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April - May 2008
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Princely PassionUWI and the Prince of Wales celebrate sixty years Deputy British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Geoff Patton, described Prince Charles’ concern for the environment as a “passion”. Throughout his visit to The UWI St Augustine Campus environmental issues were certainly high on the Prince’s agenda, from the dramatic performance by the UWI troupe Arts-In-Action to the memorabilia on display at the JFK Quadrangle. Coincidentally, the royal visit of the Prince of Wales and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, on March 5th, came the very year that The University of the West Indies marks its 60th Anniversary, as well as the one in which the Prince will celebrate his sixtieth birthday. Historically, the University has strong links with the Royal Family and the University of London. In 1950, Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, a grand-daughter of Queen Victoria, was appointed by King George VI to be the first Chancellor of the University College of the West Indies, (the precursor to UWI) which was established by Royal Charter. As Chancellor, Princess Alice presided at all the convocations and graduation ceremonies until her retirement in 1971. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was an honorary graduate, having been awarded the D. Litt (Honoris Causa) in 1965. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Visitor of the University. And so the Royal couple were warmly welcomed to the Campus on March 5th. After being formally received by Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat; and The Hon. Marlene Mc Donald, Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, Their Royal Highnesses were given a tour of the 60th Anniversary Exhibition by Prof. Margaret Rouse-Jones, University and Campus Librarian. Prof. Brian Copeland, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Mr. Jessel Murray of the UWI Centre for Creative and Festival Arts then gave a brief presentation on the Genesis Pan (“G” Pan) which has been developed at UWI, and invited Their Royal Highnesses to play the tenor pan. Next, the party was invited to view a presentation on climate change by the Arts-in-Action Group, led by Mr. Brendon La Caille of the UWI Centre for Creative and Festival Arts. At the end of this presentation, the Campus Principal presented Their Royal Highnesses with tokens of appreciation.  In 1950, Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, a grand-daughter of Queen Victoria, was appointed by King George VI to be the first Chancellor of the University College of the West Indies  |
