After a three-year hiatus during the COVID pandemic, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort hosted the 13th Annual Dame Eugenia Charles Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, 13 December, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Fort Young Hotel.
This year’s presenter was Dr. Nicole Phillip-Dowe, Deputy Director, The UWI Global Campus Sites, who spoke on the topic: "Is Freedom We Makin’: Lessons from the Grenada Revolution, 1979-1983.”
As a Historian, Caribbean History Researcher and Educator, Dr. Phillip-Dowe has done extensive work on the economic, political and social impacts of the Grenada Revolution on both Grenadian and Caribbean societies.
“The Lecture focused on the Grenada Revolution and its impact the region, the lessons that we can learn from the policies and procedures of the Revolution and its failings and its successes,” said Dr. Phillip-Dowe. “It created quite a stir as the first socialist revolution in the English-speaking Caribbean.”
In her parting words to the packed room of attendees, Dr. Phillip-Dowe emphasized the importance of Caribbean society’s learning from mistakes.
“Looking ahead, we must learn from the errors of our past experiences. Tolerance, compromise, and the earnest inclusion of the people in the political process are key to the survival of any government,” said Dr. Phillip-Dowe. “Governments must work consistently for the holistic development of the state and not fall victim to partisan interests or the strict unwavering adherence to dogma.”
This Lecture Series is meant to reflect on the influence, ideas and life of the late Dame Eugenia Charles, Dominica’s only female Prime Minister, and link these with contemporary political, social and economic issues. Guests got the opportunity to listen to the speaker present for about 45 minutes. Following the presentation, they were able to interact with Dr. Phillip-Dowe to discuss the influence of the topic on Dominica and the Caribbean region.
Dr. Nicole Phllip-Dowe
Dr Philip-Dowe poses with some attendees during Meet and Greet
Dr. Phillip-Dowe with Dominica Site Staff Principal Severin and Sandra Griffith Carrington UWI Global Alumni Officer
Dr. Phillip-Dowe with Miss Dominica 2024 Contestants
