50 years ago, during the 8th British Empire & Commonwealth Games held August 4-13, 1966 and the following 2nd Paraplegic Games, held August 14-20, over 1000 athletes from around the world made their homes in the halls of residence of the University of the West Indies – at Irvine, Taylor, Chancellor and Seacole Halls. The Commonwealth Games took place at the still new National Stadium, while the Paraplegic Games were held at the university sports facilities at what is now known as the Mona Bowl.
The history and heritage of the University of the West Indies (UWI) are important in part because of the undeniable role that the university has played in the development of the nations of the Caribbean and the region as a whole.
Some elements of that role were affirmed at the 2016 Global Giving Week event held August 7 at the Mona Campus and in the UWI Regional HQ.