GG proclaims Jan 7 as UWI Day

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has declared January 7, 2023 as UWI Day in honour of The University of the West Indies’ 75th anniversary.

The proclamation hailed The UWI for its commitment to the development of the region through the training of its human resources, the conduct of research, the delivery of advisory services to governments and to the private sector, as well as the forging of links with other institutions in the wider region and the rest of the world.

“The University of the West Indies is the leading research institution in the region, and has, since its establishment, produced more than 100,000 graduates in various disciplines, thereby significantly contributing to the region’s human capacity,” the proclamation read in part.

The proclamation was made on Thursday at King’s House in a ceremony attended by Professor Dale Webber, pro vice chancellor and principal of the Mona campus; Dr Maurice Smith, university registrar; Dr Rhonda Jaipaul-O’Garro, university director of marketing and communications; and Allison Fung, executive assistant to the vice chancellor.

Sir Patrick noted that the region continues to reap the legacy of the leap of faith that was taken in 1948 to establish The UWI.

“Today, we know of its ranking in the world sphere and also regionally. This is a happy day for The University of the West Indies and I am happy that I can make this proclamation as one of its alumni,” he shared.

In his remarks, Webber described the proclamation as a “special moment”, noting that The UWI is looking forward to a strong year of growth and will use its Triple A strategy of access, alignment and agility to strengthen the region.

“The University of the West Indies decided it would have a proclamation ceremony, whereas many countries in which we had jurisdiction and a governor general, we would ask for such a proclamation to be made to bring to the fore the importance of the institution and all that we have done,” the pro vice chancellor said.

UWI’s 75th anniversary will be celebrated under the theme, ‘UWI at 75: Rooted. Ready. Rising’.

Smith said that 2023 is an important milestone year for the regional institution and the focus will be threefold as it celebrates the foundational principles upon which it was built, deals with the contemporary issues that face the region, and commits to staying on a path of continuous improvement.

“A number of academic, social and religious events will be held to reconnect us with our people, reconnect us with our past to ensure that we are being true to our purpose, our mission, our vision as a regional institution and to ensure that we strategise for the continued progress and development of the Caribbean,” Smith said, adding that The UWI is proud of its contribution and is recommitting itself to the advancement of the region.

Following UWI Day, an interfaith convocation service will be held at the University Chapel on the Mona campus on January 8.

judana.murphy@gleanerjm.com