UWI Connect November 2012 by UWI Alumni Online

Contents

from the editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk

News from the uwi centre

News from the UWI-RHQ

CORIA Established

very important pelican (VIP)

Milestone celebration

2012 graduation special

celebrating excellence

uwi grads on the move

Alumni online

UWI regional Endowment fund

uwi Foundation news

20 22

Philanthropy in action

UWIAA CHapter news

UWIAA Contact news

UWIStat

29 31

uwi sports

Regional impact

18 20 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

book corner

Sources: IAD, UWI Regional Headquarters, Marketing and Communications Offices; Faculties; Departments; UWIAA; UWIMAA; Office of Administration; UWI STAT Corps, alumni and others

happenings

Photography: eMedia Interactive Limited; UWI STAT Corps; campus photographers; graduates and friends of The UWI; J D Nairne Photography

In celebration of their lives

Publishing: eMedia Interactive Limited A publication of the Institutional Advancement Division, UWI Regional HQ. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher or agent.

Editorial

@celiaDF

from the Editor’s desk and spirit of service and to support the UWIAA ‘Every Dollar Makes a Difference Campaign’ and donate whatever you can at www.alumnionline.uwi.edu/donatenow. Let us each do our part to build a brighter future for our current students and future graduates.

Before talking about what you will find as you explore this issue of the UWI Connect, I wish to take the opportunity to focus on the special ‘UWI spirit’ which brings graduates together. I believe that we share a sense of community and caring and urge you to think about the commitments you have made to causes that you care about (like your University) and to explore new opportunities to make a difference at The UWI as well as in communities all over the Caribbean and the world.

The ‘happenings’ across our regional institution between September and November 2012 will be shared as usual in this issue. Articles covering the meeting of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, our Chancellor’s 80th birthday, Janet Rollé and the AFUWI and the stellar achievements of our graduates, as well as our VIP Professor Joy Mighty, all provide interesting and informative reading. I hope you enjoy this issue. Happy reading!

Many UWI alumni donate time to their alma mater and for this, we are extremely grateful. You are our marketers, recruiters, guest speakers and advocates. As we come to the close of the calendar year, this quote from Mother Theresa comes to mind: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” I invite you to demonstrate your generosity

Celia Davidson Francis Editor-in-Chief

Wishing for you in 2013: A year of health and happiness, A year of wealth and wisdom A year of peace and prosperity, A year of love and laughter Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 3

Vice Chancellor’s Views

News from the

UWI regional hq It is quite remarkable to reflect on the many regional and global contributions that The UWI has made through the achievements of its graduates in every sector of society, as well as through contributions to new knowledge in social and economic studies, humanities and the arts, medicine and the sciences. The presence of stable, democratic governments and of populations of relatively high life expectations, low infant mortality and high levels of literacy in the Englishspeaking Caribbean are attributable in several ways to the work of many of our UWI graduates. Today, our economies are being threatened by global fiscal factors, climate change and food sustainability issues, as well as other factors over which we have no control. As a region, it is in our best interests to work together to overcome some of these hurdles, now and in the future. Due to the continued diminished performance of the Caribbean’s global

As a region, it is in our best interests to work together to overcome some of these hurdles, now and in the future. trading partners, the region’s economy continues to suffer negative effects. The UWI has had to make significant adjustments to manage the current economic situation. The campuses have become ‘entrepreneurial’ and have put in place measures to reduce spending, conserve funds and generate income. Members of the university are collectively working together to increase revenues and reduce dependence on Caribbean Governments, as their contributions to the operating costs of the institution have declined significantly in the past 10 years. Philanthropy is also now more important than ever and the role of the alumni and ‘Friends of the UWI’, is even more critical. I

encourage you to donate to the UWI Regional Endowment fund at www. alumnionline.uwi.edu/donatenow, which benefits all four UWI campuses and to support the fundraising efforts of the campuses. The stories of some of those who have benefitted from the UWIREF are highlighted in this issue, as well as our international efforts in the USA and Canada. Think about The UWI as you prepare for this season of giving and include your alma mater in your charitable donations. UWI students: our future Caribbean leaders, will I am sure, make you proud! E. Nigel Harris Vice-Chancellor

Remember you can donate to student scholarships 24/7 here.

News from the UWI Regional HQ

‘Commonwealth Convergence’ at the UWI Regional Headquarters

The Conference of Executive Heads of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) took place from November 9-11, 2012 at the UWI Regional Headquarters, with leaders and educators from around the world exploring the theme, ‘University Rankings and Benchmarking: Do They Really Matter?’ They also looked at other drivers such as economic policies, changing political and social agendas, staff recruitment and retention and student aspirations. Participants sought to measure and demonstrate their university’s ‘value’ to prospective students, parents, alumni, governments and other stakeholders. In his address, Chairman of the ACU and Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor E. Nigel Harris revealed that regionally, institutions are facing difficulty in defining productivity and value. He

hoped the conference would bring new insights in light of global competition, which is fostered by increased access to post-secondary education. The Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica, in opening the conference, declared that, “Any country that wants to be strong must have a strong university base.” She also welcomed the emphasis of the conference on performance indicators in higher education. She recognised that, sensitively handled, such rankings can strengthen the culture of transparency and quality and inform better decision making from students and other stakeholders. The ACU Centenary Lecture was given by the Director of the Smith School for Enterprise and Environment at the University of Oxford, Professor Sir David King, who spoke on the global implications

of a growing middle-class on higher education. The conference also marked the beginning of the ACU Centenary celebrations, under the theme ‘Future Forward; design, develop and deliver’, which will consider key issues relating to the future of international higher education: designing academics and universities for the future, developing tools to meet new challenges and delivering, recognising and measuring growth, impact and success. The ACU is the oldest conglomeration of universities in the world. It administers scholarships, provides academic research and leadership on issues in the sector and promotes interuniversity cooperation and the sharing of best practice.

News from the UWI Regional HQ

UWIRHQ CENTRAL OFFICE FOR REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ESTABLISHED A Central Office for Regional and International Affairs (CORIA) has been established within the ViceChancellery to develop a comprehensive and cohesive approach to achieving the important strategic objective of The UWI to increase its visibility and positioning in a wider global context, while strengthening its regional remit.

Dr. David Rampersad

The office, which has absorbed the former External Relations and Intra/

Inter-Institutional Collaboration (ERIIC) Office, is headed by Dr. David Rampersad who has relocated to the UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica from the St. Augustine Campus, where he was charged with research development and knowledge transfer. The other members of staff assigned to CORIA are Dr. Christine Marrett, Dr. Louis Whittington and Sharon Estwick, both based at the Cave Hill Campus.

The University Archives: Did you know? The archives serve as the corporate memory of the UWI. The purpose of the University Archives is to identify, acquire, organize, preserve and make available for reference and research, all university records of enduring administrative and historical value in all forms – paper, electronic and audio-visual. The University Archives and Records Management

Programme (UARMP) is an integrated cross-campus programme which provides professional, cost-effective and consistent handling of university records from creation to final disposition. Records are frequently consulted for information by members of the senior administrative staff, researchers and students. The archives contain a comprehensive collection of

university records dating back to the first meeting of the Provisional Council of the University College of the West Indies in January 1947. The University Archivist is John Aarons and the archives are located on the ground floor of the UWI Regional Headquarters. Email universityarchives@uwimona.edu.jm for more information.

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!

VIP: Very Important Pelican

the outstanDing Professor Joy Mighty By Celia Davidson Francis

UWI alumna Professor Joy Mighty has a bubbly personality and ‘joie de vivre’ that belie her more serious side as a distinguished educator and academic. She was born and educated up to the secondary level in Guyana and arrived at The UWI, Mona campus in 1968 or, as she puts it, “the Walter Rodney year.” She arrived two days after the riots, much to her parents’ consternation. The campus was still in turmoil, but she stuck through it and went on to get an honours degree in English. She returned to Guyana in 1971 for a year and taught at her alma mater, the Bishops High School for Girls (which is now co-ed). She then married James Mighty in 1972, a Jamaican she had met on Taylor Hall, where they both lived. So The UWI spawned yet another romance. Professor Mighty was an actively involved student, being a block representative, participating in drama, sports, singing and partying.

However, she had a balanced life, never missing classes, always completing assignments on time, having a boyfriend (yes, the same one who became her husband), but certainly not having her head in the books 24/7. She notes that her UWI experiences were “positive, pleasant and enjoyable and the entire three years were memorable.” Mighty remembers how much fun she had “playing mas” around the Ring Road during UWI Carnival and attending formal dinners, where students had to wear their red UWI academic gowns. She also recalls a Jamaican coming into the women’s block on Taylor one day announcing that there was pepper pot for dinner. She and another Guyanese student became really excited and dashed down to the dining room only to find callaloo soup being served! In Guyana, pepper pot is a delicious Amerindian meat dish,

so they were very disappointed to find only soup on the menu. The professor and her husband lived in Montego Bay until she moved to Kingston for a year to pursue her Diploma in Education, again at The UWI. She first taught at Cornwall College, then she was thrilled to become a pioneer lecturer at the Sam Sharpe Teacher’s College in 1975, when the institution was founded. While there, she began her Master of Arts degree in Education at UWI and drove to Kingston twice a week for classes, earning the nickname ‘The Paper Chaser’ from her classmates. They often marvelled as she was always early or on time, while some who lived in Kingston arrived late. She says she did what she had to do, as at the time there was no UWI campus in western Jamaica, so she “practically flew in, burning up the roads” each week.

Professor Mighty believes that the Caribbean approach to education is unique and a key to her success and that of others. “In general, doing your best, giving 150 per cent is an ethic instilled by the Caribbean culture and UWI confirms and enforces this. If you always put your best foot forward, even if you fall from the mark, you will still do well,” she states. After completing her Masters, Professor Mighty and her husband relocated to Kingston, where she sought a new job outside of teaching. She became the Training Officer at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and found that even in business, her background in education was valuable. She worked there from 1983 to 1986, mixing education and administration as she planned and implemented training and professional development for the entire organisation, which, at the time had 17 branches island-wide. She then headed to Howard University in Washington, DC to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), finishing in one and a half years as she received credits for the Diploma in Management Studies she had completed at UWI while working at JNBS. Professor Mighty notes that her stint at JNBS stirred her interest in the “people side of business.” Moving to Canada in 1987 with her husband, she did her PhD in Organisational Behaviour at the Schulich

School of Business at York University in Toronto. After graduation, she was hired by the University of New Brunswick (UNB) as an Assistant Professor, where she won an award for excellence in teaching. She was then seconded to the UNB Teaching and Learning Centre, then headhunted to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where she served as Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning with a cross appointment as a full Professor with tenure in the Queen’s School of Business. Professor Mighty has provided leadership in enhancing the quality of education at regional, national and international levels. She was elected as President of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), a Canadian national organisation and was the inaugural chair of the Educational Developers Caucus (EDC). For three consecutive years, she represented Canada on the Council of the International Consortium for Educational Development (ICED). She serves as a regular reviewer for the US-based Journal of Excellence in College Teaching (JECT) and the UK-based International Journal for Academic Development (IJAD) and is on the review board of the International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (IJ-SoTL) and has recently been invited to join the first editorial board of the new journal of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL).

On November 1, 2012, Professor Mighty became the new Associate VicePresident (Teaching and Learning) at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. She is a recipient of the Association of Atlantic Universities Distinguished Service Award for exemplary service and professional leadership and winner of the 2004 Emerald Literati Award of Excellence for best article published in the Journal of Management Development. She is the co-editor of the highly acclaimed 2010 publication Taking Stock: Research on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Professor Mighty recalls that her favourite people on campus were Jean DaCosta from the English Department, whom she now realises she “modelled” as a teacher because she saw how she cared for each student and connected with them on a personal level and Mervyn Morris, who was the warden at Taylor Hall and probably remembers her as “Bad Joy Agard,” as well as Edward Baugh. Professor Mighty could not overemphasise how much The UWI expanded her horizons. “UWI welcomed all – no matter which Caribbean country we came from. We all learned, played, and lived together,” she says. “UWI gave us a view of the world as a diverse place, but one that allowed us, in spite of our differences, to live as one human race.”

Fun facts about Professor Mighty She is a ‘cry-baby’. Professor Mighty is a very strong woman with a “lot of mouth,” but says she can “dissolve” easily and is very emotional. She cries at the movies, at significant moments and has even been known to cry over the advertisements during the Hallmark movies - “not even the shows!” Her family has even coined a new past tense of the word ‘cry’ just for her: they say she “crew”, as she is so dramatic.

She hates cooking with a passion. “Mind you, I like to eat,” she notes. She even has a certified personal chef at home because “I ain’t cooking.”

Milestone Celebration

UWI’s ‘Champ’

turns 80! The Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor the Honourable Sir George Alleyne OCC, MD, FRCP, FACP (Hons.), Hon. DSc (UWI), turned 80 on October 7, 2012. Sir George was nicknamed “The Champ” back in high school as he seemed to master everything that he tried and the name stuck. Many of his friends still call him that today. The UWI community feted him in various ways across the region. Some in New York and Washington donated to the scholarship that he and his wife, Lady Sylvan Alleyne, set up within the UWI Regional Endowment Fund in 2008. More than 60 graduates in Jamaica surprised him at a birthday bash at the Richmond Hill Beach Club, including his wife, daughter Carol and other close relatives and friends, such as Dr. and Mrs. Knox Hagley, Mr and Mrs R Munroe and members of the UWI family such as Archibald Campbell, PVC Gordon Shirley, Cecile Clayton, Bette Otunla, Deon Simpson, Marvette Thompson, Nella Stewart, Professor Horace Fletcher, Alumnus Representative A. Gilbert Bellamy, Andrea McNish, Herman McDaniel and UWI STAT Ambassadors Sasha Harrison, Keron Morris and Tijani Christian.

The UWI honoured Sir George formally by naming a lecture room in the new Medical Faculty at Mona after him. The UWIAA President (Bahamas Chapter), A. Missouri Sherman–Peter and Dr. Robin Roberts, Director of the School of Clinical Medicine and Research in the Bahamas, organised a special cocktail reception for the UWIAA Bahamas Chapter and the UWIMAA Bahamas as well as other alumni and friends in Nassau to collect funds to be donated in his name, in recognition of the exemplary service he has given to the University and the Caribbean Region. These funds assist students including young Bahamians who wish to pursue tertiary education at The UWI. Sir George studied medicine at The UWI from 1951-1957. Initially, he worked as a Medical Officer in his native Barbados. Following further training at the University College in London, United Kingdom, he returned to work in the UWI Tropical Metabolism Research Unit. He was appointed Professor of Medicine in 1972 and Chair of the Department of Medicine in 1976. Sir George influenced the lives and training of UWI doctors across the Caribbean and the world.

Sir George Alleyne breaking ground at the site for the auditorium named in his honour

Fun at the surprise beach party

Sir George Alleyne with his wife, Lady Sylvan Alleyne

Artist’s rendering of the 500-seater Sir George Alleyne Auditorium

From 1970–1981, Sir George served as a member and Chair of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Advisory Committee on Medical Research. He joined the PAHO staff in 1981 as Chief of Research Promotion and Coordination. In 1983, he became Director of Health Programmes Development and in 1990, he became Assistant Director of the organization. In 1995, he began his first term as Director of PAHO. Sir George served two terms as Director, during which he provided leadership for the centennial celebration of PAHO, which reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the principles of equity and pan-Americanism. Sir George is still working and currently serves as Director Emeritus of PAHO and remains globally influential. He is credited with moving the issue of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) further up the international political agenda, working resolutely for this purpose at the September 2011 High Level United Nations Summit on NCDs. Sir George speaks with pride about the role the Caribbean played in making the Summit happen. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made him Knight Bachelor in 1990 for his services to medicine. In 2001, Sir George was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community, the highest honour that can be conferred on a Caribbean

national. He ended his second fouryear term as Director of PAHO in 2003. That same year, Sir George was appointed for a seven-year term as Chancellor of The University of the West Indies by the University Council, the highest governing body of The UWI. He was re-appointed for a second seven year term on October 1, 2010. Among the responsibilities placed in his very capable, experienced and committed hands by the University Charter, is being the head of the University’s Alumni Association, in which he takes a personal interest and promotes the engagement of alumni. UWI celebrates our ‘Champ’: a gentleman and a scholar, one who has made a stellar contribution to The University of the West Indies, the Caribbean Region, and the world. The UWI honoured Sir George’s contribution by announcing the naming of the upcoming 500-seat auditorium at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex after him and invited him to participate in the Ground-breaking on November 7. Professor Archibald McDonald, Deputy Principal of the Mona Campus, also announced that the fifth floor of the completed section will be named the Lady Allyene Physical Therapy Unit in recognition of Lady Alleyne’s

Chancellor with his daughter Carol at the surprise beach party

Enjoying long-time friends

sterling contribution to nursing. Right afterwards, the opening ceremony of the 21st Annual Research Conference and Workshop of the Faculty of Medical Sciences took place with the theme ‘Non Communicable Diseases: A Threat to Life and the Economy’, at which Sir George, UWI Chancellor and Professor Emeritus presented the Sir Kenneth Standard Distinguished Lecture.

Graduation 2012

Saluting our 2012 Graduates and welcoming our Honorary Graduates to our alumni family A total of 20 Honorary Degrees were conferred across the region by UWI Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne. Ceremonies were held in St. Kitts (Open Campus – October 13th), Barbados (Cave Hill – October 20th), Trinidad (St. Augustine – October 25-27th) and Jamaica (Mona – November 2 and 3).

“I urge our governments to demonstrate solidarity as family and strive for the advancement of regionalism as a means of developing and sustaining economic growth. We must not forget the words of Sir Arthur William Lewis, “The fundamental cure for poverty is not money, but knowledge.” - UWI Open Campus Valedictorian Krissa Johnny

Student Point of View

tie s i r h C ye a K Samantha UWI was “The ” ne i h s o t my place Samantha-Kaye Christie is a UWIREF Partial Scholarship 2009 recipient and was Valedictorian at the November 3 graduation ceremony at The UWI, Mona. She gained a BSc in Psychology with first class honours. Time is a very curious thing. As I pondered upon the human body, which is the ultimate time machine, moving me second by second into the future, I tried to grasp every moment spent at The University of the West Indies. The UWI experience has become integrated as a part of the cherished memories that I will forever remember. In 2009, I enrolled in the Psychology programme and also obtained The UWI Regional Endowment Fund Scholarship for 20092012. I was certain that I wanted to make an invaluable contribution to solving the problem of learning disorders and this represented a step closer to making a positive change in the field of education. The UWI was definitely my place to shine as I became actively involved in extra activities. I slowly began to

understand that The UWI brand of education was characterised by personal integrity, family solidarity, community relations and leadership. For example, I served as the External Affairs Chairperson for my hall of residence and co-coordinated The Rex Nettleford Hall Summer Camp for two consecutive years. I also became avidly involved in The Faculty of Social Sciences Honour Society Outreach Sub-Committee. My interest in the field of psychology was not only confined to the classroom and in November 2011, I attended the first Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology in Nassau, Bahamas. Throughout my tenure at the University, I have also worked as a Research Assistant in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work and The Department of Economics. In March, 2012, I represented UWI at an ACPA Leadership Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. I was always placed on the Dean’s List at the end of each academic semester and was awarded The Rex Nettleford Hall Award for

academics and my contribution to National Development. There are some important lessons which I have learnt at UWI that I want to share. Firstly, know who you are and what you want. You ought to have a vision for your life. Secondly, you must find a way to serve. Do not strive to make your presence known, but strive to make your absence felt. The most successful people in life are those who aim to use their fields to provide significant service. The final lesson is so simple, yet so difficult to practice. This is to always do that which is right. Let us move forward and expel the unacceptable, expect the unthinkable and excel at the unexpected. We can be that difference that our society has been desperately seeking. Thank you UWIREF, for making a difference in my life. Abridged

Celebrating Excellence

Rhodes Scholar Cornelius Kiron Neale

The Rhodes scholarships for 2013 The Rhodes scholarships for 2013 went to Vincent Taylor, a 22-year-old computer scientist from The UWI, Mona, who won the Jamaican award and Trinidadian Cornelius Kiron Neale, also 22, of the St. Augustine campus, who was awarded the Commonwealth Caribbean scholarship. Neale was the valedictorian for The UWI’s St. Augustine campus’s Faculty of Science and Agriculture. While at Oxford University in England, where the award is tenable, Neale intends to pursue a Masters in Environmental Change and Management, with an emphasis on climate change and its repercussions for the Caribbean. Taylor is the holder of a double major degree in computer science and electronics and is currently reading for a Masters in Philosophy (MPhil) at the Mona campus, specialising in wireless network sensor security. He intends to continue in the field of network security. Two Rhodes Scholarships are offered to Caribbean nationals annually, one specifically for Jamaicans and one that is open to the entire Caribbean. In the 64 years since the founding of The UWI, more than 60 of its graduates have won the highly regarded Rhodes Scholarship. Well-known former Rhodes scholars include the late Professor Rex Nettleford, Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of The UWI and former Jamaican Prime Minister Norman Manley.

Dr. Grace Sirju-Charan

• Dr. Grace Sirju-Charan, St Augstine; Professor Eddy Ventose, Cave Hill; Professor Mark Figueroa, Mona; Professor Zulaika Ali, St Augustine and Prof. Hazel Oxenford, Cave Hill all received Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence on October 29. • John Gaffar La Guerre, Professor Emeritus of Government at UWI St Augustine Campus, a 77-year-old academic, who was born in east Trinidad, was among 14 nationals bestowed with the country’s second highest award, the Chaconia Medal (Gold), for his contribution to higher education during that nation’s 50th anniversary Independence Awards ceremony. La Guerre is also Chairman of the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) and still delivers lectures to students at the UWI when called upon to do so. • On September 28, three UWI stalwarts were recognised by the UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris; C. William Iton, University Registrar; Professor Gordon Shirley, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Mona Campus and Archibald Campbell, University Bursar, at a retirement function held in their honour at the UWI Regional Headquarters. Professor Ronald Young, who retired as Pro Vice Chancellor – Graduate Studies and Research, served The UWI in numerous capacities for 38 years. Of note, he met his wife Pansy at The UWI when they were both students and their sons all attended the UWI. Dr. Beverley Pereira retired as University Counsel, Legal Unit and served the institution for more than 19 years. She too met her husband, Joseph, as a student at The UWI. Mabel Marsh, who retired as Manager, Treasury and Financial Services, Office of Finance, served the UWI for more than 16 years. She has been a mentor to UWI students since 2000.

Celebrating Excellence

Sade Bully

Dr. Patrick Watson

Dr. Patrick Watson and Professor John Agard were among more than 15 researchers in various academic fields honoured at the first UWI Research Award Ceremony, UWI St. Augustine on October 3. Professor Agard received the award for Most Internationally Successful Research Project for his team in the Department of Life Sciences Project for Ecosystem Services (Proecoserv), which has produced 135 internationally referenced publications. This project has received more than $18 million in funding from local and international organisations. Dr. Watson, the Director of the UWI Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), received an award on behalf of his department for Most Productive Research Department.

Prof. Maureen Warner-Lewis

Tobagonian writer, prominent historian and UWI Mona alumna, Prof. Maureen Warner-Lewis, Professor Emeritus of African Caribbean Language and Orature at the UWI Mona, was formally inducted into the Tobago Literary Hall of Fame at a grand function on September 22.

Dancer and doctor Sade Bully was given a special mention in a recent New York Times review of the Garth Fagan Company Season Opener called ‘Lighthouse/Lighting Rod’, which took place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in September 2012. She graduated from the UWI with an MBBS in 2009 and is the daughter of two alumni Alwin and Anita Bully, who live in Dominica. Although a qualified doctor, her passion is dance. After completing her medical studies and internship, she moved to New York and joined the Alvin Ailey Company and is now with Garth Fagan.

Personal Pride

Mark Regis, a member of the UWIAA Trinidad and Tobago Chapter reports: “My father was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Bronze), which is Trinidad and Tobago’s third highest national award. He was awarded for his more than 45 years of service to the administration and development of sport, particularly football.” The Hummingbird Medal is awarded “to any person who has rendered loyal and devoted service beneficial to Trinidad and Tobago in any field of human endeavour or for gallantry or other humane action.”

UWI Grads on The Move

Deanna Robins

Dr. Lincoln Sargeant

Dr. Ernest Hilaire

Nicole Foster Pusey

Michael Muirhead

• Dr. Ernest Hilaire took up the post of High Commissioner to London for St. Lucia on October 1. He holds a doctorate from the London School of Economics and degrees from The University of the West Indies (UWI) and Cambridge. He was formerly West Indies Cricket Board CEO.

• UWI graduate Petre Williams-Raynor has now released her first book entitled Project Climate Save, which seeks to educate children about the harmful effects of global warming. She holds a MSc in Sociology (Development Specialisation).

• Michael Muirhead has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Cricket Board. He holds an MBA Finance from Georgia State University and a degree in Management Studies from the UWI (Mona).

• Andrea Polanco is now the Media and Public Relations Manager at the Belize Tourism Board. She was also recently honoured at the Belize National Youth Awards in the Media category. She was formerly a reporter at GBTV News 5.

• Maryam Pandor is now Program Manager at Junior Achievement Program for the Eastern Caribbean.

• Jo-Anne Sewlal received an Excellence in Science and Technology Award from the NIHERST (National Institute for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology), which recognises scientists for outstanding achievements in science and technology in Trinidad.

• Deanna Robins, UWI graduate with a degree in environmental biology, is now Miss Jamaica World 2012. She is currently working in the literacy programme at the YMCA. • Nicole Foster-Pusey, attorney-at-law, is now Jamaica’s new and first female female Solicitor General. • Sharon Webster is now Jamaica’s Ambassador to Venezuela. She is also Board Director of the PetroCaribe Development Fund and the Sugar Company of Jamaica. • Jaydene Thomas, attorney-at-law, now has her own firm in Barbados. She holds a first degree in Media and Communications (Mona) and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School.

• UWI Law graduate, Violet Angela Williams, was accepted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in St. Kitts and Nevis by His Lordship the Hon. Justive Errol Thomas. She holds a degree in psychology and is a very proficient athlete and netballer. • UWI alumnus, Dr. Lincoln Sargeant has been appointed as North Yorkshire’s new Director of Public Health in the UK. He moved to North Yorkshire from Cambridgeshire, where he was Consultant in Public Health with the NHS. He was born in Nevis and after graduating in medicine at The UWI, Mona, he gained a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Public Health at Cambridge.

Alumni Online Memories of arriving at UWI Jennifer Palmer Crawford: “Yes! Still have nightmares about the lines. Ironically, I was searching for something earlier this evening and found my ID, taken that first day in 1997.” Lyliesia Harry: “Yep. I nearly died with fright. I had just flown who knows how many miles from SVG to a strange land...”

What are your favourite Caribbean drinks for a weekend, Pelicans? Mickey Noyb Maragh: Margaritas. Cheers! Nadia Riviere: Kennedy’s Peanut Punch. Dominican to the bone :) Where are all our Pelicans around the world? Natasha Parkins: Right here in Jamaica... Cynthia Joseph: Right here in St kitts... Marilyn Barnett: USA Trisha Doharty: Canada! Kathryn Serieux: Canada! Marlon A. Phillips: Still in Jamaica. Leanora Wynter-Young: In Grand Cayman Sandeep Jagger: In the Turks and Caicos Islands (British West Indies) Paco Smith: Belize! Glenn Stewart: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – the city of hockey champions. Prunella Mungroo: Trinidad and Tobago Elizabeth Mullings-Smith: United Kingdom (England) Cheridan Woodruffe: Trinidad & Tobago

Tell us what you think of the New UWI AO “I think the UWIAO is an excellent forum for UWI grads to vent their views on a myriad of issues. I am hoping to add my ‘two cents’ whenever the need arises.” Posted by Darin Solomon

The University Of The West Indies, Alumni Online – Shout outs Dr. Russell Pierre, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Child Health and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI, Mona, was promoted to the rank of Professor, with effect from October 3. Julianne Steel-Duncan: So proud to have him as one of my mentors.

The UWI Regional Endowment Fund (UWIREF)

Get philanthropically involved! Companies, alumni and ‘Friends of the UWI’ give to the UWIREF to assist students who have financial challenges. Roger Cogle, Manager and Country Head in Jamaica, is pleased RBC Royal Bank is once such company. Beverly Hunter, IAD Scholarship Officer, notes that during the 2009/2010 academic year, 15 UWIREF Scholarships and four Bursaries were awarded, each one helping and rewarding students to pursue their educational goals. Amoako Evans, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Felisha C. Henry, Faculty of Social Sciences were recipients of RBC Royal Bank scholarships for the duration of their programmes for 2009/2010. They have

not disappointed! Henry received a second class honours degree on July 01 and Evans has maintained his RBC Royal Bank Scholarship for the 2012/2013 academic year and will proceed to the fourth year of his degree programme. Hunter notes that so far 45 UWIREF Scholarships have been awarded for 2012/2013. The RBC Royal Bank scholarship recipients for 2012/2013 are: • •

Delroy C Allen, Faculty of Medical Sciences (Radiology) Dainnia Brown, Faculty of Social Sciences

Assistance from companies like RBC Royal Bank Jamaica is invaluable to our students

and is instrumental in promoting higher education nationally, regionally and internationally. The UWI recognises that despite the global economic challenges, donors play a vital role in helping the university to achieve its mission. Hopefully, after reading this, you will be motivated to donate to the UWI Regional Endowment Fund (UWIREF). No amount is too small. If everyone gives a little, a great deal can be achieved. Donations are possible 24/7 at www. alumnionline.uwi.edu/ donatenow. Remember to indicate UWIREF in the designation box.

UWI Foundation News

Janet Rollé and the AFUWI Gala:

a phenomenal ‘mélange’ By Celia Davidson Francis

The dynamic and distinguished Janet Rollé had her initial contact with the American Foundation of The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) when she was honoured with the Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award in 2010. It gave her the opportunity to get to know the AFUWI and The UWI better. She remembered that a good friend of hers, a former classmate at Columbia Business School, was also a UWI graduate, so she was thrilled to be asked to be a part of the Gala and to hear about the work of the foundation in the USA. Rollé has a deep connection to the Caribbean. Her mother is Jamaican and her paternal grandfather was from Dominica, (hence the French last name). She was stirred to become involved once she found out more about the Foundation. She believes wholeheartedly that any success she has had is inextricably tied to the quality of the education she has received, so the AFUWI provides the perfect ‘mélange’ or mixture, allowing her to be able to give back to the Caribbean, as well as to ensure that others have an opportunity to access quality education. Rollé is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for CNN Worldwide, overseeing the positioning and promotion of CNN’s multiple networks and services, including CNN, CNN.com, CNN International, HLN, CNN. com/Live, CNN Mobile and all other CNN services. Prior to this, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of BET Networks. She has also worked at AOL as Vice President and General Manger of AOL Black Voices and AOL Women’s and Lifestyle Programming and at MTV Networks as the Vice President of Programming Enterprises and Business Development for VH1 and CMT. She began her

business career at HBO as Special Assistant to the Chairman, eventually rising to Director of Marketing and New Media for HBO Home Video. She obtained her MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the State University of New York at Purchase. Her grandmother came to the USA from Jamaica in order to provide her children with better opportunities. Both her grandmother and mother were strong role models and influenced her greatly. Rollé’s mother was born in Kingston, Jamaica and went to high school there before joining her own mother in the States. Rollé feels she can identify so well with the mission of the AFUWI precisely because of the passion she has for the Caribbean region, as her parents made sure that she and her brother knew the culture, the food and developed a “Caribbean way of looking at things, which means aiming high and there being no boundaries save those you impose upon yourself.” Her grandmother put it very simply: “The people who came to this country didn’t come here to make fools of themselves,” she said. By definition, they came with a purpose and that was to succeed. Rollé is inspired by these roots and this world view and sees herself as representing her heritage. She thus finds the AFUWI to be a blessing as it enables her to serve the Caribbean. She notes that, influenced by their Caribbean heritage, she and her brother, who is a physician, knew from an early age to respect everyone, but also that “nobody, purely by assumption or status, is better than you are.” They approached everything

Rollé and her son

Rollé is especially pleased that the AFUWI Bob Marley Award will be going to Judith Jamison of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, for her impact in the artistic and cultural realm. The first ever AFUWI Trailblazer Award will be given to David Dinkins, the first black mayor of New York City. The Corporate Award will go to the Nielsen Company and the Caribbean Luminaries will be Verona Greenland and Frank Douglas, MD. The Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award will go to Dan Lothian, White House Correspondent for CNN and Larry Quinlan, CIO of Deloitte and UWI alumnus, so the roster of honorees is spectacular. Rollé is especially proud of the fact that the honorees represent diverse disciplines, showcasing a wide breadth of accomplishments and providing UWI students with true role models as inspiration. For more information about the AFUWI Gala 2013, visit www.afuwi.org.

in life as if it were available; all they had to do was put in the work. Rollé feels that this same notion is instilled at UWI. Graduates know that they are capable of brilliance or even genius in any and every field of endeavour, they just have to work. Her philosophical stance leans more to being “prepared, as that preparation is often the difference between success and failure ….and is sometimes how we create our own luck.”

Janet Rollé inspires and influences many people. However, interestingly, she has not modeled herself after people, but rather has sought to model “the way they have lived and their values,” citing her admiration for her mother and grandmother, as they always remained true to their core values. The core values of the AFUWI direct its objectives of helping the UWI fulfill its mission of serving the Caribbean region and we are proud and honoured to have Rollé, who epitomises the best of Her association with the AFUWI Gala has also given her Caribbean values and heritage, as the Chair of the AFUWI Gala treasured memories. She noted that in 2010, she brought her Committee. son, who was 12 at the time, to see her accept an award for the very first time – and the memory of the pride and love on his face still brings a smile to her face and heart. Although HONORARY CHAIR GALA CHAIR DINNER PATRON she has received other awards, the AFUWI Vice Chancellor’s answorth a. allen, M.D. Janet rollé kaye Foster-Cheek Achievement Award is truly special, as it represents a love of her Caribbean roots mixed with aspirations for Invite you to attend the accomplishment and the recognition of achievement. EVP & Chief Marketing Officer CNN Worldwide

She was also excited to be involved in 2011, in her first year as Gala Chair, when Suzanne de Passe, Emmy Award Winner and US entertainment industry legend and mogul, was the first female to be awarded the AFUWI Bob Marley Award, as Rollé had long admired de Passe’s career and regarded her as a “beacon to follow.”

SVP, Global Human Resources Onyx Pharmaceuticals

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Pierre, New York City 61st Street between Madison and 5th Avenues

Reception 6:00 p.m.

•

Dinner and Program 7:00 p.m.

BlaCk Tie aTTire

Rollé notes that every year at the Gala when UWI students share their experiences and challenges and the positive impact of the help they receive from the AFUWI, all persons who support the Foundation’s fundraising efforts should feel proud of their contribution to this worthy cause. Their stirring stories, she said, make all of the work that it takes to mount the Gala every year worthwhile.

HONORARY PATRON Dr. The Hon. Harry Belafonte, OJ

CORPORATE AWARD Nielsen

AFUWI BOB MARLEY AWARD Judith Jamison artistic Director emerita alvin ailey american Dance Theater

TRAILBLAZER AWARD Hon. David N. Dinkins

106th Mayor of New York City

For 2013, the theme of the Gala remains ‘The Legacy continues’ as it honours the accomplishments of the awardees as well as the provision of scholarships. Dr The Hon Harry Belafonte returns as the Honorary Patron; Answorth Allen, MD is the Honorary Chair and Kaye Foster-Cheek the Dinner Patron, all ably assisted by Ann-Marie Grant, Executive Director of the AFUWI.

CARIBBEAN LUMINARY AWARD Frank Douglas, M.D., Ph.D. Verona Greenland, RN, CNM, MPH

VICE CHANCELLOR’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Dan Lothian, CNN Larry Quinlan, Deloitte

The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI), established in 1956, is a non-profit organization which serves as the primary vehicle for The University of the West Indies (UWI) in its fundraising efforts in the United States.

For more information about tickets or the Foundation, please call 212-759-9345 or visit www.afuwi.org.

Philanthropy in Action

UNPRECENTED: CB Group UWI 5K raises $18 million for education and sports development Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal Gordon Shirley was thrilled with the outcome of the inaugural CB Group UWI 5K, which was held on Sunday, November 18, at the UWI Mona Campus. He remarked that it was unprecedented on several levels: the most funds raised in a single event; the most participants in an event; the most sponsors partnering for an event and the most fun and best spirit at an event. Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director of the Institutional Advancement Division noted that the event far exceeded expectations, far outraising its goal of $8 million to net $18 million, with more than 2,500 people particiapting. UWI students in financial need will benefit from the inaugural CB Group/UWI 5K Walk/Run. Matthew Lyn, the CB Group’s Divisional Manager, said it was an easy decision to be the main sponsor of the event. “It wasn’t whether or not we participated, it was just about how. When you looked at the goals: the objective of rekindling individual and corporate philanthropy in Jamaica to benefit UWI students, it was simple,” he said. “The CB Group makes this commitment as an investment in the university, which means we want to see a return on our investment. We hope that through community and alumni support, our $9 million committed over the next three years, will return figures in multiples of our initial investment. If I were to peg a number, we hope for a 10 times return in that time.” The event took place on November 18 at 7 a.m. and is a legacy project of the Grand Jamaica Homecoming Group as it will now occur annually. The group, with co-patrons

UWI Honorary Graduates Ray Chang and Michael LeeChin, wants to reconnect the Diaspora with and find ways to improve Jamaica. Honorary patron of the group’s advisory council, Douglas Orane, himself an Honorary Graduate of The UWI, said this was an important legacy project: “It’s about an institution we love and treasure which is The UWI, Mona and it’s about those who are studying and those who are in athletics.” Principal of The UWI, Mona campus, Professor Gordon Shirley, noted that the event brought Mona’s Sporting Excellence into more focus, adding that UWI’s programme is already an important asset to Jamaican sport. He noted that UWI is immensely proud of its first fully home-grown Olympic medal. UWI student and Olympic bronze Medallist, Hansle Parchment, encouraged corporate entities to contribute and help UWI “continue to be a training ground for legends.” The Run/Walk route took participants from the UWI Bowl, along John Golding Road, along the University Hospital Ring Road, the UWI Ring Road and back down to the university’s sports complex. All proceeds went directly towards the development of sports and the education of the most talented and in-need at The UWI, Mona. “There isn’t a single Jamaican I’ve ever met living in any other part of the world who wouldn’t prefer being back in Jamaica. However, everyone wants opportunity. Opportunity will never come without education and economic growth and without an investment in our educational system, we will forever be waiting on that opportunity,” noted Lyn.

Lyn is also encouraging other private-sector bodies to invest in education. “Learning is not just in the classroom. It’s outside, through extra-curricular activities, through sports, and that’s what we at the CB Group saw in this project. The common misconception is that as individuals, we are too small or do not have enough money to make a difference. You do not need to be a millionaire to give back and for your contribution to make a difference. We know the old saying, ‘Every mickle mek a muckle’? Well, no one has proven this better than Obama in modern times, showing that small support (dollar value) from a larger base can be more powerful than all the big corporations put together,” he explained.

Matthew Lyn’s

Points to Ponder

If we are serious about making a change in the Caribbean, we must start with the education of our people. Education is paramount to our future success and we cannot wait on government to do this. The private sector, the communities, the alumni, the Diaspora, all have a part to play in making the Caribbean a better place. Education incubates entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship spawns small businesses; small businesses turn into big business; big business moves a country forward. It is not a coincidence that the most successful and influential schools in the world are also the same schools with the largest endowment funds. Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton are consistently in the top five. Alumni play a serious, influential and decisive role in the current and future success of any educational institution. The real success of UWI is and will forever be a direct correlation of the alumni support it receives. Success must be measured in the direct contribution UWI graduates make to overall society, in terms of business, industry, politics, technology, medical advancement, research, services, etc. The business community plays a great role in the education of our students. Learning happens in and out of the class room and work experience is priceless. The support from Alumni can be in many other forms other than cash and kind. Internships, mentorships and project work are valuable experience to a student and the university.

Regional Impact

GraceKennedy Foundation Funded Chairs at The UWI Contribute to

Sustainable Development in the Caribbean

The Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor E. Nigel Harris, expressed gratitude to the GraceKennedy Foundation for their outstanding support of The UWI for more than three decades. This support, he said, had benefitted Jamaica through the development of programmes and research critical to sustainable regional development. The Vice Chancellor was speaking the presentation of the annual reports for the 2011/2012 academic year by the GraceKennedy Foundation funded chairs – S. Carlton Alexander Chair in Management Studies and the James S. Moss-Solomon Snr. Chair in Environmental Management, presented recently at the Mona Campus. GraceKennedy CEO, Don Wehby, expressed pride in his company’s association with the university and noted that over the past 30 years, GraceKennedy, through the foundation, had donated some $70 million to the establishment and development of the two chairs and consequently contributed significantly to the education and training

of professionals in all areas. GraceKennedy Foundation Chair, Professor Elsa Leo-Rhynie, noted that in celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Foundation had instituted projects that resulted in a total of $20 million being invested in the university. New initiatives included the launching of two new scholarships tenable at the UWI - the Douglas Orane Scholarship in Science, Technology and Engineering and the Rafael Diaz Scholarship in Business. Professor Ian Boxill, holder of the S Carlton Alexander Chair of Management Studies, outlined the major projects undertaken by the Centre for Tourism and Policy Research which champions the sustainable development of the region’s tourism industry. Among the highlights of the year’s programme was the tourism-focused research conducted by several PhD candidates as well as by the faculty. Of particular note were publications which addressed (i) the impact of terrorism on tourism; (ii) the cruise ship industry;

and (iii) air travel. Professor Boxill also reported on the August Town Community Project in which the centre explored new approaches to community tourism. The project sought to engage a number of unattached youth who were encouraged to document, through the medium of film, various aspects of their community. “August Town has a rich history and long association with the UWI, which has helped to stabilize the community. We learnt a great deal from community members who take pride in their community and were amazed at the creativity and aptitude that the young men involved in the project displayed. The members of the Jamaican film industry with whom we shared their work were equally impressed by the genius of some of the young men,” he said. The Centre also successfully staged the inaugural Responsible Tourism Award Ceremony which saw awards going to the Sandals Hotel Chain, Jakes resort and Dolphin Cove among others. Prof. Dale Webber reported that “the work of the James S. Moss-Solomon Snr. Chair in Environmental Management continues to be important in teaching, learning, research and innovation and has been of service to the UWI community and governments across the Caribbean as we impact the Jamaican environmental landscape and the ocean and coastal zone management in the region.” Projects implemented over the year were the UWI Environmental Outreach Plastic Bottle Separation and Recovery Project, which embraced 28 schools in the corporate area and two in rural Jamaica, as well as the St Mary Parish Council and the University of Technology. In total, the project has 762 receptacles: 342 on the UWI campus and 420 across selected communities. They facilitate the creation of a database from which management information and scientific publications are being generated. Other initiatives highlighted were the UWI Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Rehabilitation and the acquisition of a new hyperbaric chamber at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, the most modern in the Caribbean.

UWIAA Chapter News

UWIAA Belize

Alumni in Belize supported the efforts of the Open Campus Belize who brought Professor Carolyn Cooper of UWI Mona to host a distinguished lecture, ‘Sounds of Freedom: Reggae and Dancehall Culture in the Caribbean’, on September 4, at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. Profesor Cooper also took part in other workshops during her visit. The UWIAA Belize Chapter held a mixer on November 30 at the Auditorium of the UWI Open Campus Belize, which began at 6:30pm. It was a great opportunity to unwind a bit and mingle with alumni and current UWI students.

UWIAA FLORIDA

The ‘Adopt A Student’ Campaign continues: Following the American Foundation of The University of the West Indies Adopt a Student for US$1 a-day event on July 27 in Tamarac, Florida, UWIAA Florida will be extending the drive to at least December 31. This will give those who did not get a chance to participate an opportunity to do so, to make an important contribution to the development of the Caribbean’s talent pool.

UWIAA Bahamas

The chapter marked UWI Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne’s 80th birthday with a wonderful reception. It was jointly hosted by the UWIAA, The Bahamas Chapter and the Director and Faculty of The UWI School of Clinical Medicine and Research, Bahamas. The venue was the Sheraton Cable Beach and the event lasted from 6:30pm to 9pm. Donations of more than US$10,000.00 (and counting) were received for the scholarship that he and his wife set up within the UWI Regional Endowment Fund.

Sp o nso re d by :

chapter following the Chancellor’s visit in May. She made several media appearances to explain the importance of engaging with alumni, the related aspects of the UWI 2012-2017 Strategic Plan and the crucial role alumni must play as The UWI moves forward to serve the region. She also discussed the UWI Visa card and ways alumni can assist The UWI. She also met with Mauricia Thomas Francis, manager of CIBC/First Caribbean in St. Lucia, along with Veronica Simon and they worked out an action plan to increase cardholders in the country in a significant way that will ultimately benefit The UWI. Davidson Francis paid a courtesy call on UWI alumna Dame Pearlette Louisy, the Governor General who, once again, reiterated her support of The UWI and she also had the honour of meeting UWI alumnus Derek Walcott briefly. The Steering Committee, comprising Deale Lee, Huanna French, Darin Solomon, Jasmine Vitalis-Lee, Michelle Charles, Walter Berkeley and Sophie Gerson, will work to ensure that the energy is maintained and alumni involvement increases. A series of alumni luncheons will be held and there will also be alumni get-togethers, fundraising for scholarships and community assistance programmes (local schools, tutoring students, etc.) The director was able to formally register the chapter with the IAD.

UWIAA Jamaica

The chapter hosted an Evening of Musical Excellence on November 17 at the Phillip Sherlock Centre. The wonderful evening of music featured Ian Hird, Kathy Brown, Desi Jones (drums), Dwayne Livingston (bass), Myrna Hague, Jeffrey Cobham, David Abrikian, Janilee Abrikian and a guest performance by none other than Chapter President A. Gilbert Bellamy. The UWI STAT Mona Corps assisted with ushering and serving Barefoot Wines provided by Lascelles. The chapter also wishes to thank sponsors Jamaica National, Rainbow Awning and Interlinc.

UWIAA St Lucia

The Director Alumni Relations, Celia Davidson Francis visited St Lucia with the aim of formalising the revitalisation of the

UWIAA Chapter News

Caymanian alumni give back to the community The CXC Volunteer Education Programme started in 2003 in an attempt to meet the urgent concern that there were many persons living in Grand Cayman who wanted an opportunity to have a second chance at an education. Championed by a UWI graduate, Mandy McGaugh and her husband Trevor, other educators were approached. The idea caught on and the McGaughs were joined by others who offered classes, free of charge, to members of the community. The first classes were offered at the SDA School – Cayman Academy and later at the Savannah SDA Church Hall. As the numbers grew, larger accommodation was required and the Ministry of Education has graciously been allowing the use of space in one of the high schools in George Town. Following the McGaugh’s migration to Canada, another UWI alumni, Dr. Livingston Smith, took up the reins and has been steering the programme. He is assisted by UWI Alumni Cayman Chapter President Leanora Wynter-Young, who serves as the

programme’s administrator. The present teacher complement stands at 42, with 50 per cent being graduates of The University of the West Indies. Presently, 320 students have registered for the academic year 2012/13. Students have matriculated from the programme and have gone on to attend the University College of the Cayman Islands; UWI Open Campus (Cayman); Northern Caribbean University and teachers colleges. One former student sent the following text message: “Thank you for all the hard work you have done with your class. Your labour hasn’t gone in vain as I am going off to college in Jamaica next week – Church Teachers College, pursuing a BSc in Physical Ed. Thanks very much. God bless you.” The CXC Volunteer Education Programme welcomes recent UWI Open Campus graduate Kurt McKenzie, who now teaches one of the four math exam classes.

Classes offered:

LISAA Launched

English Language: Literacy; Beginners; Intermediate, Examination, English for Speakers of other languages (ESOL) Mathematics: Basic/Beginners; Intermediate; Examination Accounts: Beginners and Examination Principles of Business: Beginners and Examination Social Studies: Beginners and Examination Human & Social Biology: Beginners and Examination Spanish: Beginners and Examination Caribbean History English Literature Chemistry Physics Computer Science: Introduction to Computers Electronic Document Preparation & Management (EDPM)

The Library and Information Studies Alumni Association was launched on October 5 and falls under the umbrella of the UWIAA Jamaica Chapter, although it will operate autonomously. In this way, it will have contact with other Jamaica-based alumni groups, such as the Mona School of Business alumni or the CARIMAC alumni, according to Director of Alumni Relations, Celia Davidson Francis, who was the guest speaker. The LISAA launch followed the successful hosting of the 40th anniversary of the Department of Library and Information Studies (DLS), marked by a conference from October 4-6. The conference and gathering of graduates was themed ‘From search to discovery: Reimagining the Library and Information Landscape.’ The DLS offers undergraduate and graduate programmes, as well as a number of professional courses designed for information professionals and librarians such as Archives and Records Management, Integrated Library Systems, Information Literacy Instruction, Metadata and Resources Discovery and Copyright Issues affecting Caribbean Libraries.

Successes Passes: 2010 – 90 students passed one to four subjects 2011 – 1 student passed seven subjects; 76 students passed one to four subjects 2012 – 76 students passed one to four subjects

UWIAA Contact News

THE UWIAA ALBERTA CONTACT:

Glenn Stewart

THE UWIAA AsEan Contact:

Michael Morrissey

We need your help to grow the Alberta UWIAA contingent and Glenn has agreed to be our lead contact in Alberta, Canada. If you live in the area, kindly contact Glenn so that he can help you get news about your alma mater and help you to reconnect.

We need your help to grow the South East Asia (ASEAN) UWIAA contingent and Michael has agreed to be our lead contact! So, if you live in or are visiting any of the following 10 South East Asian countries, then Mike is your man: Cambodia Laos Vietnam Thailand

Glenn obtained his Bachelor of Economics from The UWI, then did a Bachelor of Business and then Master of Business Administration (Finance and Accounting) at York University. He is currently a lecturer at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. He is a dynamic academic manager and instructor with more than 15 years experience in the business departments of tertiary institutions in Canada.

Malaysia Philippines Brunei Indonesia Singapore Mynanmar

Five things you might not know about Glenn: • He is a marathon runner, running 30km a week. • He is an avid reader of 17th and 18th century English poets. • He had a poem published in a Collection of Poetry in the United States. • He is an executive member of the Western Carnival Development Association: a Caribbean Cultural Association. • He is an executive member of the Cancer Society.

Mike was a Masters student on the Mona Campus in the 1970s and 80s and was awarded an MSc in Geography and an MA in Education. He then became a lecturer, senior lecturer (1971-97) then was appointed as Hon. Consultant to the Vice Chancellor’s office in 2003 and Hon. Professor in 2005. He has been a consultant to most development banks (IADB, AsDB, WB etc.) and international organisations (UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, etc.) and several donor organisations (USAID, UKAid, SIDA etc.) He has published widely and is well known as a specialist in education sector development.

If you are visiting the Alberta area, Glenn would be glad to help you connect with other Pelicans or assist you in networking or give you advice about the area. Email: alberta@alumni.uwi.edu

If you have any questions or need suggestions, please contact Mike. Network with other Pelicans while you visit the ASEAN! Email: asean@alumni.uwi.edu.

UWISTAT

Scenes from the road march

Members of the BNYC Executive, with representatives from the Suriname Youth Parliament, Miss Teen and Mister Bahamas UN Tourism and Bahamas and UWI Alumni Association President, Missouri Sherman-Peters.

Caribbean food - the best!

Regionalism celebrated in The Bahamas

By Kerri-Ann Mew

We often hear that the youth are our future, the leaders of tomorrow. WRONG! The youth are here and now. In the Caribbean, our youth, typically referring to persons aged 25 and under, represent almost half of our population. With such a large contingent, it’s almost impossible to understand how anyone could have relegated youth for future reference and impact. Doing so meant the ideas and issues of half our population were going unnoticed and treated with little concern. Happily, things are changing for the better and with the presence of National Youth Councils and Youth Parliaments, we can see a break on the horizon and a gradual shift in the spectrum. The importance of youth in the here and now was recognised by the United Nations General Assembly when the first Caribbean Youth Day (CYD) was celebrated on September 30, 1985. Since then, Caribbean Youth Day has been celebrated annually throughout the region.

The National Youth Day Celebrations were put on by the Bahamas National Youth Council and occurred over the course of three days, beginning on September 27. The events started off with a national forum held at the College of the Bahamas and culminated in a Church Service on September 30. The highlight of these activities was the Caribbean Youth Day Road March and Festive Market, which saw nationals from throughout the region dancing through the streets of The Bahamas to Caribbean music. At the Festive Market, one could get a taste of the region from the different stalls where dishes native to the participating islands could be sampled and purchased. The event culminated with an open mic segment where Malcolm Foulkes, President of Student Christian Movement at the College of the Bahamas, gave a spirited charge to the Youth of the Bahamas and the region to accept the challenge of leadership and lead with honesty and integrity.

This year, the University of the West Indies Student Today, Alumni Tomorrow (UWISTAT) Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador Corps – Mona celebrated Caribbean Youth Day both in Jamaica and in recognition of the importance of regionalism, in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Caribbean Youth Day, a day for both the young and the young at heart, is an annual event that recognises youth in a special way. But let’s not fall prey to the idea that youth issues are for a season; these are the issues of half our population. Let’s have Caribbean Youth Day every day!

First Country visit - 2012/13

A scene from the UWI/UTECH Sports Championships

Dr. Barbara Rodgers-Newbold, the Head of the Open Campus Bahamas, reported that the visit of the UWI STAT Ambassadors was a success. One Ambassador from the Mona Corps (Tijani Christian) and one from the Cave Hill Corps (Jeffrey Foreman) visited in November 2012. The Ambassadors were able to meet with the newly elected Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, attend the reception in honour of Sir George Alleyne’s 80th Birthday, visit with the President of the UWIAA Bahamas Chapter, attend the annual college fair and accompany representatives from Mona and St Augustine on their school visits to encourage Bahamians to attend the UWI.

Section of the crowd for balloon release

Mona • A balloon release to mark and promote cancer awareness was held on November 9. Environmentally friendly balloons were sold to students, staff and alumni and the funds donated to cancer research. They were released on the lawn in front of the Assembly Hall. ***

st. augustine

• The UWI/UTECH clash: Ambassadors and Ambassadors Designate worked at the Alumni Sky Box at the UWI/UTECH Championships. Their assistance made the Sky Box one of the most talked about places. President Sasha Harrison noted, “We have seen where our initiatives can work at events such as these and as such need to continue to work on getting more alumni involved in university events.” ***

VC Harris and members of the St. Augustine Corps

• Some members of the UWI STAT St Augustine Corps met the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris on September 14, 2012. President Jochelle Fortune, VP Membership Britney Johnson, VP Programming and Volunteerism, Benedict Bryan, discussed the current and future plans for the group. Also present were Andre Khan and Nigel Thomas who work closely in the area of CARICOM Relations as there will be a special focus on CARICOM Relations and promoting UWI as truly a regional institution. The Vice Chancellor was presented with a special jersey which was designed and hand painted by Ambassador Israel Ramjohn.

• The induction of new Ambassadors took place on November 1 at the UWI Regional Headquarters. The Vice Chancellor was there to present his remarks and their letters of appointment. In her remarks, Director, Alumni Relations, Celia Davidson Francis, highlighted her pride in the regional Corps and underscored its uniqueness as members are committed to lifelong involvement with the UWI.

UWISTAT

Cave Hill On October 10, 2012, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart noted that Caribbean countries have a history of working together and collaborating with each other. He was the distinguished speaker at The UWI Cave Hill Campus’ sixth Annual Distinguished Alumni Lecture, which had the theme The Global Crisis: An Opportunity for Collaboration and Cohesion between CARICOM Member States. He noted that “It is time to remind the people of the Caribbean, our Diaspora across the world and all others, that the Caribbean community has long established itself as a beacon of cooperation among small states. From healthcare to education to climate change, to championing the green and blue economies, to our spectacular participation in world sports, to security arrangements, we have proven to the world that we can collaborate at the regional, national and institutional levels to achieve our development objectives.”

• Ambassador Carlon Knight, VP Alumni Relations for the Cave Hill Corps reported that the Cave Hill Corps participated in the 2012 Graduation Ceremony at Cave Hill and assisted with the sale of alumni memorabilia.

Please support the 2013 Canadian Benefit Gala

Save the Date Light Learning Liberty

A number of regional examples of collaboration in the education and health sectors, including The UWI, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute and the Caribbean Health Research Council were also cited. He also highlighted the CSME successes in private sector enterprises, which have taken advantage of the common space and used the regional market as a basis for additional export on the global level. The Vice Chancellor’s UWI STAT Ambassadors have the promotion of Regional Integration and the CSME as one of their mandates noted President Nicolette Wright and they were very appreciative that the Prime Minister came to spread the word about importance of regional cooperation and caring.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

Date: Venue:

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Time:

Reception: 6.00pm Dinner: 7.00pm

Dress:

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto 181 Wellington Street West Toronto, Ontario M5V 3G7

Toronto

Benefit Gala

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 416-214-7848 E-mail: toni@uwitorontogala.com

www.uwitorontogala.com

Black Tie

PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE UWI TORONTO BENEFIT GALA 2012

“I believe in the best of the human spirit: we have the ability to extend ourselves well beyond our boundaries – whatever or wherever they may be … and in so doing, better the lives of those in our communities and our country.” Hon. G. Raymond Chang, OJ • Patron, UWI Toronto Benefit Gala 2013

UWI Sports

Coach Glen Mills with Usain Bolt

UWI

sports • Olympic 110m hurdles bronze medallist, Hansle Parchment, was honoured by The University of the West Indies at a function held at Mona on September 13. He became Jamaica’s first Olympic medallist in the men’s sprint hurdles event when he clocked a national record 13.12 seconds at the London 2012 Olympics. Seoul Olympics 200m silver medallist and UWI Sports Development Director Grace Jackson was also on hand to celebrate his performance. • Sports medicine specialist Dr Akshai Mansingh, an advocate of pre-participation screening for athletes, took part in an athletic potential workshop held at The UWI, Mona. Under the theme, ‘Dynamics and Development of Athletic Potential,’ the workshop — attended by coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and doctors — examined ways for athletes to improve through the dynamics of sports medicine, particularly exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychological support, injury prevention and treatment. The workshop also highlighted the benefits of having enhanced assessment and execution of training programmes, including early detection of biomechanical abnormalities. Participants from The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, St Kitts, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana and Jamaica attended the workshop which had presenters from Australia, Canada, the UK, Barbados and Jamaica. • Glen Lebert Livingston Mills was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa on November 3 at The UWI, Mona. Mills is recognised as the leading sprinting coach

in the world. He came to international attention when he resuscitated the career of Usain Bolt who, having shot to fame in the World Junior Championship Games in 2002, experienced a significant slump in performance immediately thereafter. Having joined forces with Mills, Bolt went on to repeatedly win every major sprinting title and is currently the holder of the world records in both the 100m and 200m sprint events and a key member of the world recordbreaking team of Jamaicans in the 4x100m men’s relay team. Mills’ reputation as the world’s best sprinting coach rests not only on his accomplishments with Bolt (himself a 2011 UWI honorary graduate). He is also the only coach in the history of the Olympics to have coached five of the six medallists in the male sprint events in any single Olympic Games, having trained the gold and silver medallists in the 100m sprints for men and the gold, silver and bronze medallists in the men’s 200m event at the 2012 Olympics in London. He has also been inducted into the Penn Relays Hall of Fame. As founder, president and head coach of the Racers Track Club, which from its outset has been located at The University of the West Indies’ Mona Campus, he has crafted the development of more than a dozen Olympic and IAAF World Championship medallists, including athletes such as Kim Collins of St Kitts & Nevis. Because of his instrumentality, The UWI Mona Bowl of Sporting Excellence can safely claim to have produced more Olympic and World Championship medallists than any other sporting academy in the world.

Cienna Thasa Smith Winner of the UWISPEC 2012 Half Marathon, George Towett

• The third staging of the UWI/UTech Sports Championships took place on September 15. This is the significant annual sports clash between The University of the West Indies (UWI) Pelicans and neighbours, the University of Technology (UTech) Knights. More than 300 student athletes tried to bring home the Championship Trophy. Themed ‘Seven Sports, Two Teams, One Championship,’ all events were contested in the shortened version to ensure matches were fast paced and intense. The line-up included 20/20 cricket, basketball, football, fast net netball and volleyball with two additional sports for this year’s championship — rugby and female football. The event, which started in 2010, is specifically designed to develop a friendly rivalry between the two leading universities, while synonymously bolstering school spirit. The concept has been well received, as seen over the last two years where hundreds of students and alumni have come out in their school colours to show their support for the respective institutions. Rashid Hall, Championship Co-ordinator from the UWI Sports Department, noted that for the Mona Pelicans who successfully defended their title, the win was “just as sweet this time.”

Lawyers helping young lawyers Special thanks to the Caribbean Bar Association of New Jersey Inc. and especially Yvette C. Sterling Esq., who worked with the AFUWI to give Cienna Thasa Smith US$750 to assist her in paying off her outstanding fees so that she could attend the Norman Manley Law School. They presented her with a certificate for her academic achievement and perseverance in the field of law.

uwi

Couples Dino Hinds, Vice President of Markets and Trading at Mayberry Investments Ltd and Tamar Webley, banking officer at First Global Bank, met as students at The UWI. They also chose to seal their union at The UWI in the University Chapel located at the Mona Campus, with a reception in the Gold Room at the Mona Visitor’s Lodge.

• The UWI SPEC International Half-Marathon was once again hosted by UWI St. Augustine on October 28. It is an internationally certified event and record race times will be recognised worldwide by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF). It is organised by the UWI SPEC coordinating team, currently led by director, Justin Latapy-George. This year’s race, again sponsored by First Citizens, started at 6 a.m. and the 13.1 mile route attracted athletes from around the world including Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean and the USA.

Book Corner

I wanted to move beyond the exasperated talk and to examine in a studied manner how youths were using their cell phones and too their engagement with the new-found wonders of social media. These communication technologies have taken root and are worthy of empirical analysis. Are Jamaican youths any different from their first world counterparts in the USA or their colleagues in other Caribbean islands when it came to life online – whether via the mobile phone or through social networks? Furthermore, coming out of my 2010 book, Music, Media & Adolescent Sexuality in Jamaica, it was clear that Jamaicans were using the cell phone in ways that would not have been conceived by its creators. Pay-per-view porn was highlighted in that body of work. In what other ingenious ways have owners now put the cell phone to use, especially in these times of harsh economic conditions? Were these instruments being used for income generating endeavors? What kinds of relationships did youths have with these instruments? After all, cell phone penetration is reported at approximately 120 per cent. A multi-modal research approach was used. It included surveys (a Twitter survey and another I refer to as ‘youth online’) focus group sessions, observation and digital ethnography, an immersion into social media and ‘living’ on Twitter. The ‘youth online’ questionnaire was completed by 527 respondents, mainly Jamaicans but also Dominicans,Trinidadians and Americans (USA). Teenagers from fourteen schools in Jamaica participated in the research project along with young adults in the aforementioned countries.

UWI ALumna marcia forbes why i wrote streaming: Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles This is a book that demanded to be written! Cell phones and social media had become all the rage. These phones were being banned from schools while, based on reports from parents and teachers, Facebook, the most well-known social media network, was stealing students’ time. The quarrel over text talk where words get abbreviated, adults get excluded and exams end up being failed, was also a regular part of verandah and media talk.

The journey toward writing this book, STREAMING: Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles, meant releasing inhibitions and risking abuse from persons a fraction of my age. As much as they can be tremendously useful, social networks can be a hotbed for cyber-bullying and a stream of ongoing negativity. The journey proved to be a wonderful ride on the crest of evolving new media technologies with meaningful engagements with young, bright, talented and often humorous Jamaicans. STREAMING: Social Media, Mobile Lifestyles has already met with approval from lecturers at two of Jamaica’s leading universities, The University of the West Indies and the University of Technology, for use in their various courses. I look forward to parents and adults in general delving into the pages of this book, be they actual or virtual pages. Entirely self-financed, I’m glad I found the wherewithal to manage to publish this book and could not have done it without the unfailing support of my family business, Phase 3 Productions Ltd. STREAMING is available as an eBook via Kindle and Lulu and in hard copy via Amazon.com.

Happenings

ST. AUGUSTINE • The UWI St Augustine Guild Orientation Week - Sport and Health Village was held from September 3 – 7 at 8 pm. • The Caribbean Centre for Competitiveness had its first Caribbean Competitiveness Forum on November 5-6 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. • The University of the West Indies Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, headquartered in Mt. Hope, is planning to construct a campus in San Fernando and has already begun to expand operations to other territories including Guyana, Suriname and Haiti.

MONA

• The Mona Campus of The University of the West Indies has been granted institutional accreditation by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), for a period of seven years, the maximum time possible. The accreditation took effect from February 1. This is a significant development for the campus, which is now the first institution in Jamaica to secure institutional accreditation from the UCJ, as a way of validating its quality standards. Institutional accreditation means that all its undergraduate and graduate programmes are recognised. • The Confucius Institute at UWI, Mona,

as part of its mandate and outreach effort, seeks to promote the learning and appreciation of Chinese language and culture and offers short courses in Chinese Calligraphy, Mandarin and Tai Chi. For details email: confucius. institute@uwimona.edu.jm • The Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago was inducted into the UWI, Mona Park in honour of graduates who are or have been Heads of Government. She is the only woman thus far, as all other graduates who have achieved this milestone to date have been male. • The third year medical class hosted its annual Smoker production to raise vital funds for charity. Smoker is a long-standing tradition that dates back decades. Third-year medical students do an annual production in aid of various charities and attempt to give back to the country from which they have so greatly benefitted. Entilted ‘I fi I’, it ran from September 13-16 at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts. Funds procured from the four-day event went towards The Gastrointestinal (GI) Department at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). • Staff appointments - Dr. Derrick McKoy has been appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Law. Professor Archibald McDonald has been appointed to the postion of Vice Principal of the UWI Mona Campus. Professor Evan Duggan has been appointed as Dean of the

Faculty of Social Sciences. Dr. Russell Pierre has been promoted to the rank of Professor. Dr. Byron Wilson has been promoted to the rank of Professor. Dr. Luz Longsworth has assumed duties as the Director of the Western Jamaica Campus and Ms. Rose Cameron has been appointed as the new Director of Student Services. • The Department of Management Studies and the Mona School of Business at The University of the West Indies have merged to become the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM). The single business school was officially launched on September 24. • The Faculty of Law at The UWI, Mona launched the Mona Law Series (MLS) on Thursday, November 29. The series hosted seminars led by The UWI Mona Law faculty on issues of interest to the wider university community, the judiciary and the legal profession. • The CARIMAC Advanced Public Relations Class of 2013 hosted ‘CLICK Sign In To Cash IN - Exploring Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Social Media’ on November 29. • A team from Mona won the Minister’s Innovation Awards for 2012 for its pioneering treatment for high blood sugar and high blood pressure. The ‘Novel Treatment Against Hyperglycemia and Hypertension’ was adjudged most significant in its effect on

Happenings

the scientific and technological world and topped a field of 177 entrants in the awards competition developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining. The team of Dr. Lisa Lindo of the Biochemistry Department, Dr. Trevor Yee of the Natural Products Institute and Professor Paul Reese of the Chemistry Department, also received the champions ‘Innovator of the Year’ trophy and a cheque for $2 million. They also won the Health and Wellness category, earning them a further $750,000.

OPEN CAMPUS

• The Open Campus, Country Site Belize, will host a special UWI Education Week 2012 from November 25 – December 1. • Professor Sir Errol R. Walrond delivered the Fifth Annual Bernard A. Sorhaindo Lecture, which was organised by the UWI Open Campus Dominica, in collaboration with the Dominica Social Security on Thursday, September 29. Walrond is Professor Emeritus of UWI and Honourary Consultant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. He spoke on the topic ‘Professional Ethics: A Community & Professional Responsibility.’ • The community of Junction in St. Elizabeth is the newest addition to the OC Sites in Jamaica. Formerly located at Lititz, St. Elizabeth, the new site is under

the direction of Dr. Jerome Miller-Vaz, Head of Jamaica Western Zone. The UWIOC Junction site is positioned to take adult learning to the underserved in and around the environs of Junction. This will be done through the blended mode delivery at the location, offering a laddering approach by facilitating the teaching of Pre-University courses (CXC/CSEC, CAPE) face-to-face. This will act as a feeder for applicants who wish to pursue higher levels of education. As of October 1, there are 54 registered students for Supervisory Management, 40 registered for CSEC, (doing multiple subjects) and 22 accepted for the UWIOC Bachelors, Diplomas and Masters programmes. • The Open Campus Belize participated in EXPO 2012 for the first time ever from September 15-16, at the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Belize City. The event has, over the past 15 years, evolved into the EXPO Belize Marketplace, the largest consumer tradeshow in the country and is a welcome addition to the September Celebrations Calendar. • The Bahamas-based University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research (UWI-SCMR) hosted its 6th Annual Research Day September 20-21, sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada, under the theme ‘Building Healthy Communities, the Research Agenda.’ The symposium took place at the College of the Bahamas, School of Nursing Lecture Hall. The two-day event had more than 20 presentations.

• The Seventh Annual Dame Eugenia Charles Distinguished Lecture was presented by the UWI Open Campus Dominica on November 29 in collaboration with the Fort Young Hotel. Professor Margaret Deanne Rouse-Jones, the former Campus (St Augustine) and UWI Librarian delivered the lecture: ‘Of Heroes and Heritage: the Contribution of George James Christian of Dominica to the Social, Political and Legal Landscape of Ghana 1900-1940.’

CAVE HILL

• The Faculty of Law hosted a lecture entitled ‘Public Interest Lawyers, Environmental Law and Justice’ on October 16. • On September 17, The UWI Cave Hill campus officially accepted a 40-acre gift of land at Dukes Plantation, St. Thomas, from philanthropist Eddie Edghill and his family. The land will be used to establish a centre for food security and entrepreneurship. According to Cave Hill principal Sir Hilary Beckles, this will greatly assist in allowing Barbados to achieve food security and to train young Barbadians in this important sector. • The Institute for Gender and Development Studies Nita Barrow Unit hosted a seminar entitled ‘Parenting Styles and Risks of Overweight PreAdolescent Children in Barbados’ by Dr. Pamela Gordon on Oct 16, 2012.

Memorials

In Celebration of their lives Dr. Frederick Ignatius Campayne

Former lecturer in Physics at the University of Guyana and at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad, he also tutored secondary school students in maths and physics at Advanced levels. Esteemed as a brilliant academic, he was trusted, respected and loved as a great teacher, a valued colleague, a loyal friend and a truly humble man of faith. He was the son of the late James and Ora Campayne of Guyana and dearly beloved brother of Louis (deceased), Hazel, Winston (Alma), Waveney, Berenice (deceased) and Joan (Arthur).

Gordon John Harris

Over the past ten years, the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) and the university (UWI) have benefitted tremendously from the generosity of Gordon and his wife Daniella, who live in New Jersey, via their sponsorship of scholarships for three students annually. The university community wishes to recognise their generosity and extends deepest sympathy to the Harris family. Gordon died at the age of 48. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, he moved to Jamaica, NY in 1979. He worked for Bell Labs before starting several successful companies with his business partner, Timothy Williams. Gordon loved racing, especially Formula One. He was a ‘foodie’ and enjoyed dining at gourmet restaurants. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children and family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Daniella; sons Brandon and Jason; father, Ancell Harris, AFUWI board member and other relatives. In lieu of flowers at his funeral, memorial contributions were made to the AFUWI

Memorials

Zelma Richards

Served as the Executive Officer of the UWI Medical Alumni Association and managed the Secretariat, which is located at the University Hospital of the West Indies. UWI Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne noted, “She was the heart, soul and life of the UWIMAA for many, many years… She was part of the glue that held it together. She guided the sssociation through its early uncertain years and later lent the permanence and stability that such organisations need… I also know that her dream was for the association to grow and prosper. The best tribute to her would be for a sustained effort to incorporate the younger alumni and have them feel some of that passion for the Medical School felt by the older ones. If souls can rest at all, I am sure that the continuity of the association would be a factor that would, in some small way, contribute to hers resting in peace.” Gerald Groves, Chairman, saluted her on behalf of UWIMAA of the Tri-State Chapter, the USA Chapter and all of the UWI Medical Alumni Association Chapters and noted that Zelma served UWIMAA with great dedication and distinction and was responsible for a number of creative initiatives, including prints of the Good Samaritan mural in the building of the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the book, UWI: A Photographic Journey. “Like a good Trinidadian, Zelma had a ready and scandalous sense of humor, which often brought a smile to my lips or an outright guffaw. She bore her years so well that one never really contemplated her passing. She will be very sadly missed by all of us who knew her,” he said.

Angela Cropper Angela Cropper was an outstanding alumna and one of the world’s leading environmental policy experts. She gained a BSc degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) in 1973 and 1982 respectively. She also received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University in 2009. An economist with a love for the environment, Angela was involved in numerous initiatives at the cutting edge of sustainable development.

and resource education, as well as capacity building for sustainable development. She saw the Foundation as providing a framework in which interested individuals and organisations might combine their time, expertise and resources to ‘give something back’ to the public interest. The Cropper Foundation and the UWI St Augustine Campus have partnered in initiatives and programmes in the areas of the sciences, arts and culture.

In 2008, she was appointed Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She served in this role until 2011 and more recently, had been serving as the UNEP’s Special Advisor for the Rio+20 Summit 2012. In addition to her posts at the UNEP and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Angela’s activities during her sterling career included professional, professorial and advisory appointments at Yale University; the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago; CARICOM; the World Conservation Union (IUCN), Switzerland; Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, UWI St Augustine.

Cropper’s life work has had real relevance. During her exemplary career, which spanned 39 years, she served as a member of the Board of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2001-2005) and led two sub-global assessments on the Northern Range in Trinidad and the Caribbean Sea. She also chaired the Board of Trustees of the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and was a member of the World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development, where she served as editor of the commission’s report. In 2006, Angela received the Zayed Prize for Environmental Action Leading to Positive Change. She was also recognised by the Environmental Management Authority of Trinidad and Tobago with the Green Leaf Award.

In 2000, Angela started the Cropper Foundation with her husband, John. The establishment of this not-for-profit philanthropic organisation reflected her unstinting advocacy for the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources and their deep interest in Caribbean development. In a 2008 interview with the Pelican Magazine, (a publication of The UWI) Angela spoke of her vision for the foundation to facilitate public policy and governance, environment

UWI Vice Chancellor Professor E Nigel Harris, extended condolences on behalf of the university community: “Angela Cropper has made contributions which have impacted our region and reached beyond to touch the globe. She proved to be a sterling example of the ideal UWI graduate and our region has undoubtedly lost one of its most committed advocates for the environment and sustainable development.”

UWI Alumni Association Chapters

The University of the West Indies Vice Chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presidents Club (Includes all current and former alumni presidents)

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

UWI Alumni Association contacts Alberta, ASEAN, Grenada, Guangdong, Guyana, Ottawa, Suriname, Turks and Caicos Islands

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: Daniella Hickling

Mona campus

St Augustine campus

Tel: 876-927-1583 uwialumni@yahoo.com Contact: Charmaine Wright

Tel: 868-663-1579 alumni@sta.uwi.edu Contact: Charmain Subero

Coordinating Office, Alumni Relations, Institutional Advancement Division, UWI Regional Headquarters Please send all submissions, articles and suggestions to: editor@alumni.uwi.edu