work of UWI Physics Department A documentary created by Mrs. Pauline Davies about the Trinidad Pitch Lake, was broadcast in January 2008 on the BBC World Service and Trinidad FM 98.7. This documentary highlighted the astrobiology work being done by Dr. Shirin Haque’s group in the UWI Physics Department as well as collaborators in the USA.

Aluminium Smelting: Health, Environmental and Engineering Perspectives The publication, ‘Aluminium Smelting: Health, Environmental and Engineering Perspectives’ gives important information on the controversial new industrial process that is to be introduced to the Caribbean: Aluminium Smelting.

The book is written by a variety of experts and edited by Professor Clement Sankat, Campus Principal; Professor Mukesh Khare, Dr. Gyan Shrivastava and Professor Chintanapalli Venkobachar all members of the Faculty of Engineering, St. Augustine Campus. Copies may be ordered directly from Ian Randle Publishers, or purchased at the University Bookstore or Keith Khan Bookstores.

The Faculty of Engineering hosted a seminar entitled, “Development of a Behaviour Based Quality Management System for SMEs in Trinidad” on Monday 18th February, 2008. The seminar was presented by Mr. Terrence Lalla.

‘Musicanova’ The University of the West Indies (UWI), Centre for Creative and Festival Arts (CCFA) hosted their second Musicanova concert on Sunday 17th February, 2008 at the School of Continuing Studies Auditorium, St. Augustine. The concert, an undertaking of the Music Literacy Trust, was a celebration of original musical compositions created specifically for the steelpan.

“The Art of Darkness, Relating the Francophone Caribbean” The Faculty of Humanities and Education hosted a lecture by J. Michael Dash, Professor of French at New York University, entitled, “The Art of Darkness, Relating the Francophone Caribbean” on Thursday 7th February, 2008. Professor Dash has published Literature and Ideology in Haiti (1981), Haiti and the United States (1988), The Other America (1998) and Culture and Customs of Haiti (2001). He has translated Edouard Glissant’s The Ripening (1985), Caribbean Discourse (1989) and Monsieur Toussaint (2005).

Lecture by Dr. Gregory Chin The Institute of International Relations (IIR) along with the Faculty of Social Sciences hosted a lecture to mark the start of the Chinese New Year on Friday 8th February, 2008. The title of the lecture was, “In the Shadow of Great Power-Emerging Power Rivalry: Rising China and the Caribbean Region” and it was presented by Dr. Gregory Chin of York University, Toronto. Dr. Chin is the author of a new monograph entitled “China’s Automotive Modernisation: The Development State and Rival Firms, 1978-2001”. He is also a fellow of the Centre for International Governance Innovation and has held a research fellowship at Peking University. He now teaches Global Politics and Asian Political Economy at York University, Toronto, Canada.

Professorial Inaugural Lecture The Faculty of Engineering hosted the Professorial Inaugural Lecture by Professor Timothy Lewis on February 21, 2008. It was entitled, “Economics and Construction” and investigated the eight Millennium Development Goals, with specific milestone dates set, the interplay of economics and engineering and whether they will determine success or failure. It is this interplay that was highlighted by Professor Lewis, as it has been the subject of his research for more than three decades now. Trinidad & Tobago provides an unusual case study in development and the interactions between economics and construction in that process.

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60th Anniversary Conferences “Caribbean Impact, Global Reach” Global Reggae: Jamaican Popular Music A Yard and Abroad” was the theme for the first of its kind Global Reggae Conference hosted by the Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences, UWI, Mona on February 18-24, 2008.

The conference explored and celebrated Jamaican culture at its best. In addition, it highlighted the global impact of Jamaican popular culture, provided a platform for the discussion of reggae’s influence in various cultural contexts, showcased the work of stakeholders including artists, scholars and entrepreneurs and exposed emerging reggae talent through daily concerts. A major objective of the conference was to help define priority growth markets for the reggae music industry.

During the week of activities, conference presenters documented and analysed the roots and rise of Jamaican popular music, technological transformation and the social, political and business aspects of reggae. The conference had keynote speakers from all continents assessing the reception and adaptation of reggae in their region.

The conference also featured a varied entertainment package including a fashion show, photographic exhibition and concert with several reggae artistes.

This tradition started in 1996 when the inaugural Conference on Caribbean Culture was convened, on the initiative of Dr. Barry Chevannes, Professor of Anthropology, to celebrate the distinguished intellectual legacy of Professor the Hon. Rex Nettleford, Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of The University of the West Indies. The second Culture Conference paid tribute to Barbadian historian and poet, Professor Kamau Brathwaite. This third Conference on Caribbean Culture focused not on a single giant but on a mass movement of popular consciousness.

The Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mona Campus, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, Hennepin County Medical Centre, Vanderbilt University, and the Ministry of Health, Jamaica staged the second annual conference “Advancements In Medicine 2008” from February 21 – 23, at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel.

There were 52 local and overseas presenters covering a wide range of topics in 15 scientific sessions over two days.

Two workshops were held, one of which was “Human Trafficking” led by Judge LaJune Lange, Head of the International Leadership Institute and involving participants from the Embassy of the United States and the Ministry of Justice, Jamaica. The second workshop was on Medical/Educational collaboration for the hospitalised and disabled child.

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“The Roots of Psychology: Theory, Research and Practice” was the theme of the seventh (7th) annual Psychology Conference hosted by the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work, from February 13-15, 2008. A new theory, Social Affirmation Theory, which explores collective strategies and resources in constructing and stabilising self in everyday life in the Caribbean context was the highlight of the Opening Ceremony on February 13, 2008 at 5 p.m. at the Undercroft, UWI, Mona. Clement Branche, Head, Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work, UWI, Mona, delivered the keynote address.

Over the three days of the conference there were panel discussions, presentations and movie showing at the Multifunctional Room of the Main Library, UWI, Mona.

Other topics being discussed at the conference included: “Socialisation, Enculturation and Acculturation” which explored how Caribbean immigrants adapt to new environment particularly in USA and Canada. In addition, research on “School Factors Associated with Depression in a Jamaican High School Cohort,” which examines how school engagement, school climate, parental support for education and school prestige are associated with levels of depression was explored along with the topic of “Career Opportunities in Psychology”.

Reinventing the Political Economy Tradition of the Caribbean: SALISES 9th Annual Conference Wednesday 26th – Friday 28th March, 2008 The Association of Commonwealth Universities HR Network 3rd Biennial Conference Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th May, 2008 Residential Workshop for Caribbean Writers Monday 30th June – Thursday 31st July, 2008 32nd Annual Conference of the Society of Caribbean Studies Wednesday 2nd – Friday 4th July, 2008 Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Conference Thursday 25th to Friday 26th September, 2008. The theme for the conference is “Development Challenges in the 21st Century”.

International Congress on Tropical Agriculture Sunday 30th November to Friday 5th December, 2008.

The theme of the conference is “Overcoming Challenges to Developing Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in the Tropics”.

For further information please visit: www.uwi.edu/uwi60

60th Anniversary

Run UWI Run The Herb McKenley Run, the first stage of RUN UWI RUN, took place on Saturday, February 16, 2008 and started on the Mona Campus, winding its way through St. Andrew to culminate at the National Stadium in the UWI Gatorade Track and Field Invitational.

Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director of the Institutional Advancement Division and Co-ordinator of the regional Run UWI Run event as well as Mona Campus organisers Ms. Grace Jackson and Dr. Thelora Reynolds were delighted with the enthusiasm of the participants and the success of the event.

Run UWI Run will continue throughout all the UWI countries and end in Trinidad & Tobago.

Professor E. Nigel Harris, Vice Chancellor and stu dents.

Dr. Don Christian, member of first class of 33 students in 1948.

Andrew Badallo, President, Guild of Students 2007-2008 Dr. Knox Hagley – Medical graduate.

Commuting Students participate.

Carlton Lowrie, Student Services Manager – Irvine Hall

Celia Davidson-Francis, University Director of Alumni Relations and her daughter, future UWI student! the ador hands TAT Ambass on Hall.

S I W U , on alm of Prest Maxsalia S ina Chrystle torch to Baf

Mike Flan igan, Cha irm Foundation of UWI with an of the American participants.

Carimac G raduate Jere my Francis over to 3rd hands Ye Student, La ar Management Stud ies cey Ann Bar tley

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Medical Focus School of Clinical Medicine and Research 40th Anniversary Celebrations: Professorial Lecture Series The University of the West Indies is celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year. Simultaneously, the School of Clinical Medicine and Research (SCMR) of the University is celebrating its 40th year of teaching at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

To highlight these achievements, the University launched its celebration with a special Inter-Faith Service at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday the 12th of January, 2008, while the School of Medicine started off a series of events with a Public Health Fair in Jubilee Gardens, Bridgetown, on Sunday the 13th January, 2008.

The SCMR also hosted a professorial lecture series as part of its 40th Anniversary celebrations. Three lectures were scheduled for the series.

The first lecture took place on Wednesday, January 30th.

The presentation by Professor Harley Moseley II, was entitled “From Party Favour to Science: Safe Sleep for Surgery, With No Dreams. Progress in Anaesthesia”.

The second lecture was by professor Patsy Prussia “The Bible and Disease Prevention” on Tuesday February 26th, 2008 and the third by Professor Jose M. Ortega, “What´s in the name? Correcting Public Health misconceptions in two tales and one recipe” on March 19th, 2008.

BIOGRAPHY: Professor Patsy Prussia Jamaican, daughter of Frances Rowe (nee White), hat-maker and Ira Prussia, policeman received her primary education at Franklin Town Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School, Above Rocks. Her secondary education was at St. Mary’s College, Above Rocks, where she obtained Senior Cambridge School Certificate (Grade 1) 1961 and was Head Girl, and at the Convent of Mercy Academy, Kingston where she sat the Cambridge Advanced Level Examination (Botany and Zoology).

BIOGRAPHY: Professor Jose Ortega Graduated in Medicine and Surgery at Valladolid University, one of the oldest Universities in Spain, founded in the thirteenth century, Prof Ortega started practicing Family Medicine for some time, before being called for military service, at that time compulsory in Spain. During his time in the army, he served as ENT surgeon at the Military Hospital in Seville, to return again to Primary Care and Emergency Medicine after completing his duty.

BIOGRAPHY: Professor Harley Moseley II Harley Sutherland Lewis Moseley was educated at Harrison College, then at UWI (Mona) on Barbados Government Exhibition, and for postgraduate education, at Liverpool University England on Commonwealth Scholarship.

Pelican Awards The UWIAA Jamaica Chapter presented its Pelican Awards for the 2008, 60th Anniversary year as follows: Dr. Knox Hagley for outstanding services in Administration and Research in the field of Medical Sciences.

Dr. Henry Lowe for excellence in the field of Medicinal Chemistry.

Dr. Muriel Lowe for her pioneering work in the field of Pulmonary Medicine and sustained contribution to the Medical profession.

Hon. Dennis Lalor for his contribution to the development of and dedicated services to The University of the West Indies.

Prof. Franklin Knight for excellence in Education and Research in History and his contribution to The University of the West Indies.

Mrs. Nadine Marriott, President, UWIAA Jamaica Chapter with Pelican Awardees from left: Dr. Henry Lowe, Dr. Knox Hagley and the Hon. Dennis Lalor.

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As has been done for the past two years, previous Pelican Awardees were asked to make the presentations. This year Mrs. Fay Saunders (1993) and Dr. Lawson Douglas (2000) were asked to do the honours.

Three Main Campuses, One Open Campus

“Caribbean Impact, Global Reach”

CONVOCATION WEEK July 12 – 19, 2008 Mona Campus, Jamaica

Mona Campus

Sat, July 12 6:30 p.m.

Chancellor’s Reception (limited capacity, invitations issued on a first come, first served basis)

Sun, July 13 6:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

Golf Tournament (Caymanas Golf Club) US100.00 (Tournament Fee) Inter-F Faith Thanksgiving Service (The University Chapel) Brunch (Senior Common Room Family Event) US$25 / J$1,500.00 Jazz goes to UWI (Vice Chancellor’s Residence) US$35 / J$2,500.00

Mon, July 14

St. Augustine Campus

Cave Hill Campus

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Stroll Down Memory Lane Campus Tours (registration required) 10:00 a.m.

Silent Art Auction (Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts) Cocktail Reception hosted by the 7:00 p.m.

Governor-G General of Jamaica (limited capacity, invitations issued on a first come, first served basis)

Open Campus

Cont’d overleaf

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Tues, July 15 8:30 -1 1:00 p.m.

Symposium: “The UWI, An Agency for Regional Development and Change – Has it succeeded?”

Sir Shridath Ramphal, Chancellor Emeritus, Keynote Speaker/Moderator

(Social Sciences Lecture Theatre) Silent Art Auction (Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts) UWI Medical Alumni Association Reunion 9 Opening Ceremony

10:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

My contribution of $............... will be paid as indicated: CHEQUE Payable to The University of the West Indies Payable to American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (donors in the USA) CREDIT CARD: Visa MasterCard

American Express Other

Card # ......................................... Exp. Date: ......./.......

Wed July 16 7:00 p.m.

Awards Gala (The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel)

Thur July 17 8:00 a.m.

UWIAA ”Memories” Breakfast US$25 / J$1,500.00 The University Singers in Concert US$25 / J$1,500.00

8:00 p.m.

PERSONAL DATA Name: ...........................................................................

Address: ...................................................................... ......................................................................................

Home/Cell Telephone: ..................................................

Home E-mail: ...............................................................

UWI Graduate: Yes No Campus Attended: Mona St. Augustine Cave Hill .........................

Open Campus Graduation Year: ......................

Faculty: ........................................................................

Fri, July 18 7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Sat, July 19 12:00 noon

EMPLOYMENT DATA Employer: .....................................................................

Matching Gift Program: Yes No Work Telephone: ..........................................................

Work E-mail: ................................................................

Naming opportunities for individuals, corporations or in memoriam at The University of the West Indies are available to contributors.

For Donors in the USA Tax Status: AFUWI is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organisation and gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws in the USA. To find out more about how you can give of your time, talent or resources to The University of the West Indies contact: THE INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT DIVISION Office of the Vice Chancellor The University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies Tel: (876) 977-0054 Fax: (876) 927-0264 E-mail: iad@uwimona.edu.jm Website: www.uwi.edu

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Medical Alumni Association Banquet The University Singers in Concert

9:00 p.m.

Couples Luncheon (Mona Visitor’s Lodge and Conference Centre) for UWI graduates married to other UWI graduates) US$70 / J$5,000.00 per couple Fete with Fab 5 (Students Union) Pre-ssold US15 / J$1,000.00 At gate US$25 / J$1,500.00

Closing Ceremony and Events in Trinidad & Tobago St. Augustine Campus For events in the Open and Main Campuses throughout the year, please see the Website for details.

www.uwi.edu/uwi60 60th Anniversary Secretariat Tel: 876-977-0014, Ext: 2525 uwi60thsecretariat@uwimona.edu.jm

UWI Regional Endowment Fund Launch of the UWI Regional Endowment Fund in UWI’s 60th Year

be itiatives will in ry a rs e iv n An h all UWI 60th ent Fund, whic m m w o o fr d n s E d e l a e c n io ro P Reg ice a special UWI ons by the V to ti in ra b d e le ll e e c n n 8 a 0 h c e 20 nd , 2008. This fu hed during th 2 c 1 n u ly la u J e b n o l il is w l Harr and fessor E. Nige undergraduate ro P to r, o rt ll o e p c p n a su h C ch things, among other ss the region, su ro te c a a it ts il c c je fa ro l p il l w ctura new UWI Mona; a nts and infrastru t e a d u ts st n e te d a u u st d r ra g ility fo WI students at U g Students’ Fac n 0 ti 0 u ,0 m -1 m 0 o 0 C 8 a s te a moda ural Hill and a Cult ence to accom d e v si a e C R I f o W U ll t a a H hapel an Inter-Faith C ; e in st u g u A s. t.

S e Open Campu th r fo te u it st Studies In

Join our Vision: “UWI - Caribbean Impact, Global Reach” Ways to donate to the Regional Endowment Fund: Accounts that facilitate deposits of Sterling as well as United States and Jamaican currency have been set up as follows:

BANK NAME

ACCOUNT #

National Commercial Bank Ja. Ltd. University Branch, Mona Campus Kingston 7, Jamaica

402599987

J$

JNCBJMKXAXXX

406398293

US$

JNCBJMKXAXXX

50853860

Sterling

Barclays Bank PLC Knightsbridge International 68 Knightsbridge London SWIX 7NT

CURRENCY

SWIFT/SORT CODE

20-47-35

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In Celebration of Their Lives Amy Blanche Robertson, former Librarian/ Documentalist in the School of Education at UWI, Mona, Past President of the Jamaica Library Association (now Library and Information Association of Jamaica, LIAJA) and Fellow of the Library Association, gave more than fifty years of dedicated service to the profession. Mrs. Robertson had a distinguished career that included nearly thirty years of service as a public librarian and twenty years as an academic librarian.

She joined the UWI community in 1972 when she took up the position of Librarian/Documentalist in the School of Education, UWI, Mona. During the two decades she continued to make valuable contributions to both education and librarianship through the provision of library services to in-service and pre-service teachers. She was instrumental in the upgrading of the Documentation Centre to meet the increased demands of its users.

While at the UWI, Mrs. Robertson also served as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Studies and contributed to the preparation of teacher-librarians in the teachers colleges in her role as External Examiner for Library Education.

Mrs. Robertson received various honours and awards. including the Centenary Medal of the Institute of Jamaica, honorary membership of the International Association of School Librarianship and the Medal of Excellence of the Professional Societies Association in Jamaica. In 2005 she was given the Musgrave Medal of the Institute of Jamaica for her outstanding contribution to library development in Jamaica.

Keith Sobion It was with a profound sense of loss that the Chairman and full membership of the Executive Committee of the Council of Legal Education received word of the untimely and premature passing of Keith Sobion Esq. on Thursday 14th February, 2008.

The Executive Committee of the Council was in meeting in Georgetown, Guyana when the communication was received. But for his hospitalisation, Mr. Sobion would have been in attendance at that meeting.

Mr. Sobion was among the first graduating class of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago in 1975 and, at the date of his death he was the Executive Director of the Secretariat to the Council on secondment from his substantive position as Principal of the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica.

Mr. Sobion joined the permanent staff of Council in 1996 when he took up the position of Principal, and was seconded in 2006 to lead the Secretariat as Executive Director. Prior to this, Mr. Sobion had served as a Member of Parliament in the administration of the PNM Government in Trinidad and Tobago and as Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago between 1991 and 1995.

Mr. Sobion’s was a life of public service. He was deeply committed and dedicated to a vision for excellence and worked tirelessly in pursuit of the mission of Council in fulfilling its role of developing competent, ethical, legal practitioners around the region.

Mr. Khristen Narine, former Chief Engineering

Mr. Calbert Washington Clarke, ‘Country’ as he

Technician, UWI St. Augustine, passed away on Wednesday 20th February, 2008. Mr. Narine joined the University in 1971 and worked in the Department of Mechanical Engineering until his retirement in 2002. He was cremated on Thursday 21st February, 2008.

was known to members of the Mona Campus community, died on Thursday, January 31, 2008 after a brief illness.

Correction Photograph for page 26, Vol. 2, Issue 4 (June 2007) Lloyd Best, acclaimed Caribbean thinker and recipient of the Order of Caribbean Community 2002.

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‘Country’ joined the staff of the University as a Sanitation Assistant in the Estate Management Department in November 1957 and served until his retirement on March 7, 1998. He was widely known for his cheerful disposition and developed a reputation for helpfulness and dependability. Such was his contribution to the University, that he was retained on a post-retirement contract up to June 1, 2001 and worked as a contract worker up until the time of his death. His children continue to serve at the UWI, Mona Campus.

The University of the West Indies Three Main Campuses, One Open Campus

UWIAA Chapters Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Cayman Commonwealth of The Bahamas Dominica Florida Grenada Jamaica Montserrat New York St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent & The Grenadines Toronto Trinidad and Tobago United Kingdom Washington D.C.

Campus Alumni Representatives Barbados Mrs. Roseanne Maxwell Cave Hill Campus Tel: 246-417-4544 alumnioffice@uwichill.edu.bb Jamaica Mrs. Charmaine Wright Mona Campus Tel: 876-927-1583 uwialumni@kasnet.com Trinidad and Tobago Ms. Charmain Subero St. Augustine Campus Tel: 868-663-1579, 868-662-2002, Ext: 2099 alumni@sta.uwi.edu

The University of the West Indies is producing the future professionals, leaders and academics of the Caribbean region. Make the UWI your first port of call for postgraduate education and recommend its undergraduate programmes to your family and friends.

MONA Student Affairs (Admissions) Section Mona Campus Jamaica, W.I. Tel: 1-876-927-2779, 927-2271 Fax: 1-876-927-2272 admissns@uwimona.edu

CAVE HILL Student Affairs (Admissions) Section Cave Hill Campus Barbados, W.I. Tel: 1-246-417-4119/20 Fax: 1-246-424-7372 gdurrant@uwichill.edu.bb

ST. AUGUSTINE Student Affairs (Admissions) Section St. Augustine Campus Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. Tel: 868-663-1933 Fax: 868-663-9684 admis@admin.uwi.tt

OPEN CAMPUS Information on online, face to face and mixed delivery courses may be accessed through: 1. School of Continuing Studies lifelong@uwimona.edu.jm 2. Board for Non-Campus Countries and Distance Education www.uwichill.edu.bb/bnccde 3. UWIDEC www.dec.uwi.edu

Alumni@UWI is accepting advertisements for upcoming issues. Please contact the Institutional Advancement Division at (876) 977-0052/4 or e-mail: iad@uwimona.edu.jm for advertising rates and information.

Published by Alumni Relations, Institutional Advancement Division (IAD) in association with Stratcom Marketing Services.