News Releases

UWI's vision to be the hub of the Caribbean’s future

For Release Upon Receipt - May 18, 2026

UWI


The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica | Monday, May 18, 2026—Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles described the 2024/2025 academic year as a turning point, marking a bold era of strategic consolidation and transformation that will propel The University of the West Indies (The UWI) into its next wave of growth.

Presenting his annual report on May 8, under the theme “Future-Proofing UWI: Leading the Digital Revolution,” he told the University Council—the regional university’s highest governing body—that The UWI is entering a decisive stage in its evolution, with a clear ambition to lead global change as the hub of the Caribbean’s future.

 Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles delivers his presentation, “Future-Proofing UWI: Leading the Digital Revolution.” At the head table, from left Campus Council Chairpersons, Robert Riley, Dennis Cohen, Ambassador Dr June Soomer, Tricia Tannis, Vice-Chancellor Beckles, Chancellor and Chair of University Council, Dr. The Most Honourable Dodridge Miller, Deputy University Registrar Mrs. Marjorie Rose-Parkes, and University Bursar/Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Andrea McNish.

 Central to the report were The UWI’s dynamic efforts to modernise its academic, research, and operational landscape, all while equipping the region to thrive in the digital economy.

 Among the standout achievements were the launch of the One-UWI AI Research Cluster, hosting ground-breaking regional AI conferences, finalising a strong AI policy framework for ethical and inclusive technology adoption, and laying the groundwork for the Caribbean’s first regional AI Institute.

 Vice-Chancellor Beckles emphasised that The UWI is not simply keeping pace with technological change, but is actively shaping the future through digital innovation and AI-powered progress.

 The proposed AI Institute, now in advanced planning, is set to become a world-class centre for research, education, and enterprise, sparking high-skilled job creation, fuelling innovation, and placing the Caribbean at the forefront of the global digital stage.

 Showcasing the University’s foresight, Vice-Chancellor Beckles celebrated the 10th anniversary of the UWI-China Institute of Information Technology (UWICIIT) in Suzhou, China, calling it a cornerstone of UWI’s digital transformation journey. Founded ten years ago to expand expertise in Software Engineering, UWICIIT’s joint BSc programme has become a vital launchpad for the region’s digital talent pipeline.

 Vice-Chancellor Beckles noted that this early investment empowered The UWI to foresee the surge of digital technologies and AI, placing both the University and the Caribbean ahead of the curve in global tech evolution.

 Beyond technology, the report highlighted The UWI’s unwavering dedication to sustainable development, climate resilience, and social justice, weaving these priorities into every aspect of its teaching, research, and advocacy.

As the current strategic plan cycle, the UWI Triple A Strategy 2022-2027, powered by Digital Transformation, draws to a close, he affirmed that the University will keep building on this strong foundation, guided by critical thinking, innovation, and purposeful action.

 END

 About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.

Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts 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, along with international centres in partnership with universities across 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 leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.

 Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.

 The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.

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