News Releases

UWI DCFA Launches “Legacy Year” with 20th / 40th Anniversary Logo Reveal and Building Handover

For Release Upon Receipt - September 26, 2025

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, September 26, 2025 – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus’ Department of Creative & Festival Arts officially opened its Legacy Year of Celebrations: Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring Futures, with a dynamic launch event on Friday, September 19, at The UWI Republic Bank DCFA Building. The occasion marked two historic milestones: 40 years since the founding of the Creative Arts Centre, and 20 years since its transformation into the DCFA and included the unveiling of the official 20th/40th Anniversary Logo and the formal handover of the UWI Republic Bank DCFA Building to the department.

 

 Mr. Jessel Murray, immediate past Head of DCFA, delivers remarks at the DCFA Legacy Launch event held on Friday, September 19, at the UWI Republic Bank DCFA Building.

 

Distinguished voices traced the department’s journey from its pioneering beginnings to its evolving role as a leader in Caribbean arts education. Giving context and the projections for the upcoming year, Dr. Jo-anne Tull, Head of Department, delivered welcoming remarks and outlined the Department’s vision for the year of celebrations. In her delivery, she explained that the Legacy Year will continue through 2026 with a calendar of events, performances, and initiatives designed to honour the DCFA’s role in shaping Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape while charting new directions for the creative arts.

 

 The UWI Arts Dance Ensemble delivers a vibrant performance at the DCFA Legacy Launch event on Friday, September 19, at the UWI Republic Bank DCFA Building.

Other notable guests included Mr. Rawle Gibbons, founding Head, who reflected on the department’s early vision and community impact; and Mr. Jessel Murray, immediate past Head, who spoke to its growth and achievements. Alumni Louis McWilliams (also a former Head of Department) and post-grad Alum Keomi Serrette shared powerful testimonies on how their DCFA experiences shaped their paths.

In a symbolic moment of partnership and pride, Mr. Baldath Ramkisson, General Manager, Group Human Resources, Republic Bank, joined Professor Derek Chadee, Deputy Campus Principal, Ms. Nardia Thomas Allain, Deputy Campus Registrar, and Dr. Tull to unveil a plaque marking the bank’s contribution through its “Power to Make a Difference” Programme and officially transferring the building to the department.

Dr. Jo-anne Tull and Mr. Rawle Gibbons, stepped forward together to unveil the official 20th/40th Anniversary Logo which symbolically underscores the deep pride and continuity of the DCFA legacy.

 Mr. Rawle Gibbons, founding Head of DCFA, and Dr. Jo-anne Tull, Head of DCFA, unveil the 20th/40th Anniversary Logo at the DCFA Legacy Launch event on Friday, September 19, at the UWI Republic Bank DCFA Building.

Artistry punctuated the evening, with memorable performances by The UWI Arts Steel Ensemble, The UWI Arts Dance Ensemble, and students of the Theatre Arts Programme, showcasing the breadth and brilliance of the department’s talent.

Photographs from the evening capturing the unveiling ceremony and key moments of the programme are attached for publication.

 END

 About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With 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 continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

 

Contact