Interfaith Service kicks off The UWI’s 75th anniversary celebrations

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Thursday, January 12, 2023—Staff, students, retirees, alumni, partners, and friends of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) turned out at the University Chapel at the Mona Campus in Jamaica on Sunday, January 8 for an Interfaith Convocation Service which signalled the start of the University’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

The service was led by Rt. Rev. Garth Minott Suffragan Bishop of Kingston. In his sermon, he remarked, “It is my hope that this 75th anniversary celebration will inspire us, incite us, energise us to work for and with the ongoing evolution of The University of the West Indies. To look for possibilities in the midst of problems. Practice generous giving of time and resources. Look to that process of growth and development to which we are called. Let us commit and recommit ourselves to contribute to the development of The University of the West Indies so that 75 years from now, those who are here will be grateful to us for having passed on to them this illustrious institution.”

Chancellor of The UWI, Robert Bermudez narrated the founding story of The University of the West Indies and Vice-Chancellor of The UWI and Professor Sir Hilary Beckles led a Christian reading from the Holy Bible. Other Officiants included representatives from the Sanatan Dharma Mandir, the United Congregation of Israelites, the Central Masjid and Islamic Council of Jamaica, the Bahai Faith, the Rastafari Innity Council, the Unification Movement and University Chaplains from the Anglican Church and Baptist Churches.

Students of the Mona Campus conducted the commemorative lighting of 17 candles representing each of the UWI contributing countries across the region.

2023 marks 75 years since the official opening of its first UWI Campus in Mona, Jamaica. The UWI’s 75th anniversary year will feature a yearlong calendar of events and activities across all five campuses as well as internationally. The UWI community is invited to visit the anniversary website, www.uwi.edu/75 for information.

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First row, left to right: Chancellor of The UWI, Robert Bermudez, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Lady Mary Beckles, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Mona Campus, Professor Dale Webber. Second row: University Registrar, Dr. Maurice D. Smith.

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The commemorative lighting of the 17 candles for the UWI contributing countries by Mona Campus students.

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First row, left to right: Chancellor of The UWI, Robert Bermudez, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Lady Mary Beckles, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Mona Campus, Professor Dale Webber, Professor Mona Webber. Second row: University Registrar, Dr. Maurice D. Smith.

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Left to right: Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Mona Campus, Professor Dale Webber, Jamaica’s Minister of Education and Youth, The Honourable Fayval Williams, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Lady Mary Beckles and Chancellor of The UWI, Robert Bermudez.

About The University of the West Indies

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region.

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and 10 global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). In the latest World University Rankings 2022, released in September 2021, The UWI moved up an impressive 94 places from last year. In the current global field of some 30,000 universities and elite research institutes, The UWI stands among the top 1.5%.

The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean, it is also in the top 20 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old). The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

Learn more at www.uwi.edu.