“An explosion of passion and culture, and a celebration of diversity,” that is how the organisers described Guild Fest 2019. New and returning students for Academic Year 2019/2020 were greeted by a bazaar of tents, music and a throng of people at the John F Kennedy Quadrangle in the heart of the St Augustine Campus.

Hosted by the Council of the UWI St Augustine Guild of Students, Guild Fest ran from Monday, September 2 until September 7, packing both days and nights with activities designed to welcome new students, enliven the university experience, and foster the spirit of community on the campus.

“During this week the Guild collaborates with internal partners, non-governmental organisations and corporate sponsors to engage, educate and inspire students to become holistic members of The UWI and society,” a statement from the Guild says. “Guild Fest fosters creativity, teamwork, activism and a sense of belonging to The UWI and gives true meaning to Pelican Pride.”

The theme of this year’s festival was “DARE” (Daring Advocates Readily Engaged), and that theme was reflected in all of the activities over the week. These activities included Spiritual Night (Dare to be Enlightened), Parade of the Nations (Dare to Represent), Cultural Night (Dare to be Cultured), and even “Fresher’s” Fete (Dare to Pump).

Guild Fest began with a flag-raising (of Caribbean flags) and then opening ceremony on September 2, and the vibrant Guild Village Expo was a constant feature at the normally sparse Quadrangle. Attendees also enjoyed foods from throughout the region at Taste UWI; football, cricket, badminton, hockey and many other sporting activities at the Sports Village at UWI SPEC; and even an Entrepreneurial Expo for student entrepreneurs.

Student performers got to show their talents on Open Mic Night. And campus resident students showed their pride on Hall Spirit Night.

In their note of thanks to sponsors, UWI staff and other stakeholder, the Guild Council gave a special message to the students:

“Guild fest would have been incomplete without your presence and participation. We are delighted that you have been well oriented and are Daring Advocates Readily Engaged. We wish you a successful academic year and a fun-filled and engaging period at The University of the West Indies.”