Blog
ONE LOVE/ONE UWI #1: Message from the Vice-Chancellor
A Series from Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles This is my first ‘ONE LOVE/ONE UWI’ message to our community since the suspension of face-to-face teaching on ALL CAMPUSES and our transition to online programme delivery. and in the salt chuckle of rocks with their sea pools, there was the sound like a rumour without any echo of History, really […]
Message from the Vice-Chancellor – International Women’s Day 2020 | Saluting our UWI Women
The UN recognises 2020 as a pivotal year for advancing gender equality worldwide, as the global community takes stock of progress made for women’s rights. As an institution, for over 71 years we have been witness to UWI women making remarkable strides in this cause, through widespread and lasting contributions in the Caribbean region and […]
The UWI salutes CDB on its golden anniversary
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) congratulates the Caribbean Development Bank on its 50th Anniversary. The following statement is issued by the Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. Fifty years ago, in 1970, as the fledgling nations of the Caribbean sought to shape a post-colonial destiny for themselves, the Caribbean Development […]
The UWI salutes CDB on the occasion of its golden anniversary
Fifty years ago, in 1970, as the fledging nations of the Caribbean sought to shape a post-colonial destiny for themselves, the Caribbean Development Bank was established with its key objectives to “contribute to the harmonious economic growth and development of the member countries in the Caribbean and to promote economic cooperation and integration among them…” […]
Kamau’s Abeng
by Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. We came to know and love Kamau Brathwaite as the keeper of the ‘abeng’, the African inspired use of the conch shell to spread manifesto messages among mountain maroons and their fellow forest freedom fighters. The ‘abeng man’ grew a […]
THE NEW UWI: A Global System for the Future
Greetings Colleagues, Blessings for the New Year and a new decade ahead. I hope that 2020 will be a rewarding year for you all both professionally and personally. I thought it fitting to take this opportunity at the beginning of 2020 to discuss with you the restructuring of The UWI to better serve and survive. […]
Statement from the Vice-Chancellor: Harvard Law School is fully aware of the truth and ethical power of Prime Minister Browne’s case
Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles commented on the letter, penned by Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne to Harvard University’s President, Lawrence Bacow, demanding reparation payments “for the gains Harvard enjoyed at the expense” of Antiguan slaves. Prime Minister Browne’s […]
The Pybus Philosophy in Windies Cricket
Two photographs in as many days tell the story of the future of West Indies cricket. The first captures Floyd Reifer, West Indies interim cricket coach, in conversation with Jamaican Dr Glen Mills, the world’s best ever sprint coach/educator. The second is of Richard Pybus, terminated West Indies coach, commenting on the West Indies Test […]
Thanking Sir Alister: Tribute to the former UWI Vice-Chancellor (1988-1998) by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles
I was but a rookie, in UWI years, when Sir Alister, after blazing a global trail, wheeled and returned to the realm as a Caribbean colossus to serve us as Vice-Chancellor. The timing was perfect. His presence powerful and turbulent. Together, they constituted an image reflective of the ground scorching cover drive we had come […]
Kofi Annan: Philosopher Prince
The following editorial on the passing of Kofi Annan—Ghanaian diplomat and seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations—is issued by the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. Mr. Annan was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by The UWI, Mona in 1998. Africa’s long tradition of producing […]
Windrush: Brexit and Blackxit
Regional Headquarters, Kingston, Jamaica, May 4, 2018 – The following statement is issued by the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles.
HAITI: Caribbean Dignity Unbowed.
The following statement is issued by the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. The democratic, nation-building debt the American nation owes the Caribbean, and the Haitian nation in particular that resides at its core, is not expected to be repaid but must be respected. Any nation without a nominal […]