SUNDAY 2 JUNE 2019 – UWI TODAY
3
On Tuesday, May 21,
there was a headline in one
of our national newspapers that said, “Carmona calls
on UWI to tackle water problem”. I was most pleased
to see it.
The article was referring to an address given
by Justice Anthony Carmona, former President
of Trinidad and Tobago. He was speaking at the
launch of our Faculty of Science and Technology’s
“Science and Technology Week 2019”, and it was a
fiery presentation indeed. Justice Carmona spoke
passionately about the challenges our Republic
and region face due to environmental degradation
and climate change. He spoke about the difficulties
citizens face finding employment. He painted a stark
picture. But it was far from a hopeless picture.
Indeed, Justice Carmona spent almost as
much time highlighting the good works of non-
governmental organisations, schools, individuals
and The UWI. Most importantly, he stressed the
critical role of The UWI in solving these challenges.
That is why I was grateful to see his call for The UWI
to contribute to the alleviation of the current water
shortage woes.
For several years now, the energy on both the St
Augustine Campus and the regional University itself
has been one of self-assessment and improvement.
You can see two illustrations of this focus in this
very issue of UWI Today, through the interview
with Sir Dennis Byron, Chair of the Chancellor’s
Commission on Governance and the report on the
2019 University Council Meeting.
This energy for continuous improvement
emanates from the top of the UWI hierarchy, has
motivated our current Triple-A Strategic Plan and is
also the mindset embedded in the institution in every
campus and outpost. And well it should be, since one
pillar of effectiveness is to focus your efforts where
they are most able to produce results
However, at the end, if we truly want to make
the region better - economically, socially, politically
and environmentally - it must be a collective effort.
Even if collective action simply means accepting the
support that the University can provide.
We have heard the criticism of The UWI that
it can be an “ivory tower”, disconnected from the
society and its needs. And there is some truth to the
notion that we could be better in directly addressing
the needs of society. This is one of our strategic
imperatives and a personal goal of mine. But the
question has to be asked, how receptive are the key
influencers and policymakers to our interventions?
When transformation is needed, when problems
need to be solved, do they, like Justice Carmona,
call on UWI? And when we approach them with
solutions are they open to their implementation?
Truthfully, there have always been many scholars
and students with the knowledge and ambition to
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
PROFESSOR BRIAN COPELAND
Campus Principal
Partnership is part of the solution
make society better. Right now, in every department,
unit and laboratory on this campus, there are many
examples where workable solutions have been
devised to a host of problems. The average citizen
would be shocked at what has been developed but
remains unknown to the wider society.
Part of improving the University therefore
includes continued awareness of what we have
accomplished and continue to accomplish. That is
why activities such as Science and Technology Week
are so important. The theme of this inaugural event is
“Science in Communities”, emphasising the Faculty’s
community-focused, impactful work.
FST Week exhibited our scientists’ and student
scientists’ work in climate change, green technology,
environmental
protection,
data
application,
information technology, health, wellness, and
pharmaceuticals. So much amazing work by driven
people, many of them still very young!
The week-long event is an outstanding revelation
of the value UWI can bring to the society.
We at The UWI will continue to improve,
honing our focus on finding ways to make a lasting
and impactful contribution to the development
of Caribbean society. We will continue to forge
stronger links with governments and industries for
the region’s benefit. We will tell our stories so that
people better understand the work and taking place
on campus. In return, when moments of difficulty
or opportunity arise we ask that you call on us. Call
our name.
EDITORIAL TEAM
CAMPUS PRINCIPAL
Professor Brian Copeland
AG. DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
AND COMMUNICATIONS
Wynell Gregorio
AG. EDITOR
Joel Henry
email:
CONTACT US
The UWI Marketing and
Communications Office
Tel: (868) 662-2002, exts. 82013 / 83997
or email:
Part of improving the
University therefore includes
continued awareness of what
we have accomplished and
continue to accomplish.
That is why activities such
as Science and Technology
Week are so important. The
theme of this inaugural event
is “Science in Communities”,
emphasising the Faculty’s
community-focused,
impactful work.
