This past October, The UWI St Augustine campus celebrated Graduation 2022, the first fully in-person graduation in over two-years. We did so despite heavy rains and flooding that threatened to shut down the country. The resilience that has strengthened our staff and students through the pandemic and the lockdown were once again on display in this most important time for our graduates and their loved ones.
UWI St Augustine’s Graduation 2022 was a grand occasion. Over three days we came together to recognise the achievements of our graduates. We heard the inspiring messages from the valedictorians and honorary graduates. We were even moved by a performance from honorary graduate Lord (Robert Alphonso) Nelson, a Caribbean legend of calypso. It was, as graduation has always been, a joyous time.
However, graduation can also be bittersweet. For many of our students, the undergraduates in particular, it means completing the student phase of their life and moving into a new and challenging world of work. In even the best of circumstances this might be frightening for a young person. These are not the best circumstances.
They have graduated into a society – indeed a world – with many challenges. In a way, the rain and floods that threatened the ceremonies were symbolic of what lies ahead for them. Climate change is one of a host of persistent problems that must be addressed.
Yet in embracing these challenges, I believe our graduates can find purpose, opportunity, and unlock their potential. I believe they can be an enormous resource for the betterment and growth of society. Service - to community, country, region, and world - is its own reward. And we live in a time where our governments, institutions, and even the private sector have recognised the urgency of dealing with the numerous perils in the environment.
I want our graduates to go out into the world with the knowledge, skills and outlook that they have been given – valuable tools – and thrive while serving society.
There are opportunities for social entrepreneurs. Our region has unmet demand for innovators and enterprises to address food security and sovereignty. The persistent problems of crime, gender-based violence, poverty, educational inequality and underperformance in our educational system, and mental and emotional health issues such as suicidal ideation, require a cadre of experts and scholars to advise policymakers and assist in the crafting of policy.
Already, our scientists are making important contributions to the fight against climate change. Indeed, UWI St Augustine has been at the forefront of research on climate change and climate justice and we will continue to lead in this vital endeavour. I see our graduates as the reinforcements in what is an existential conflict for the well-being of the planet and its denizens.
All of these vital pursuits are underpinned by our characters, and our understanding of our place in history. They are bolstered by the things that bring us joy – art, music, literature, dance, and film – the creative and cultural work that connects us to others and helps us understand our shared story.
I want our graduates to go out into the world with the knowledge, skills and outlook that they have been given – valuable tools – and thrive while serving society.
As I write this, weeks after the completion of Graduation 2022, the rains are still falling. Communities are still being flooded. The world desperately needs the contribution that our graduates can make. I look forward to seeing them stepping into the arena, rising in their power, and choosing the path of service on their path to happiness and prosperity.
On behalf of the entire UWI St Augustine campus community, we congratulate them and their loved ones.
