News Releases

Geological Treasures Unveiled: The UWI Celebrates Hans Stecher’s Priceless Gift to the Region

For Release Upon Receipt - December 6, 2024

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. December 6, 2024 – "This remarkable collection goes far beyond its monetary value; it represents a lifetime of passion, care, and meticulous effort. It will inspire future generations of students, researchers, and the public alike," said Deputy Principal of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus Professor Derek Chadee at the soft launch of the Hans Stecher Rock and Mineral Collection.

The event, held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Main Salon of the Office of the Campus Principal at The UWI St. Augustine Campus marked the formal donation of the extraordinary collection by the Stecher family to The UWI Seismic Research Centre.

The invaluable collection, which includes nearly 1,000 specimens of rocks, semi-precious minerals, and unique artifacts, reflects the lifelong passion of the late Hans Stecher for geology and history. Stecher, a Jewish refugee who escaped Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, found solace and purpose in the natural world upon his arrival in Trinidad. Over decades, he, along with this wife Sheila, meticulously built this collection, now entrusted to The UWI to inspire future generations.

Reflecting on the alignment between Stecher’s values and The UWI’s mission, Professor Chadee added, "At The University of the West Indies, we are deeply committed to extending education beyond traditional classrooms… Mr. Stecher’s vision for the collection perfectly aligns with our goals of fostering knowledge and accessibility."

Geologist and Volcanologist, Professor Richard Robertson, representing Dr. Erouscilla Joseph, Director of The UWI Seismic Research Centre, highlighted the cultural and educational value of the collection. "This extraordinary collection presents an excellent opportunity for The UWI to strengthen its position as a leader in geological and environmental studies within the Caribbean," he said.

Professor Robertson also underscored the Seismic Research Centre’s commitment to utilizing the collection as a resource for education and public engagement. "Hosting the Hans Stecher Rock and Mineral Collection fits perfectly with our mandate to inspire young Caribbean geoscientists and make geological knowledge accessible to students, faculty, and the wider research community," he stated.

Speaking on the donation, family of Hans and Sheila Stecher stated, “The family of Hans and Sheila Stecher is proud and elated that The UWI has accepted the donation of the Hans Stecher Rock and Mineral Collection from the Stecher estate. This has fittingly placed the collection into a home of highly reputable geological academia, representing the culmination of over 60 years of Mr. Stecher’s passion for collecting rocks and minerals and his meticulous search for unique specimens around the World.”

The collection will strengthen the Seismic Research Centre’s efforts in education, research, and public outreach, further establishing The UWI as a regional authority in geosciences. Additionally, it will be accessible for public viewing, fostering collaboration and engagement with audiences both locally and internationally.

Professor Robertson added, "With the generous support of the Stecher family, we plan to outfit the top floor of our Gordon Street building within the upcoming year to house the collection fully. We look forward to welcoming you all again at its official opening in the near future."

For more information, contact the Seismic Research Centre at  src@sta.uwi.edu

End

 

 Professor Richard Robertson, Geologist and Volcanologist representing Dr. Erouscilla Joseph, Director of The UWI Seismic Research Centre giving remarks at the Soft Launch of Hans Stetcher's Rock Collection. Photo taken by Life Video Productions.

 

 Mr. Horace Bhopalsingh, Executor of the late Mr. Stecher's will and Professor Derek Chadee Deputy Principal of The UWI St Augustine Campus at the handover of Hans Stetcher's Rock Collection. Photo taken by Life Video Productions

 

 Shot of Hans Stetcher's Rock Collection. Photo taken by Life Video Productions

 

Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Alicia Elias-Roberts [centre] and other guests view the Hans Stetcher's Rock Collection at the soft launch. Photo taken by Life Video Productions

 

 Shot of Hans Stetcher's Rock Collection. Photo taken by Life Video Productions

 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

Contact