May 2015


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Message from the Principal: A farewell and a welcome

The UWI has just undergone a significant change in its management profile, as Professor E. Nigel Harris demitted office as Vice-Chancellor in April, after having served for just over ten years. Our new Vice-Chancellor is Sir Hilary Beckles, who will be our ninth VC since our inception in 1948.

While change is inevitable in all organizations, it sometimes occurs with residual sentiments of melancholy; especially when it involves persons who developed strong working relationships and close bonds. This can certainly be said about the way that I feel, being mindful of the unescapable departure of Professor Harris.

Since January 2008, as campus Principal, I have had the privilege to work closely with Prof Harris. He pushed us to adopt the three “firsts”:

  1. The UWI being the first choice for Caribbean people seeking high quality undergraduate and graduate education.
  2. The institution that is first in the development of new knowledge unique to the Caribbean and Small Island States through research, with a primary goal of contributing to growth, development and transformation of the region.
  3. The first port of call for Caribbean governments wishing advice and technical expertise for policy development, strategic planning and programme implementation.

I am absolute in my view of his unwavering contribution to this university and more importantly, he has remained true to his mandate, and has been “committed to fulfilling our ageless mission to propel the development of West Indian society through teaching, research, innovation and intellectual leadership.” Professor Harris has clearly demonstrated in an exemplary manner, adopting a disposition of calm humility and perseverance. His legacy has clearly defined him as indeed a gentleman and a scholar.

Every leader has their own distinct style of leadership and may impart their ideas in various ways. While many of us grew accustomed to that of Prof Harris and welcomed his approach to conducting the University’s business, we must now prepare to welcome the official installation of the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles later this month. Change and transition is usually preceded by feelings of expectations, as the style, ideologies and approach to leadership by a new leader is being observed and evaluated. Change is not painless, but more often than not, the changing of the guard lends itself to fuelling the evolution and growth of most institutions, and The UWI is not exempt from this natural occurrence. Change must be embraced, adopted, incorporated and exploited so that we may derive in a complete and comprehensive manner, all the new experiences and benefits that a new leader will bring.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Campus Principal: Professor Clement Sankat
Director of Marketing and Communications: Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill
Editor: Ms. Vaneisa Baksh [vaneisa.baksh@sta.uwi.edu]

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