News Releases

The UWI Honours Anna Mahase’s Pivotal Contributions to Education and National Development

For Release Upon Receipt - May 25, 2024

St. Augustine


 

 Stellar Service: Anna Mahase, seen here at a UWI graduation ceremony, was an honorary graduate of The UWI St Augustine, and the recipient of the National Awards of the Medal of Merit (Gold) and the Chaconia Medal (Gold).

ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. May 25th 2024 – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) joins the national and international community in mourning the loss of a stalwart in the education sector, Anna Mahase. She was renowned for holding the reigns as principal of the St. Augustine Girls’ High School (SAGHS), being appointed in 1961 at the age of 28. She still holds the school’s record as the youngest person to be appointed to this leadership position.

Mahase was also nationally recognised for her stellar service to Trinidad and Tobago, receiving the Medal of Merit (Gold) in 1976, Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 1990, and honorary Doctor of Law Degrees (LLD) from The UWI in 1988, and her alma mater, Mount Allison University on another occasion. Her story and these accolades as shared in the citation from The UWI graduation where she was conferred with the honorary LLD, hide the sacrifices Mahase often made in the pursuit of success but highlight the fact that her passing has left an incomparable void.

In her mother’s autobiography, My Mother’s Daughter, we learn of the tenacity that took Mahase from humble beginnings in Guaico, Sangre Grande through the classrooms of Guaico Presbyterian School where both of her parents served as principal and vice-principal. Indeed, this foundation set by her parents paved the way for her devotion to community service through the nation’s education system.  In her formative years, Mahase pushed past social stereotypes that prevailed against girls from rural communities, particularly those of East Indian descent. Not only did she attend school, but she excelled in her studies. In her teaching and administrative roles, she continued this approach by personally ensuring that students showcased their best potential in the nation’s classrooms. To her, there was no better place for a child during school hours.

Mahase knew the value of learning in all spheres and was also involved in numerous extra-curricular sporting activities while studying at university. Mahase participated in debates and even volunteered with the Women’s Council. She was also a cheerleader while at university, a musician – playing the clarinet – for their band, and a newspaper editor for her university’s publication. Given her active involvement in these activities, it is not surprising that she won the university’s award for extra-curricular activities.

Upon returning to Trinidad and Tobago, she served on the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and special committees governing examinations across the island. These feats, in no small measure, helped to modernise our nation’s examination system. Mahase was also instrumental in introducing many sporting activities to the girls under her tutelage at SAGHS and played a pivotal role in establishing the school’s Parents-Teachers Association.

Mahase’s formal training, family examples, and personal convictions were poured into various policies aimed towards making SAGHS a beacon of hope and a pillar of academic success to girls wishing to explore the world beyond societal bounds. All students were treated as equal, as streaming pupils or grooming specially selected students for scholarships were not sanctioned under her leadership. Instead, preference was given to attaining a high number of passes and wholistically developing students through cultural and sporting activities. Her involvement in multiple activities was commended by a former member of her staff at the tine, who said:

“A superficial observer may think that a principal who is so widely involved cannot give her school the attention it needs. On the contrary what has proven to be true is that Miss Mahase’s wide concerns have not only educated her in a much broader sense, and so enriched her personally, but in so doing have indirectly enriched the school.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI’s St. Augustine Campus, highlights that leaders can draw inspiration from Anna Mahase's boldness, tenacity and innovativeness. Mahase, who had a pivotal role in establishing The UWI’s former College of Arts and Sciences and shared her expertise as the Chancellor’s appointee to the University Council at that time, is a role model for many. Professor Belle Antoine states, “Mahase’s diligence in managing her teaching and administrative roles elevated the standard of education offered to children and is more than worthy of emulation.”

Through her policies and astute guidance, the girls receiving secondary education at SAGHS became exceptionally good at their pursuits. Her students followed in her footsteps, valuing both academic and co-curricular activities. Mahase was able to lead by example and teach beyond the classroom. She selflessly and tirelessly imparted her wisdom and experience.

As we mourn the loss of an esteemed educator, The UWI extends sincere condolences to the Mahase family, her former colleagues, students, and everyone whose lives she impacted both nationally and internationally.

END

Education Stalwart: Flanked by former Emeritus Chancellor of The UWI, Sir Shridath Ramphal [left] and Emeritus Professor Sir George Maxwell Richards [right], Anna Mahase received an honorary graduate degree from The UWI St Augustine Campus on 29th October 1988.

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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