"Guild Fest aims to showcase UWI Life to all new and continuing students. It is an explosion of all the services we have to offer through student clubs and associations, administrative support services, and the Guild Council," says Tyrese St Louis, Guild Vice President.
Guild Fest 2023 was hosted by the Student Guild Council at the JFK Quadrangle of UWI St Augustine campus on September 6 and 7.
The event included the Annual Club Expo, Culture Night, Parade of Nations, and the Hall Spirit Competition, all aimed at showing the passion and cultural diversity at UWI St Augustine.
For many first-year students, including Sofiah Thomas, Guild Fest was especially beneficial. She mentioned that finding club information online was limited, but at Guild Fest, "everything was laid out", allowing students to "see all the Guild has to offer”.
Day 1 at Guild Fest featured the opening ceremony, Club Expo, Spiritual Hour, and Cultural Night. Day 2 included the Hall Spirit Competition, which has made a well-received comeback in the 2023/2024 academic year after a three-year hiatus.
Regional students had the opportunity to represent their countries as the Guild Fest events followed the theme, “We is We: is here you would find your identity”.
Speaking on Guild Fest and the role of the Guild Council for UWI St Augustine’s student body, Guild President Aishwarya Maharaj emphasised the Guild Council's dedication to student advocacy and support.
"As an executive, we have a shared collective vision to provide unyielding advocacy for the students, ensuring they are supported in every possible way,” she said.
Presently, the Guild Council is brimming with plans and ideas for the future.
Behind the scenes, the Guild Administrative Office played a crucial role in the success of Guild Fest. According to Mrs. Amanda Best-Noel, the Manager of the Guild Administrative Office, her team acted as the "engine room behind Guild Fest".
She stated, “We collaborate with student leaders to transform these ideas into reality.”
Her office plans to work with the Guild Council to continue serving the student body, and support activities to boost student engagement.
