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September-October 2010
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From the Principal: Forging ahead
Over the years, the Campus had to expand to accommodate a wider range of programmes and the large increase in the number of students and staff. New buildings have altered the landscape, and while we have had to give up much of the green space that this Campus has been celebrated for as part of its ICTA legacy, we have done our best to maintain its aesthetic value, in keeping with the holistic vision of our Campus Master Plan. At fifty, the UWI St Augustine Campus is entering a mature phase, and while the first half-century experienced significant physical growth, my vision is that the focus of the next fifty years will be on building a financially sustainable Campus, extending our reach beyond our walls – particularly to south Trinidad, to Tobago and to our Caribbean neighbours – and deepening our impact on society through the outputs of our teaching, research, scholarship and service. Our students, staff and alumni are our ambassadors of excellence who will pass the torch to each successive generation, while preserving and enhancing the unique brand that is UWI. By continuing to nurture strong partnerships with all our stakeholders, the UWI St. Augustine Campus will continue to be the preeminent tertiary education institution, an intellectual leader and shaper of Caribbean identity and development. Indeed, on the occasion of this fiftieth anniversary, as we celebrate our achievements, give thanks to those who have helped to build this institution and salute all our UWI graduates, we reaffirm our commitment to our tradition of academic excellence and distinction. We will not rest on our laurels but rather, as our founders envisioned for this ‘Light rising from the West,’ keep rising as we forge ahead. Clement K. Sankat |
A Golden Jubilee is a remarkable achievement under any circumstance and in a youthful region where most of our territories have not yet reached fifty years as independent nations, it is an even more treasured milestone for the UWI St. Augustine Campus. It is a privilege to be the steward of this Campus at such a grand moment in its history. A UWI graduate myself from the class of 1969, I am honoured to have joined an illustrious line of Campus Principals that started with Sir Philip Sherlock in 1960, and included Professor Dudley Huggins in 1963, Professor Lloyd Brathwaite in 1969, Professor George Maxwell Richards in 1985, Professor Compton Bourne in 1996 and Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie in 2001.