February/March 2011


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The UWI has launched a cruise and learn initiative designed to showcase the Caribbean in a unique and fun way while providing a continuous learning experience for patrons.

The inaugural sailing of the UWI Open Campus Scholar Ship, scheduled for April 17-24, 2011, will be dedicated to the culture, flora and fauna of the region. Beginning and ending in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the cruise aboard the elegant Caribbean Princess, will dock in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia and Barbados.

Professor Hazel Simmons-McDonald, Principal of the UWI Open Campus has described the UWI Open Campus Scholar Ship cruise as a “learning adventure especially designed to strengthen the relationships between UWI alumni, friends and family,” noting that “the cruise isn’t only about geographic travel but the exploration of the culture, flora and fauna is a journey itself.”

This first edition of the cruise will take place under the expert guidance of tour leader Dr. Lennox Honychurch, distinguished Caribbean Anthropologist and Honorary Research Fellow at The UWI with a wide knowledge of Caribbean history, indigenous peoples, folklore, politics, geography and ecology. Dr Honychurch was one of three 2011 laureates for the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, which carries a TT$500,000 grant for research. His award came in the category of Public & Civic Contributions.

Patrons will be treated to informative lectures on and off board by Dr. Honychurch who will explore the Cultural Crossroads of the Virgin Islands along with numerous other distinguished regional scholars and subject experts. The cruise itinerary will also feature on-island guided tours to ecological landmarks and historical sites, performances of indigenous music and dance and the much anticipated sampling of local cuisine.

For further information, please contact: Marcia Erskine, Email: merskine@cwjamaica.com, or Open Campus, St. Lucia, Email: st.lucia@open.uwi.edu