UWI Privacy Awareness Month 2025

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles

Vice-Chancellor 

Message from the Vice-Chancellor

Dear Members of The UWI Community,

As we embark on another year of excellence and service, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to safeguard the personal and sensitive information entrusted to us. February 2025 marks another Privacy Awareness Month at The University of the West Indies - a time to reflect on, renew, and enhance our commitment to data protection and privacy across all campuses and departments.

In an era where the protection of personal information is both a legal obligation and an ethical duty, our adherence to robust data protection practices is essential. This year’s theme, “Safeguarding Trust, Empowering Privacy,” highlights the crucial role that data protection plays in fostering trust among students, staff, partners, and stakeholders.

The University Data Protection Office (UDP Office) has organised a series of activities and resources throughout themonth, including workshops, seminars, and campus-wide campaigns. These initiatives aim to educate and empower us all to:

• understand and comply with The UWI’s Data Protection Policy;
• recognise and manage the risks associated with data handling and breaches; and
• promote a culture of privacy and confidentiality in our daily operations.

I encourage every member of our community - whether academic staff, administrative staff, or student - to activelyparticipate in these events. By doing so, we uphold our commitment to the values of integrity and accountability that define The UWI.

Remember, privacy is not merely about compliance; it is about respect for the rights and dignity of those we serve. Together, let us ensure that The UWI remains a beacon of trust and security in an interconnected world.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to these principles. Let us make Privacy Awareness Month a meaningful and impactful observance.

Yours Sincerely,

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles

Vice-Chancellor 

Ms. Sandrea Maynard

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Global Affairs 

Message from the Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Affairs

Hello UWI Family,

It’s February, and you know what that means - Privacy Awareness Month is here! Now, I know “privacy” might not sound like the most exciting topic, but trust me, it’s more relevant - and empowering - than you might think.

As your ever-enthusiastic Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs (and yes, the lawyer in me too!), I want to take a moment to talk about why this matters so much. Whether you’re a student, a lecturer, a researcher, or part of our wonderful administrative team, privacy isn’t just about ticking boxes or keeping data locked away in a virtual safe. It’s about trust, respect, and the power we all have to protect our personal information in an increasingly connected world.

Our theme this year, “Safeguarding Trust, Empowering Privacy,” couldn’t be more fitting. The way we handle privacy says so much about who we are as a University community. It’s about protecting the dignity of every individual in our UWI family, ensuring that we all feel secure in how our information is treated.

Privacy laws in the Caribbean are still relatively new, and as we’re navigating this landscape together, it’s clear that building a strong culture of privacy takes effort from all of us. It’s not just a job for IT or the legal team - it’s something we all can and should take pride in.

So, this month, let’s embrace the opportunities to learn and grow. The University Data Protection Office (UDP Office) has some fantastic activities lined up—fun, engaging, and yes, a little thought-provoking too. Whether it’s a workshop on understanding data protection laws, tips on keeping your personal info safe online, or simply a chance to ask questions, there’s something for everyone.

Privacy is serious business, but it’s also something we can all approach with energy, curiosity, and positivity. It’s about empowering ourselves and others, ensuring we leave a legacy of respect and accountability for future generations of UWI students and staff.

So let’s make this Privacy Awareness Month not just meaningful, but memorable. Together, we can show the world what it means to be part of a University community that values privacy, trust, and integrity in everything we do.

Warmest regards,

Ms. Sandrea Maynard

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Global Affairs