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UWI Mourns the Loss of an Avowed Regionalist

For Release Upon Receipt - July 2, 2016

UWI


Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles shared the following words on the passing of former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning.

“Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning was an exceptional graduate of The UWI. Maybe as a student of geology he discovered the science of digging deep, exploring beneath the surface, a characteristic that served him well in his long, distinguished career in the political service of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean.

Graduating from our Mona campus where the political spirit of ‘Caribbeanness’ roamed classrooms and dormitories, young Patrick was guided in short time to serve in the political arena and entered the people's parliament in 1971 at age 24. Twenty years later he was called by his people to serve as Prime Minister, one of eight exceptional graduates thus far to be so summoned.

His alma mater keenly recognised his record of distinction. In 2002, the University celebrated his outstanding achievements at a special gala event organised by its New York based foundation. At the time, he reminisced about the making of his Caribbean consciousness and its roots within the activism of student politics.

He spoke with pride of his UWI experience and was always keen to give back in constructive ways that more often than not, went quietly recognised.  That was his choice, which we always respected. I admired him for his constant expressions of concern for the financial health and sustainability of the University, and enjoyed the many discourses that followed in respect of the role of higher education in our economic modernisation and social stability.

His service to national and regional politics will also be recognised within the context of nation building commitment and CARICOM consolidation. With him there was always concern for the fortunes of his fellow Caribbean citizens and through him, Trinidad and Tobago took its leadership of the region to a higher level.

His University, country, region, and humanity have lost a good citizen. The University community is proud of his contributions and honours the richness of his engagements over the decades. On its behalf, I join with all within our beloved Caribbean, and the world beyond, in offering sincere condolences to Mrs Manning and their family. We offer our blessings at this time of spiritual reflection.”

End

About UWI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles was installed as The 8th Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies in May 2015. In this capacity he is the principal academic and administrative officer of The University. The Vice-Chancellor is charged with advancing the University’s academic reputation and global standing, while championing the strategic direction.

Before assuming the office of Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies on May 1, 2015, Professor Sir Hilary was Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados for thirteen years (2002-2015).

Visit www.uwi.edu and www.uwi.edu/VCBiography.asp

 

About The UWI

Since its inception in 1948, The University of the West Indies (UWI) has evolved from a fledgling college in Jamaica with 33 students to a full-fledged, regional University with well over 40,000 students. Today, UWI is the largest, most longstanding higher education provider in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with four campuses in Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Open Campus. The UWI has faculty and students from more than 40 countries and collaborative links with 160 universities globally; it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food & Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology and Social Sciences. UWI’s seven priority focal areas are linked closely to the priorities identified by CARICOM and take into account such over-arching areas of concern to the region as environmental issues, health and wellness, gender equity and the critical importance of innovation. For more information, visit www.uwi.edu

(Please note that the proper name of the university is The University of the West Indies, inclusive of the “The”, hence The UWI.)

 

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