Office of the Campus Registrar, Jamaica. Monday, October 29, 2018 - On October 13, 2018, the Open Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) recognized the accomplishments of graduates for the 2017-2018 academic year at an official ceremony held at The Royalton Resort and Spa in Saint Lucia. This year, seven hundred and forty-five (745) students (516 undergraduates and 229 postgraduates) graduated with degrees, certificates and diplomas in a wide range of subject areas. Of these one hundred and eighty (180) attended the official Graduation Ceremony, crossing the stage with pride towards Mr Robert Bermudez, Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, who graciously shook the hand of each graduate, in turn, while congratulating them on their success.
As in previous years, the ceremony was preceded by a rousing musical interlude played by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band. Lending lustre to the event with his presence was H.E. Sir Neville Cenac, Governor General of Saint Lucia, accompanied by Lady Cenac,
Other dignitaries in attendance included former Governor General of Saint Lucia Dame Pearlette Louisy, President of the Senate Hon. Jeannine Michele Giraudy-McIntyre, Speaker of the House, Hon. Andy Glen Daniel, Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr Gail Rigobert and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Dr Ubaldus Raymond.
The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, members of the University’s Executive Management, other top level University officials, as well as family and friends of the graduates, were also in attendance.
In a speech that focused on the excellent improvement in the menu of employment opportunities available to graduates in the “gig economy”, Chancellor Bermudez exhorted graduands not to allow themselves to be boxed into traditional modes of earning a living.
This was followed by the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) on two Caribbean citizens - the Honourable Dame Janice Mesadis Pereira DBE from the British Virgin Islands, for her service to the legal profession and Mr Larry Quinlan from St. Kitts and Nevis, for his influence and work in leadership at the global level.
Following the eloquent delivery of citations by Campus Orator, Dr Francis Severin, Mr Quinlan delivered a heartfelt speech which met with much applause from the audience present. Referencing his own contributions, as well as his family’s extensive personal relationship with The UWI over many decades, he encouraged the graduates to give of their talents and financial resources to The UWI. “The UWI provided my family with unique opportunities”, said Mr Quinlan, “and giving back is a continued goal.” In a powerful conclusion to his presentation, he reminded graduates that they now belonged to “an illustrious group of UWI alumni who have led nations, founded institutions, captained enterprises, created businesses, dispensed justice, healed the sick, educated the world, improved humanity through inventions, shaped economies, won Nobel prizes and raised the children of the next generation.” He asked therefore, that each graduate strive to become “the leader who will make a better place for those with whom we share our planet.”
Mr Quinlan’s stirring contribution was followed by performances by Ms Jasmara Nelson and Ms Barbara Cadet, whose rousing renditions of the appropriately chosen pieces “You’re Simply the Best” and “I am a West Indian” respectively, were met with thunderous applause by all present.
Delivering the Valedictorian’s speech this year was proud member of the indigenous Kalinago Community of Dominica, Mr Kirk Edwards who completed his Bachelor of Education (BEd), Mathematics with First Class Honours. While lauding the Open Campus for living up to its promise of “Opening Doors to Life-changing Learning,” he also used his platform to call for more STEM programmes (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to enhance the current suite of programmes offered.
Amidst loud bursts of applause and the vigorous waving of national flags, the Class of 2018 was presented with their individual scrolls by Campus Registrar, Mrs Karen Ford-Warner – the tangible evidence of their individual academic achievements. The formal ceremony concluded with the Chancellor bringing the proceedings to an end and the singing of the University Song.
An official reception generously hosted by the Government and People of Saint Lucia for the graduates and their guests, brought the celebration to a close.
Photo Captions
Photo 1: Chancellor of The UWI, Mr Robert Bermudez presenting Honorary Graduate, Hon Dame Janice Mesadis Pereira with her scroll at The UWI Open Campus Graduation Ceremony held in Saint Lucia on October 13, 2018.
Photo 2: Honorary Graduates, Mr. Larry Quinlan and Hon. Dame Janice Mesadis Pereira (centre) pose with (left to right) Dr. Luz Longsworth, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Open Campus; Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies and Mr. Robert Bermudez, Chancellor of The University of the West Indies.
Photo 3: The Valedictorian, Mr. Kirk Edwards addressing the 2018 Graduating Class at The UWI Open Campus' Graduation Ceremony held in Saint Lucia on October 13, 2018.
Photo 4: The Campus Registrar, Mrs Karen Ford-Warner handing the scroll to one of the Graduates at The UWI Open Campus Graduation Ceremony held in Saint Lucia on October 13, 2018.
Photo 5: Members of the 2018 Graduating Class at the at The UWI Open Campus' Graduation Ceremony held in Saint Lucia on October 13, 2018.
About The UWI
For the past 70 years The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has provided service and leadership to the Caribbean region. In 2018, The UWI celebrates its evolution from 1948 as a university college in Jamaica with 33 medical students to an internationally respected regional university with near 50,000 students. Today, The UWI is the largest, most longstanding higher education provider in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with four campuses in Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and an Open Campus. The UWI has faculty and students from more than 40 countries and collaborative links with 160 universities globally; it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food & Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science & Technology, Social Sciences and Sport. Its seven priority focal areas are linked closely to the priorities identified by CARICOM and take into account such over-arching areas of concern to the region as environmental issues, health and wellness, gender equity and the critical importance of innovation. The UWI has been a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of our people. As the regional institution commemorates its 70th anniversary milestone, it will celebrate its students, faculty, administrators, alumni, governments, and partners in the public and private sector. The anniversary commemoration will focus on reflection as well as projection for the future with an emphasis on social justice and the economic transformation of the region. Website: www.uwi.edu and www.uwi.edu/70 . (Please note that the proper name of the university is The University of the West Indies, inclusive of the “The”, hence The UWI.)
