Graduates must be aware of their environment so that they are prepared for any eventuality that may affect their future or the environment of which they are part. They must be aware of global events and be knowledgeable and open- minded and willing to contribute to political, social, economic, environmental and cultural issues; nationally, regionally and globally.
- Seven Attributes of the Ideal UWI Graduate,
https://www.uwi.edu/uop/strategic-plan-7-attributes-ideal-uwi-graduate
The quote above is taken from The University of the West Indies’ vision for the kind of graduate we strive to produce. It reflects our purpose to not only provide students with academic and professional competencies, but also the character traits that will make them positive forces in society.
Teaching and learning are fundamental to universities. The UWI in particular was founded with the ambition to produce the human capital required for the growth and development of our young Caribbean society. This requires more than just knowledge and skill in a given field. We need graduates with critical thinking skills, creative imagination, a sense of purpose, integrity, patriotism for nation and region, and a desire to contribute to the betterment of society.
It is my opinion that this university has exceeded the goal of graduating these “good citizens”. The examples in politics, the arts, business, and academia are obvious and numerous. Many are quite famous. Yet many remain relatively unknown. In this issue of UWI TODAY, we look at a few of both.
The Faculty of Medical Sciences has produced many of the professionals at the heart of Trinidad and Tobago’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to share some of their stories in this issue. These are people working to save lives, in some cases at personal risk, while dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of life at the frontline of a national health crisis.
We also interview Professor Christine Carrington, who has become one of the campus’ most recognised faces and respected experts in national communication on COVID-19, its fallout, and vaccines. Of course, her career as a scientist and educator began long before COVID-19, and we are pleased to share the story of this remarkable member of the campus community.
Our outstanding graduates come from all faculties, and in this issue we are especially pleased to profile Dr Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, who is an international expert on aquatic food systems and the winner of the World Food Prize 2021. Dr Thilsted studied at UWI St Augustine’s then Faculty of Agriculture. She is recognised for her work in nutrition and public health, with a focus on the needs of people in the developing world. She has worked with several international agencies, making a positive impact on many lives.
Although our focus in this publication is the work of the campus community, past and present, as Principal, I am fully cognisant of the fact that good Caribbean citizens do not only come from UWI. As Trinidad and Tobago perseveres during this current phase of the pandemic, we must recognise the many workers outside of the healthcare fields who accept the responsibility of making sure our society continues to function. National security forces, public utility company workers, public transportation providers, pharmacists and drugstore employees, and workers in our supermarkets, groceries, markets and parlours - they have helped to keep T&T going. We owe them our gratitude. We should keep them in our prayers.
As for the rest of us, as the lockdown restrictions and new vaccinations take effect, I hope very soon that we will be through the worst of this crisis and the anxiety of these recent months will be replaced by a new optimism.
