News Releases

UWI MOURNS THE QUINTESSENTIAL UNIVERSITY MAN Emeritus Professor Baldwin Mootoo

For Release Upon Receipt - May 18, 2026

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – May 18, 2026 – Emeritus Professor Baldwin Mootoo’s life and legacy were closely intertwined with the birth and evolution of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) from one century to the next. His journey with this regional institution began before The UWI attained independent tertiary-level status, separate from the University of London.

 

 Emeritus Professor Baldwin Mootoo, former Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Deputy Campus Principal of the St. Augustine Campus

Professor Mootoo entered the University College of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica as a student in 1956. He would later go on to earn the distinction of becoming the very first recipient of a PhD from the newly independent The UWI in 1956.

 He joined the Department of Chemistry as a Lecturer in 1971 and retired in 1996, having served as a Head of the Department, Campus Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Deputy Campus Principal of the St. Augustine Campus, the second of what would eventually be five campuses to be established regionally.

 Over the period, he advanced collaborative research across the Caribbean and internationally, particularly in his field of natural products chemistry. During his decades of service, he would actively demonstrate a deep loyalty and passion for the institution which had been entrusted with helping shape the future of newly independent Caribbean nations and their peoples. He was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus in 2000.

 “Baldwin was a remarkable colleague and comrade,” said Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. “Over several decades, we fought many battles together within the university and its community. In so doing, we bonded as brothers. From advocating for his beloved academic disciplines in the natural sciences to celebrating Sir Frank Worrell's cricket style and statesmanship, we were joined at the hip. The time we spent together at The UWI and on cricket grounds across the region was like a precious gift from above. I offer condolences to his family and friends. May his wonderful soul rest in peace.”

 Acting Campus Principal, Professor Derek Chadee notes: “There is no question that this university, the thousands of students, the researchers with whom he interacted globally, and others who continue to benefit from his published body of work – we all owe him an immeasurable debt. It is only fitting, therefore, that Professor Baldwin Mootoo should have his final resting place in The UWI cemetery at the St. Augustine campus.”

 The university community extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Professor Baldwin Mootoo.

   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 spring boarded 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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