UWI 75th: Rooted Ready and Rising
Happy New Year! 2023 marks the diamond jubilee (75th anniversary) of The University of the West Indies. Several events and activities have been scheduled to commemorate this momentous occasion. On January 6, 2023, the UWI kickstarted the calendar of events with the press launch at the UWI Museum. During this ceremony, January 7, 2023, was declared UWI day, commemorating the anniversary of the first meeting of the Provisional Council held on January 7, 1947.
In the first meeting of the Provisional Council members agreed on the core components of the running of the institution. This included discussions about the royal charter, legislation for the departments of medicine and agriculture, the appointment of Philip Sherlock as the Director of Extra Mural Department and most importantly the site of the University Campus. Described as the area southeast of the Mona Reservoir and Mona Conduit embracing all of Gibraltar Camp, the site was one of seven potential locations including the Constant Spring area, Red Hills above Marverley Race Course, Stony Hill, lands west, north and east of Hope Botanical Gardens. Over the next 2 days, the provisional council reviewed the design of university buildings, armorial bearings and salaries for incoming staff. These decisions set the foundation for an institution that has transformed the region by responsive and significant interventions, through research and teaching, in areas such as public health, teaching, geology and climate change.
At the core of its development is The UWI’s commitment to equitable access to education. According to the University’s 1972 Royal Charter, The UWI does not discriminate against gender, race, religion and political affiliation of its community. Consequently, interfaith services are an integral to this commitment. On January 8, 2023 the Interfaith Convocation Service continued this tradition of recognizing the diverse religious practices that flourish in the Caribbean.
We look forward to seeing you at the events. Use the link provided to access more information on the UWI 75th calendar of events.
