Honoris causa – it means "for the sake of the honour"
In academia, we use it to mean honorary degree, a degree given to recognise the outstanding contributions made by an individual to the university or the society. This year, UWI St Augustine awarded internationally renowned agricultural science and nutritionist Dr Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, legend of soca music Lord Robert Nelson, veteran designer and bandleader Ms Rosalind Gabriel, glass ceiling-smashing pioneer of the corporate world Ms Ingrid L-A Lashley, and Dr Wayne AI Frederick, whose career includes his position as President of Howard University, an educator, a scholar, and a specialist in the field of Surgical Oncology.
Doctor of Science for contributions to Agricultural Science and Nutrition
“The present-day data technologies, science and innovations which are accessible to you – make full use of them – however, combine them with the richness and diversity of traditional and local knowledge and culture to arrive at the best solutions that are appropriate for you.”
Doctor of Laws for her work in Corporate Banking/Finance
“There are no shortcuts to mastery. But we live in a world where change and challenge are constant. We must become more adaptable, more technologically savvy, more global in our thinking, and conscious of climate change and the importance of green energy. We must make change and challenge integral parts of our plan – individually and collectively.”
Degree of Doctor of Letters for her work as a Band Leader/Entertainer
“Chart your course for the future by working out your life’s philosophy, your methods, and how you plan to pass on your knowledge to those that will come after you.”
Doctor of Science for contributions to Surgical Science
“I believe that a Caribbean upbringing can instil such courage, as Caribbean people we have lived through challenges and earned our independence through hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Dr Frederick embodies such bravery and has been honoured for it.” – Citation.
Doctor of Letters for contributions to Culture and Calypso
“Lord Nelson has always been considered the people’s king. An uncrowned King of Kings, never a foreigner but rather an envoy, a nonagenarian lord and bard with a mission that continues to this day.” – Citation
