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Cultural Icon Prof Rex Nettleford awarded Chancellor’s Medal

For Release Upon Receipt - April 23, 2009

St. Augustine


International cultural icon, Professor Rex Nettleford, will add yet another award to his bookcase when he receives The Chancellor’s Award from The University of The West Indies (UWI). This auspicious event will take place on Friday 24th April 2009 at Daaga Auditorium, UWI, St. Augustine Campus, at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will be hosted by UWI Chancellor Sir George Alleyne, and attended by The President Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Professor Maxwell Richards, First Lady Dr. Jean Ramjohn-Richards, Members of the Diplomatic Corp and specially invited Government Ministers. As is only fitting, this event will prove to be a cultural treat, as it features The Lydian singers, Dancers, Steelpan music and Tassa drums, under the capable direction of Pat Bishop. Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat will chair this presentation ceremony at which Professor Nettleford will receive his 18k gold medal.

The Chancellor’s medal is a special Award of Distinction made by the Chancellor of The University of the West Indies to a person who has made a signal, substantial and likely lasting contribution to the welfare and development of the university. It is also awarded to persons who have enabled The University of the West Indies to access significant resources for the achievement of its mission: delivering to the region quality higher education through teaching, outreach and research, and thereby facilitating Caricom Caribbean’s growth and development.

Professor Rex Nettleford, often touted as one of the region’s leaders in the performing arts will be honoured for his immeasurable contribution to cultural development in the region.This well-known Caribbean scholar, trade union educator, social and cultural historian and political analyst is the founder, artistic director and principal choreographer of the internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica. A former Rhodes Scholar, he is a Vice Chancellor Emeritus at UWI, Jamaica and was responsible for introducing the Cultural Studies Initiative which has attracted postgraduate scholars since its inception in 1996.

Professor Nettleford has served the region in many capacities and continues to do so as editor of Caribbean Quarterly Journal, the region’s oldest journal. Additionally, he has served on several international bodies concerning intercultural development and academic scholarship, such as UNESCO and The Organistaion of American States (OAS). To date, Professor Nettleford has been the recipient of numerous awards including Caricom’s highest award – the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC).

For further information about this ceremony, please call the Marketing & Communications Office at (868) 662-2002 Exts 2316, 3726, 3636, 2315.

 

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