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Professor Rohan Maharaj Reveals Startling Statistics on Bar Proximity to Households in T&T

For Release Upon Receipt - May 3, 2024

St. Augustine


St. Augustine – Revealing startling statistics on the proximity of bars to households, Professor Rohan Maharaj captivated audiences with his inaugural lecture titled "Curing Curiosity: 25 Years of Family and Community Health Research." Delivered on February 1st, 2024, at The Teaching & Learning Complex (TLC) Lecture Theatre A1, St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), the event not only divulged surprising data but also shed light on critical health issues impacting the Caribbean community.

 Professor Maharaj began his lecture with a jaw-dropping statistic: 87% of households in the country are within walking distance of a bar. This revelation served as a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of alcohol within the region and set the stage for a deeper discussion on the prevalence of alcohol-related issues and their impact on public health.

 Throughout the lecture, Professor Maharaj presented his extensive research journey, uncovering significant correlations between alcohol consumption, mental health, and various physical ailments. His findings highlighted the urgent need for governmental intervention and enhanced public education initiatives to address alcohol-related harm effectively.

 In addition to exploring the implications of alcohol proximity, Professor Maharaj discussed his research on the intersection of mental health and primary care. He emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in mental health research, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and advocated for collaborative efforts to promote holistic approaches to healthcare.

 During the lecture, Professor Maharaj took a moment to express his gratitude to his peers and students at The UWI, acknowledging their support and contribution to his research endeavors. Amongst the audience were also some of his former students, now medical professionals, who extended their sincerest thanks to Professor Maharaj for his teachings and wished him the best for the future. In closing, Professor Maharaj underscored the significance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global health challenges.

 Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, commended Professor Maharaj, stating, “As an alumnus of St. Augustine, Mona, and Cavehill, he is a shining example of the best of all campuses.” She added, “At the UWI, we leverage the power of public lectures like these to catalyze the economic, social, and political progress of Caribbean society by creating a platform for meaningful discussion, inspiring engagement, and driving positive change. I think the lecture underscores the truly transformative work that we are accomplishing at our campus.”

 The Open Lectures Committee, chaired by Professor Shirin Haque, remains dedicated to developing knowledge through thought-provoking lectures featuring esteemed local, regional, and international speakers. These lectures not only showcase The UWI's innovative research but also demonstrate the university's ongoing contributions to research excellence. For those who missed the lecture, it is available for viewing on The UWI St. Augustine Campus’ YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2IUeYxa1AI

 

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor Rose Marie Belle Antoine giving remarks at the Professorial Inaugural Lecture by Professor Rohan Maharaj.

 

 [L-R] Professor Duraisamy Saravanakumar, Director, Graduate Studies and Research & Professor of Plant Pathology, Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh Senior Lecturer Department of History, Professor Indar Ramnarine Deputy Principal, Professor Rohan Maharaj feature speaker,  Professor Hariharan Seetharaman Dean Faulty of Medical Sciences and Professor Shirin Haque Chair of the Open Lectures Committee pose for a picture at the Professorial Inaugural Lecture by Professor Rohan Maharaj.

 

Dr Joanne Paul , editorial columnist and emergency medicine lecturer The UWI St Augustine poses a question to Professor Maharaj at the Professorial Inaugural Lecture by Professor Rohan Maharaj.

 

 Professor Rohan Maharaj speaking about 'Standing on the Shoulders of Giants' at the Professorial Inaugural Lecture by Professor Rohan Maharaj.

 

 Professor Indar Ramnarine Deputy Principal presents Professor Rohan Maharaj feature speaker with a token of appreciation following the Professorial Inaugural Lecture by Professor Rohan Maharaj.

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 center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 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 nearly 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 Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 1000 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 the wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the 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 Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

Learn more at www.uwi.edu   

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