News Releases

Inaugural Panel Discussion: Reflections on the Legacy of Dr. Eric Williams

For Release Upon Receipt - September 28, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. September 28, 2023- The St Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a panel discussion as part of its ongoing 75th Anniversary celebrations. Under the esteemed patronage of Mr. Robert Bermudez, Chancellor of The UWI, this event entitled "Reflections on the Legacy of Eric Williams: Business and Development" will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Dr. Eric Williams Memorial Library in Knox Street Port-of-Spain, starting at 6 p.m.

Dr. Eric Williams, the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, holds an indelible place in the history of The University of the West Indies. His contributions to academia, politics, and the region's socio-economic development remain immeasurable. Dr. Williams' dedication to education, nation-building, and fostering a vibrant intellectual community has left an enduring mark on this institution, making this panel discussion particularly insightful.

The panel will feature a distinguished group of leading business persons, economists, and academics who will delve into the contemporary business landscape and its alignment with Dr. Williams' visionary ideals. Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, will provide insightful remarks, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.

Moderated by Professor Rhoda Reddock, the panelists include

Mr. Robert Bermudez: Chancellor, The University of the West Indies

Professor Bridget Brereton: Emerita Professor of History

Mr. Gregory Aboud: President, Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA) & Director, Jimmy Aboud Textiles

Dr. David Muhammad: Lecturer, Sociologist, Writer, Radio & TV Presenter, Director & Founder of the Black Agenda Project and Kwame Ture Centre

Ms. Marina Salandy-Brown: Bocas Lit Fest founder and Festival Director

Mr. Nirad Tewarie: CEO, AMCHAM T&T

Dr. Aakeil Murray: Lecturer, History Department, The University of the West Indies

Ms. Diane Seukeran: Former Member of Parliament for San Fernando West and Former Head of the South Trinidad Chamber of Commerce

This event will offer profound insights into the intersection of business and development in the context of Dr. Eric Williams' enduring legacy. To ensure an enriching experience for all attendees, seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please visit https://uwi.jotform.com/232565686361060 to secure your place in this momentous discussion.

Join us as we reflect on the enduring influence of Dr. Eric Williams and explore the possibilities for a brighter, more prosperous future guided by his visionary ideals.

END

About The University of the West Indies 

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University. 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

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