Dominica

WELCOME to the UWIAA Dominica Chapter! 

President: Ms. Nadia Riviere

History: The UWIAA Dominica Chapter was launched on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. The Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris visited Dominica for the occasion.

Some UWIAA Graduates

Irma Edwards

Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts

Yvanette Baron George

Marcella LaRocque Menal

Mandra Fagan

Edgar Hunter

Contact: The UWIAA Dominica at:Open Campus Centre - Dominica Elms Hall, P.O. Box 82, Roseau, Dominica

Tel: 767-448-3182 or 767-448-3482    Email: dominica@alumni.uwi.edu

UWI Alumni Association Dominica Chapter Report 2019- 2020

The University of the West Indies Alumni Association Dominica Chapter undertook two major activities.  On 18^th February 2019, the Association in collaboration with the Kiwanis Club of Roseau hosted this competition amongst 3^rd & 4^th Form Secondary School students across the island.  The topic chosen to speak on was “Should the death penalty be abolished in the Commonwealth of Dominica?” The aim of this competition was to raise awareness about the need to abolish the death penalty in the Commonwealth of Dominica. It was also a part of our activities to recognize and celebrate World Human Rights Day which was held on the 10th of December 2018. The project was also partly funded by the European Union, Greater Caribbean for Life and the World Coalition against the Death Penalty.

Various prizes were provided to all students, especially the winner and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd runner ups. Khahil Richards from the St. Mary’s Academy emerged winner of that competition.  He received a laptop, trip for two and a plaque from the Association in recognition of his efforts. 

The Dominica Alumni Association submitted names for receipt of Pelican Awards Ceremony which was scheduled to take place in October this year in Antigua.  Both Dr. Gerald Grell and Reverend William Watty were selected. Reverend Watty was unable to attend the ceremony due to unforeseen challenges, but later received his award. 

Professor Gerald Alastair Clarence Grell, born on 31st July 1942 in Dominica is our first nominee for the prestigious Pelican Award. Professor Gerald Grell, Cardiologist and Former UWI Pro-Vice Chancellor, graduated from the University of the West Indies in 1967 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MB.BS. (Hons). He was elected as the first President of the UWI Medical Alumni, Jamaican Chapter, 1987–1989. He has served in many capacities including Lecturer in Medicine and Consultant Physician from 1977-1980, Associate Dean, Professor of Medicine, Medical Director of the Princess Margaret Hospital and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UWI and Director, Office of University Services (OUS), UWI, Barbados. He has contributed immensely to the Caribbean region in his work in academia. He has also given numerous years of service to the Dominican community through his profession as a Cardiologist. Dr Grell has developed a Central National ECHOCARDIOGRAM referral service as a solo Cardiologist at PMH, supported by visits from Dr. Richard Ishmael (Barbados) and Dr. Jocelyn Inamo (Martinique). To date he has written 2 books namely The Elderly in the Caribbean & The University of the West Indies and the Eastern Caribbean, 5 chapters in books, contributed to 83 scientific journals and periodicals, 54 abstracts and papers presented at scientific meetings.

William Wilberforce Watty, born on December 1^st, 1933 in Portsmouth Dominica is our third nominee.  He is more affectionately known as Reverend William Watty. He is the Methodist Presbyter. Reverend Watty attended the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados from 2005-2010. Upon graduation he was given the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology.  He started his career as a civil servant in 1955 but quickly rose to other positions such as that of Acting Principal, Virgin Islands Secondary School, Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Senior Methodist Tutor, Lecturer in Old Testament Language & Literature, Church History, United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI), Kingston, Jamaica; Superintendent Minister, Roseau and the Dominica Circuit, MCCA.  He has served in many capacities across the Caribbean in places such as Tortola, Trinidad, Jamaica and his home, Dominica.  He has written three publications namely Awakening to Wider Horizons and From Shore to Shore: Soundings in Caribbean Theology in 1981; and The Nathan Narrative in 2 Samuel 7:1-17: A Traditio-historical Study in 2016.  Reverend Watty is the Founder of the Student Christian Movement in Trinidad in 1965 and was a lay member of the Silk Advisory Committee of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

DINNER DANCE 

Additionally, the UWI Alumni Association held its Annual 4^th Annual Alumni & Friends Dinner and Dance on Saturday 16^th November 2019.  The President of Dominica, His Excellency Mr. Charles Savarin, graced the event with his presence.  Over 130 persons were in attendance at the dinner and dance. 

Ten deserving individuals received awards at this event.  They were as follows:

• Lifetime Achievement Award - Celia Nicholas - Cave Hill, 1975, 1978, Mona, 1985
• Arts & Culture Award - Delia Cuffy-Weekes - Open Campus, 2019
• Friend of the UWI Award - L.A Dupigny Co. Ltd

• Burton & Co Ltd.

• Community Service Award - Irvince Auguiste - Open Campus, 2019
• Up & Coming Alumnus Award - Kareem Bertrand - St. Augustine, 2015
• UWI Pelican Award – Reverend William Watty - Cave Hill, 2010
• Awards for Outstanding Academic Performance

• Daren Pinard - (2010 Open Campus Valedictorian)
• Kirk Edwards (2018 Open Campus Valedictorian)
• Novenia Isaac (2019 Open Campus Valedictorian)

Part proceeds of the event went to the Bernard Dinnard Memorial Scholarship Fund which assists students who may have financial difficulties to continue their studies.  The rest of the proceeds will be made available to the University of the West Indies Bahamas Chapter to aid in the rehabilitation of students affected by Hurricane Dorian.

Members of the Association have continued throughout the year to mentor current and prospective students who are undertaking or planning to undertake studies at the Open Campus.  Efforts to collaborate with existing clubs or service groups have also increased.  The Association commits to carrying out more extensive work during the next period.