September 2015


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Message from the Principal: Welcoming our New Students - Arriving at a time of enormous change and expectation

It is with great enthusiasm and expectation that I share my excitement in welcoming the new students and those returning, to the unique experience of being part of the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies community. You are all arriving at a very dynamic period of the university’s history, as we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the St. Augustine Campus, and at the same time, breaking new ground in creating a new and interesting future for all of us here at The UWI.

Just last month, the St. Augustine Campus held a Ceremonial Topping-Off and Deed Handover Ceremony of its South Campus in Penal-Debe which is the most significant infrastructural development and expansion accomplished at our Campus for 55 years and the Regional University for over 40 years. This grand affair was attended by many dignitaries from around the region, with the commemorative plaque being unveiled by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar and our Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne; and witnessed by our newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Brigadier David A. Granger, the Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, the Honourable Fazal Karim, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Honourable Dr. Roodal Moonilal, and of course, many more of our stakeholders and benefactors.

The benefits to be derived from this new facility are enormous, with the Faculty of Law being the flagship Faculty. Notwithstanding, this Campus will also be the site for the delivery of other programs from our various faculties, as well as UWI-ROYTEC, to begin with. While it is critical that such state-of-the-art facilities are provided, it is even more important that we attract students who are willing, able, committed and dedicated to building on the great legacy of the graduates of The University of the West Indies. In addition, you, our young students must also distinguish yourselves through your commitment to upholding high moral standards and values, while at the same time demonstrating a solemn respect for the well-being of your fellow students. The UWI will challenge you like you have never been challenged before, to not only be very proficient in the speciality of your subject, but to be critical and creative thinkers and problem solvers. You will therefore need to nurture a keen sense of individual and social responsibility, become self-starters and learners, engage in team work and exemplify strong communication skills. This will be a big leap in your development as a young professional.

I wish to remind all of us (students and staff) that we must demonstrate on an ongoing basis, our efforts to develop the regional, social and cultural bond that naturally exists in The UWI experience. As the leading regional higher education institution, this is how we will espouse the unique demographic makeup of Caribbean people represented at our university, which has risen out of the diversities of our West Indian heritage. It is incumbent upon us as Educators, to deliberately incorporate this component (our rich regional diversity) to form part of the ethos of our UWI educational psyche. In so doing, we will be able to ensure that our promotion of a Caribbean identity is fully realized, and that the products of our system are not only academic, but are also caring, cordial and bring about much needed harmonious existence, in a world that seems threatened by divisions of all kinds. To this end, your success as a graduating student of The UWI manifests itself, not only by making our country, region and the world a more efficient and prosperous place, but also by making our societies more compassionate, peaceful and caring.

The staff of The UWI St. Augustine Campus gives all first year students the assurance that support through mentorship will be provided on an ongoing basis. It is our primary objective to ensure that we make available all the resources that would ultimately allow our students to be successful, as they work towards graduating from this unique regional institution. Paramount to this success is our university’s thrust in developing students who are well rounded, with the ability to balance their academic pursuits, while at the same time participate in social activities among their peers. All students enrolled in this upcoming semester will benefit from the various new courses and programmes being offered, as well as the many clubs, societies and sporting facilities that exist on the grounds of our university. The UWI St. Augustine Campus is always making every effort to meet the growing demands of the workforce and the inevitable needs of our society. Your tenure here as students must prepare you to immediately add value and relevance as you progress through your years of study and eventually move into the working world. We are here to help you do just that.

In closing, I once again welcome you, and look forward to offering you the very best in higher education, while at the same time anticipate the level of excellence and dedication that you will bring to our beloved regional University of the West Indies.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Campus Principal: Professor Clement Sankat
Director of Marketing and Communications: Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill
Editor: (Ag) Maria Rivas-McMillan

Contact us:
The UWI Marketing and Communications Office
Tel: (868) 662-2002 exts. 82013, 83997
Email: uwitoday@sta.uwi.edu