For Release Upon Receipt - December 7, 2016
St. Augustine
ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. December 6, 2016 – The UWI Development and Endowment Fund’s (UWIDEF) hallmark all-inclusive UWI Fete is all new in 2017 with new event managers Caesar’s Army at the helm. They unveiled the theme, Wanderlust – Taste the World for this year’s Fete carded for January 29, 2017 from noon to 8pm at The UWI St. Augustine, Grounds of the Office of the Campus Principal.
Chairman of UWIDEF, Mr. Ewart Williams welcomed the new management at the event launch, emphasising that “UWI Fete has always been known for its quality ever since its inception as the country’s first all-inclusive fete – we aim to raise expectations. Having Caesar’s Army as our event management team for 2017, will undoubtedly raise the bar once again.” More than just a party, 2017’s UWI Fete continues in the tradition of giving back where all proceeds go towards fundraising for scholarships and bursaries for deserving students. Jules Sobion, CEO of Caesar’s Army expressed his desire to create “an enhanced experience – not just a party or fete. There will be something for everyone; a mix of the old and the new.” He elaborated that this year’s theme is set to be a “Foodie’s Paradise.” Patrons will have the opportunity to have a taste of the foods from 6 territories – Africa, China and India – three previous themes of UWI Fete and new countries will be explored namely France, Italy and Mexico.
The coveted slots for UWI Fete’s performance line-up thus far include son of the soil, Machel Montano, Roy Cape All Stars and Dil-e-Nadan. More acts will be revealed in the New Year. To mark the launch of the fete, Caesar’s Army asked attendees to keep their eyes on the sky on Tuesday afternoon. A light aircraft, itself representing the event’s theme ‘Wanderlust’ and travel, was later seen in Port of Spain and environs carrying the words UWI FETE WANDERLUST.
The Fete continues to be possible thanks to steadfast dedication of the UWIDEF Committee. Their work continues to provide the young people of Trinidad and Tobago and the region with opportunities for higher education despite the challenging economic environment nationally, regionally and internationally.
Early-bird UWI Fete 2017 tickets are available for $1100 at select Republic Bank outlets, from The University and online at ticketfederation.com. Regular tickets will be at a cost of $1250. Limited tickets for UWI alumni will be available for $1000 – for more information, please contact The UWI Alumni Association, Trinidad and Tobago Chapter Office at 662-2002 ext. 83523.
About The UWI Development and Endowment Fund
The University of the West Indies Development & Endowment Fund is committed to support the advancement of the University of the West Indies, as the Caribbean region's leading intellectual centre of teaching and research. Acting as a “bridge” between the University and the wider community, the Fund will provide monetary and other support for the University's programmes to facilitate the unlocking of West Indian potential and ensuring continued growth and development within the region. UWI Fete and the UWI Golf Challenge provide the funds necessary to grant bursaries to deserving students. Over the past 25 years more than 3000 bursaries have been awarded by the fund. In 2015, the fund distributed 200 bursaries to deserving students.
About UWI Fete
UWI Fete is the cornerstone of The University of the West Indies’ (The UWI) Development and Endowment Fund. UWI Fete, the brainchild of Professor Max Richards, then Campus Principal, started in 1990. It was the first public “all inclusive” Carnival Fete and the contribution for admission was $100.00. Patrons were greeted with the welcome drink of Brandy Alexander, socialised with colleagues and feted on the tennis court to the music of one band and one DJ.
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About The UWI
Since its inception in 1948, The University of the West Indies (The 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. Website: 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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