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February 2009
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 60th Anniversary Celebrations : Gifts & GivingDespite the economic downturn, corporate Trinidad and Tobago, and UWI alumni, staff and students proved that even in a tight economy, good causes can still find support. “60” The Gala indeed set the stage for stronger partnerships between The University, our regional governments, the leaders of business and industry in the Caribbean, and all our Alumni spread across the Caribbean Diaspora.On December 12, the ballroom of Trinidad’snewest hotel – the Hyatt Regency, was transformed into 16,000 square feet of pure glamour and glitz. The occasion? “60” The Gala! The black-tie event, hosted under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and former UWI St. Augustine Campus Principal (1984 – 1996), marked the grand conclusion to a full calendar year of 60th Anniversary celebrations at The University of the West Indies. But it wasn’t just a soirée. This first-time fund-raising effort by the St. Augustine campus attracted over TT$3 million. The proceeds, along with all other funds raised from UWI 60th Anniversary initiatives, will support infrastructure projects and student development at UWI. “60” The Gala drew many top-level leaders of the regional university, including UWI Chancellor Sir George Alleyne, Vice Chancellor Professor E. Nigel Harris, Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal (St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago) Professor Clement Sankat, University Registrar Mr C. William Iton, and University Bursar Mr Winston Bayley. Also among the more than 400 distinguished guests at the red carpet affair were Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, The Honourable Christine Kangaloo; Minister in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, The Honourable Fitzgerald Jeffrey; Grenadian Minister in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture, The Honourable Arley Gil; and Opposition Leader, The Honourable Basdeo Panday. In his opening remarks, Professor Sankat reflected on the year within the context of the global crises which emerged in the areas of finance, the environment, energy and food security. “While we celebrate this evening, we also embrace our responsibility as THE regional university, to prepare collaborative and innovative regional responses to the global problems of this new age,” said Professor Sankat, whose welcome address closed with a strong re-affirmation of the University’s commitment to serve the Caribbean by identifying the needs of its peoples and championing the execution of appropriate solutions.  On
the heels of Professor Sankat’s affirmation, Professor Gurmohan Kochhar,
Chair of the Gala Black Tie Fundraising Committee, urged all the
University’s stakeholders to renew and strengthen their relationships
with the regional institution.In his tribute to Gala patrons, Professor Kochhar asserted that it was through its relationships with regional governments, corporate sponsors, and individual and institutional supporters, that The University of the West Indies has become an innovative, internationally competitive, contemporary institution whose alumni include 14 heads of government, one Nobel Laureate and countless leaders in industry across the Caribbean and North America. The Gala Chair explained, “60 The Gala is not a ‘one-off ’ support venture, but rather, the continuation of relationships with many longstanding partners of the University.” The event provided three categories of Strategic Alliance Opportunities – Diamond, Emerald and Ruby. In an impromptu speech, Professor E. Nigel Harris, UWI Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Central 60th Anniversary Steering Committee also recognised the yearlong efforts of Mrs. Dawn- Marie De Four-Gill, University Director of Marketing and Communications; Ms Joy Pilgrim, Coordinator of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations Secretariat in the Office of the Vice Chancellor; and Professor Winston Mellowes, Chair of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations Local Organising Committee, St. Augustine. University Chancellor Sir George Alleyne lauded the organizers for an excellent evening of elegance remarking that “there could be perhaps no more fitting a celebration to bring closure to the year.” Speaking on behalf of The Honourable Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Minister Christine Kangaloo, underscored the reason behind the fundraiser. “Institutions, unlike men”, she said, “may be said to have merely begun to grow at age 60 and require more by way of material support to underwrite their expanding endeavours. So it is with the University: the older it grows, the greater it becomes and the more need of our support it requires.” Minister Kangaloo gave the Government’s assurance of its commitment to “the growth and development of The University of the West Indies.” She also spoke of UWI’s reciprocity in its delivery of commitments. “Sixty years ago,” she shared, “there was the promise of a home-grown, regional intelligentsia capable of holding its own on the world stage. Today, there is reality of it.” Entertainment for the evening was provided by the resident Festival Arts Chorale Ensemble at UWI St Augustine, the National Steel Orchestra and Liselli Granwald and was rounded off in true Caribbean style with an unforgettable performance by Dr. Leroy Caliste – aka the Black Stalin. After all, black-tie or none, it was indeed a night for the “Caribbean Man” to party!
WAYS TO CONTINUE GIVING : Adopt-A-Student Programme •
Bursaries and Scholarships • Hardship Loan Scheme • Annual Pledges |
