News Releases

Mr. Maniram Ragbir and Dr. Patricia Rodney to receive honorary doctorates at The UWI STA Grads 2024

For Release Upon Receipt - October 7, 2024

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, October 7, 2024 – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus is set to celebrate two accomplished Caribbean professionals whose careers have shaped the fields of medicine, public health, and social justice. During the 2024 Graduation Ceremonies, Mr. Maniram Ragbir and Dr. Patricia Rodney will receive honorary degrees in recognition of their global contributions to plastic surgery, healthcare, and human rights advocacy.

This year’s honorary graduands reflect The UWI’s dedication to recognising excellence, service, and leadership. The ceremonies will be held from October 24 to 26, 2024, at the St. Augustine Campus, as The UWI honours these two distinguished individuals for their valuable contributions to society.

Mr. Maniram Ragbir

 

Mr. Maniram Ragbir is a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon, notable for being the first Caribbean surgeon and UWI graduate to serve as President of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). After earning his MBBS from UWI in 1989, he specialised in plastic surgery, completing advanced training in the UK. While working at Port of Spain General Hospital, he introduced innovative procedures and inspired many junior doctors to pursue surgical careers.

Currently based in Newcastle, England, Mr. Ragbir continues to support Caribbean medical education, developing UWI's postgraduate plastic surgery programme and mentoring graduates. He also conducts humanitarian missions, providing free reconstructive surgeries in countries like Guyana, Tanzania, and India. An expert in reconstructive surgery, he is the Clinical Lead for the North of England Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service and is dedicated to training future surgeons.

In addition to his clinical work, Mr. Ragbir actively participates in various professional organisations, contributing to advancements in surgical techniques and patient care. He frequently presents at international conferences, sharing his expertise in reconstructive surgery and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals. Mr. Ragbir will be conferred with the Doctor of Science, honoris causa, on October 26, 2024. 

Dr. Patricia Rodney

Dr. Patricia Rodney is a distinguished public health professional and social justice advocate with over four decades of experience. Following the assassination of her husband, historian Dr. Walter Rodney, in 1980, she sought refuge in Barbados before moving to Canada, where she earned her PhD in sociology. Dr. Rodney has held key positions in public health, including as CEO of Partners in Health, Education, and Development (PHEAD), advocating for equitable healthcare across Africa.

She co-founded the Walter Rodney Foundation to uphold her husband’s legacy, successfully lobbying for the recognition of his assassination as a political act in 2021. Dr. Rodney has authored numerous publications and counts her three accomplished children as her greatest achievement. She divides her time between her work in the U.S. and her home in Barbados, continuing her commitment to social justice and public health.

Dr. Rodney is also a sought-after speaker, frequently sharing her insights on health equity, women’s empowerment, and the importance of social justice in public policy. Her dedication to education and advocacy has influenced many, encouraging individuals to engage in social activism. Through her work, she strives to inspire others to confront inequality and promote a healthier, more just society for all. Dr Rodney will be conferred with the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on October 24, 2024. 

The UWI St. Augustine Campus invites the public to celebrate these outstanding individuals by viewing the 2024 Graduation Ceremonies from October 24 to 26, 2024 on UWI TV and/or The UWI St. Augustine Facebook Page.

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About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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