SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER, 2017 – UWI TODAY
5
THE INSTALLATION OF THE CHANCELLOR
will drive everything in the future and will displace
traditional jobs, from structural engineering to brick-
laying. Our challenge will be to navigate a path through
this to avoid social chaos.
The University of the West Indies has a pivotal role to
play in assuring that we prepare our young people to face
this exciting and ever changing world, and to retrain those
of us for whom it is never too late to learn.
The University does not have a moment to waste, as
change is upon us. The needs of our undergraduates are
morphing as I speak. Importantly, the university needs to
work collaboratively with the other institutions of learning,
starting with the primary school systems to ensure that we
receive more properly preparedmatriculants, better able to
benefit from a tertiary education.
The University now sees itself as an international
institution with relationships on several continents. We
must also see ourselves as an exporter of education. We
have beautiful campuses in exotic locations, where millions
come to holiday.
We need to use this comparative advantage along
with our high academic standards and the fact that we are
English-speaking countries to attract more international
fee-paying students to improve the University’s finances
and create further diversity.
Financing is and will always be a major challenge. A
university education is an aspiration of every family and
in our case the commitment of every state. It will never be
inexpensive and requires sacrifice on the part of everyone.
The University must continue to grow its commercial
activities. There is much opportunity for partnerships with
the private sector as well as with the contributing states, to
improve the finances of the University. To do this we need
to step out of our comfort zone. We must learn to monetize
our assets and create value by involving our academics in
designing the solutions for the future.
Nonetheless, we must never forget our core purpose –
the education of our youth.We cannot just produce certified
young people. We must produce energized citizens with a
social conscience, motivated to change their world.
The University must encourage student activism,
discourse on the issues of the day, and the freedom to
develop their minds outside of the strict confines of their
studies. In my humble opinion, social skills, empathy,
social consciousness and a concern for equity are as equally
important to success as is technical competence.
This Daaga Auditorium, named in memory of a
rebellious former slave, brings to mind a rebel of my time,
Makandal Daaga, a man who chose to identify himself as
the “Chief Servant” – a description that resonates deeply
withme, as it captures what I believe good leadership to be.
So here I stand, my fellow West Indians, in these
unfamiliar robes, chief servant of The University of the
West Indies at the threshold of its 70th year, firm in the
belief that we have the talent and resolve to meet the future
with confidence!
I would like to thank the University again for providing
me the opportunity to serve, as well as my family, my
friends, my colleagues and the thousands of people who
have touched my life and have made me what I am today.
AT THE RECEPTION: Chancellor Robert Bermudez and his wife, Ms. Usha Maraj.
PHOTOS: MARIA NUNES
PRINCIPAL WELCOME: Professor Brian Copeland, Principal of the St. Augustine Campus welcomes
Chancellor Robert Bermudez to the UWI family after the installation ceremony.
