Event

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and Brock University in Canada founded the Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) in February 2020.  Devoted to the study of Canada/Caribbean relations, the goal of the CCI is to collectively pursue excellence in higher education and research that promotes innovative solutions to deepen and improve the multi-faceted relationships between Canada and the Caribbean. At the same time, it is aimed at examining the issues and opportunities pertaining to the Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora communities in Canada, particularly as they align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). In a broad way, this collaborative approach multiplies the potential for each institution to contribute to the SDGs and to the greater good of all our societies.  

The Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) was established in February 2020 with the goal of promoting innovative solutions to the challenges and opportunities for Canada and the Caribbean. As part of this launch, the CCI hosted an inaugural symposium at the Regional Headquarters of The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica.  The symposium served to strengthen cross-institutional scholarly exchanges and relations in areas of research, innovation, practice, and policy.  

The hope is that the second iteration of this symposium carded for February 23-24, 2023, at Sagicor Business School, at The UWI Cave Hill Campus, will further deepen these linkages and possibilities. Under the theme of “Decoloniality: Past, Present, And Future Directions,” over 30 scholars across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean will extend decolonial examinations of educational practice, regional politics, (im)migration, public policy, identity, alternative economies, and indigeneity. 

Areas of focus:  

During the course of the symposium, scholars will explore the issue of decoloniality especially as it related to the key areas but not limited to:  

• Caribbean Culture and the Diaspora  
• Caribbean Economic Growth and Trade   
• Digital transformation, Governance and Public Policy   
• Diversity, Inclusion, and indigenous peoples    
• Health, Well-Being, Global Conflicts, and Climate Change   
• Education and Social Sustainability  

Keynote speaker - The Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Barbados

Featured Speakers:  

• Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor, The UWI 
• Dr. David Farrar, President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University 
• Dr. Lynn Wells, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Brock University 
• Dr. Gervan Fearon, President, George Brown College 
• Prof. Clive Landis, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, The UWI Cave Hill Campus