THE University of the West Indies (The UWI) will be hosting landmark events to mark the historic opening of its Five Islands Campus, in St John’s, Antigua.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted that “this is a matter of great pride for The University of the West Indies as it continues its onward march across the Caribbean, serving the development needs of our countries.”
He added, “The UWI was created to serve all our people equally. These are difficult financial times for the region but we must not succumb to self-doubt. Rather, more than ever we must stand together.”
Formal launch activities began with a public ecumenical service at The St John’s Cathedral on September 1. Dignitaries included Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Dean of The St John’s Cathedral, the Very Reverend Ernest Flemming, was expected to officiate the service which included an Academic Procession comprised of principal officers of the regional university, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus, Professor Stafford A. Griffith. A ceremonial opening of the campus in Five Islands Village followed on September 3.
The fourth landed campus, and fifth campus of The UWI, officially began operations on August 25 and is currently registering students for programmes across three schools: Health and Behavioural Sciences; Humanities and Education; Management, Sciences and Technology.
To mark the official start of the academic year 2019-2020, Vice-Chancellor Beckles visited Antigua on August 26. He paid a courtesy call upon Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, at the Office of the Prime Minister, met with senior officials in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as well as Media on the implementation plans for the Five Islands Campus.