UWI Bookshelf

From Imperial College to University of the West Indies: A History of the St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
Professor Bridget Brereton

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the St Augustine campus of The UWI commissioned its illustrious Professor of History (who has now retired) Bridget Brereton to document the life of this campus. Her book, “From Imperial College to University of the West Indies: A History of the St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago,” was launched in October at the Central Bank Auditorium.

Professor Bridget Brereton signs a copy of her book, “From Imperial College to University of the West Indies: A History of the St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago,” for Angella Persad, first female President of the T&T Chamber of Industry & Commerce, and a member of the Board of Directors, Arthur Lok Jack GSB, while the Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat looks on.

Indian Caribbean Folklore Spirits
Kumar Mahabir, Illustrations by Aneesa Khan

This book provides details of the presence of a brood of spirits believed to roam the Caribbean since the abolition of slavery. This compilation identifies some of these supernatural beings, such as the raa-khas – a deformed, demonic newborn child, the chu-rile – a spirit of a deceased pregnant woman, the saap-in – a woman who transforms into a snake, Dee Baba – a mythical protector of the house and land, and the jinn, Sheik Sadiq – a spirit who can be captured in a bottle to grant wishes. Written for readers of all ages, every page of the five stories is illustrated.

Dudley Huggins: Memoir of a West Indian’s Journey
Anne Huggins Leaver

This is an account by the daughter of a former principal of the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies, Dudley Huggins (1963-1969). Spanning a period of roughly one hundred years, it traces his life from his birth in Nevis, to his stay in Jamaica, where he was head of ISER, and his time at the St. Augustine Campus. It was originally meant to be a family story written for her English children and grandchildren, but somehow evolved into a story of the making of the West Indies.

The Griot’s Tale
Ron Ramdin

Since Homo sapiens evolved in the Old World, for millennia, tribes of migrant gypsies radiated and adapted Eastwards, then Westwards. From Adamah to Obama, Calcutta to Guyana, through bondage, despite the ravages of existence, nomads multiplied across a globalizing world. While a billion enjoy material progress, five billion endure fundamental deprivations.

In this atavistic historical novel set in the heyday of the British Empire, grand universal themes frame the lives of rich and poor, powerful and weak. Ramdin weaves an oriental carpet of one hundred and one adventures of five generations spanning five continents and two oceans. Through work and pleasure, spirituality and materialism, they experience love and hatred, good and evil, crime and justice, tolerance and bigotry, joy and sorrow, hope and fear, inclusion and discrimination. (Sally Radford)

God’s Servant from India

Dr. Elisha Tikasingh

Dr Elisha Tikasingh , scientist and former lecturer at UWI, has compiled an affectionate biography of his father Butler, an Indian Christian, press-ganged as a schoolboy for indenture on Buen Intento sugar estate. This fascinating narrative follows the Tikasingh lineage from the crossing of two oceans on the S. S. Clyde, through hardships and education as a catechist in the Presbyterian mission. His children enjoyed academic success and prosperity in modern Trinidad. This beautifully illustrated volume is a blueprint for other Asian families to research their ancestry in the subcontinent. As ethanol from sugar becomes an ethical commodity to combat global warning, these families can take pride in their achievement in the New World. (Sally Radford)

Response to a call: Speeches 1979-2006

Reverend Cyril Paul

Once Presbyterian Chaplain to UWI, Rev. Cyril Paul is a retired pastor of the Presbyterian Church and, in the tradition of clergymen, has published his thought-provoking sermons. His courageous stance appeals to democratic Presbyterians who view the state of modern society with dismay and despair.

This sombre book will comfort those seeking solace in a troubled world. (Sally Radford)