November 2012


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In the words of Eric Gill: “work is what one does to please oneself, leisure the time one has to serve the community.” The man who stands before us today has lived a life full of leisure by obeying a call to deeper service. From as early as the impressionable period of adolescence to the fullness of maturity Father Clyde Harvey has stood firm in his commitment to service. Yes, even as a teenager, when others may have been wandering aimlessly, this man chose to emulate the life of Christ.

He entered the Seminary at age 19, completed his undergraduate degree in politics and sociology right here at The UWI then proceeded to the Louvain, Belgium, to the oldest Catholic University in the world where he completed magna cum laude a Master’s degree in Theology. Following this he completed, postgraduate work in comparative religion in the UK, and in ethics and comparative religion in the US. When in 1976 he was ordained a diocesan priest in the service of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, mingled among his vows was the pledge “To make known to Caribbean People the loving–kindness of the Heart of God”. Through this loving kindness he has extended himself unselfishly into the communities which he has served. In 1979, he co-founded LIFELINE which is a hotline for the suicidally depressed. In like manner, he has also co-founded two HIV support groups for those afflicted with HIV and AIDS. For the past 20 years he has, through the Morris Marshall Development Foundation, provided educational and personal development opportunities for people in underprivileged communities in East Port of Spain. This work has been extended into surrounding areas and has led to newer projects targetting young men at risk and assisting the plight of the homeless and street-dwellers.

He may not have been born in a manger but everyday Father Harvey walks the path of the downtrodden. He may not have sat at the table of the Last Supper but at every turn he celebrates the Holy Eucharist. He may not be endowed with worldly riches yet he gives generously. He may be empowered only with worn-out tools but he continues to work tirelessly.

Chancellor, when we search the Scriptures we are told “Whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple”. I contend that a more worthy disciple than Father Clyde Harvey would be hard to find.

Therefore, I invite you, Chancellor, to receive this selfless servant of the Lord, this disciple, community worker, friend of the poor, the depressed and dispossessed, whose work has already endowed us with a rich legacy and, by the authority vested in you by the Senate and the Council of The University of the West Indies, confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.