News Releases

The UWI Congratulates Dr Janet Caroo, Saint Lucia’s New Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS

For Release Upon Receipt - September 8, 2026

St. Augustine


The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Tuesday, September 8, 2026—The University of the West Indies (The UWI) extends congratulations to Her Excellency Dr Janet Caroo, Managing Director of UWItv, on her appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Head of the Regional Integration Unit of the Government of Saint Lucia.

The appointment, effective September 1, 2026, marks a significant new chapter in Dr Caroo’s career of regional service. It recognises her leadership, extensive Caribbean experience, and longstanding commitment to advancing regional development, cooperation, and integration.

As Managing Director of UWItv, Dr Caroo advanced The UWI’s regional mandate through strategic communication, public engagement, and promoting Caribbean perspectives. She connected the University’s expertise and scholarship with communities across the region and reinforced media's vital role in fostering informed dialogue on Caribbean issues.

Dr Caroo brings this experience to her new diplomatic and regional integration responsibilities as she supports Saint Lucia’s engagement with CARICOM and the OECS, progressing regional priorities such as cooperation, mobility, trade, investment, innovation, and stronger people-to-people connections.

The UWI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and the wider University community commend Dr Caroo for her service and congratulate her on this substantial national and regional appointment. Vice-Chancellor Beckles said, “Dr Caroo’s appointment reflects the value of Caribbean leadership, institutional experience and a deep understanding of the region. The UWI is proud of the impact she has made through UWItv, particularly in amplifying Caribbean perspectives and strengthening the University’s connection with the people it serves. We are equally pleased to see her carry that experience into this important diplomatic assignment on behalf of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.”

As Dr Caroo transitions from regional media leadership and university engagement to diplomatic representation, The UWI celebrates the opportunities her new role presents. The University wishes Her Excellency Dr Janet Caroo every success and looks forward to her continued contributions to Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.

END

 

Note to the Editor

Photo caption: Her Excellency Dr Janet Caroo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Head of the Regional Integration Unit of the Government of Saint Lucia

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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