News Releases

Historic Bust of the Dominican Republic’s Juan Pablo Duarte Unveiled at The UWI Alma Jordan Library

For Release Upon Receipt - November 6, 2023

St. Augustine


 

  [L-R] His Excellency Wellington Dario Bencosme Castaños Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic in Trinidad and Tobago, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St Augustine Campus Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Professor Lancelot Cowie Honorary Professor of Latin American Studies Programme at The UWI Institute of International Relations, St Augustine Campus and Senator the Honourable Dr Amery Browne Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs toast to the unveiling of the bust of the founding father of the Dominican Republic Juan Pablo Duarte y Diez at the unveiling ceremony last Wednesday.

 St. Augustine, November 6, 2023. – St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – In a solemn commemoration of the enduring legacy of the Dominican Republic’s foremost national hero, the Alma Jordan Library at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) became the proud recipient of a bust of Juan Pablo Duarte. His Excellency Wellington Darío Bencosme Castaños, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, facilitated the presentation of this important sculpture on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The UWI extends heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Wellington Darío Bencosme Castaños and the people of the Dominican Republic for this gift. The bust of Juan Pablo Duarte will stand as a beacon of inspiration, reminding students and visitors alike of the rich history of resilience and the universal quest for freedom that binds our nations.

 Juan Pablo Duarte, a revered figure in the history of the Dominican Republic, was celebrated during the unveiling ceremony. As a liberator, writer, activist, and one of the key founders of “La Trinitaria”—a secret society instrumental in orchestrating the Dominican revolt against Haitian rule—Duarte’s name is synonymous with the country’s pursuit of independence and its early steps towards democracy. Although his political career ended in exile, his contributions to the nation’s identity have not been forgotten.

 This emblematic bust, now residing on the third floor of the library, forms a central piece of the library's “Héroes de la Patria” exhibit, a collection dedicated to heroes who shaped the nations of the Caribbean. The UWI commemorated this moment alongside the great architects of independence from the region, such as Toussaint L'Ouverture, Fidel Castro, Norman Manley, Grantley Adams, and Trinidad and Tobago’s own Dr. Eric Williams. The event underscored the shared vision and determination that tie these great leaders together—a dream to establish a world founded on justice and equality.

 In honouring Patricio Juan Pablo Duarte, The UWI celebrates not only the man who fervently fought for liberation but also the principles he ardently championed: democracy, liberty, and equality. His story, marked by passion, justice, and an unyielding love for his country, echoes throughout time, inspiring current and future generations. In delivering his remarks, Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs appealed to all to “let this bust embolden us all to find our own voice and stand against injustices within our various spheres of operation. In this way, we, like Duarte, can leave an indelible mark on the pages of history and on the hearts of men.”

 Duarte, a name spoken with respect and gratitude, now stands commemorated in the form of a bust, celebrating his role as the chief architect of the Dominican Republic's independence.  This new bust is a clarion call to all who encounter it, inviting them to reflect on the legacy of a leader whose ideals were as steadfast as the very stone from which his likeness has now been carved. It stands as a symbol of the principles he espoused, and a reminder of the tireless struggle of those who, like Duarte, endeavoured to reshape their world.

 

End

 

 

 The bust of the founding father of the Dominican Republic Juan Pablo Duarte y Diez at the unveiling ceremony last Wednesday, which is on display at The UWI Alma Jordan Library as part of the Heroes de la Patria Grande. 

  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  

 

Contact