Machel Montano, Arturo Tappin and Myrna Hague on board for UWI Chancellor's Week

For the 70th anniversary of the founding of the University of the West Indies, the Chancellor's Week has taken on a new life, and is sure to be one of the highlights of the institution's year-long celebration of '70 years of service: 70 years of leadership'.

From July 23-29, alumni, students, staff and guests from across the Caribbean and the globe will converge at the Mona campus for a week of activities hosted by Chancellor Robert Bermudez.

This year's week-long celebration will offer a diverse and exciting programme of entertainment-focused events, complete with a breakfast party and cooler fÍte, to encourage the participation and support of Pelicans of different ages and tastes.

"At 70, The University of the West Indies is one of the institutions which best embodies the intellect and rich and diverse culture of the Caribbean. Chancellor's Week reflects this with a mix of academic, social and cultural events," William Iton, campus registrar and chair of Chancellor's Week Planning Committee, told The Gleaner. "These events cater to different age groups and interests the alumni of yesteryear, new graduates and current students and, of course, friends of the UWI," he added.

The homecoming week's events will include: an invitation-only welcome gala reception, hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, at Jamaica House; Nostalgic Conversations a free interactive public forum; the Pelican Awards; and the panel discussion Pelican Projections.

Less-cerebral action will kick off on the weekend.

On Friday, July 27, there will be the One UWI Festival showcasing the cuisine and cultures of all three campuses of the UWI, as well as a T20 cricket match between a student team and a special Chancellor's XI team. Bright and early Saturday morning will be the Pelican/Sunnation All-White Breakfast Party, featuring international soca star Machel Montano, then the B4 Summer Ends Cooler FÍte takes place in the night.

The Chancellor's Jazz Farewell will bring the curtains down on the week's activities. This will feature performances by Jamaica's first lady of jazz, Myrna Hague, and Bajan saxophonist Arturo Tappin.

Tappin has performed for former US Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and the late Cuban President Fidel Castro. He has played and recorded with numerous artistes, including Luther Vandross, Monty Alexander, Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert, Third World, Mikey Bennet, Maxi Priest, Bongo Herman and Dean Fraser.

The concert will also feature Marjorie Whylie, pianist-composer-bandleader Peter Ashbourne, and the Desi Jones Band.

"The Pelican All-White Breakfast Party, B4 Summer Ends Cooler FÍte and the Chancellor's Jazz Farewell acknowledge the important role of the music that is so much an integral part of the everyday existence of the Caribbean man and woman. This is a truly Caribbean celebration," Iton noted.