CARICOM has been recognised as the sixth region of the African continent, and September 7, 2023, marked the second annual Africa-CARICOM Day, emphasising the commitment to enhancing relationships between the Caribbean and Africa. The UWI hosted a community conversation and cultural exposition to commemorate the event in collaboration with the P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy, the Office of Global Affairs, and other organisations.

Ms Sandrea Maynard, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs at The UWI chairs the Africa-Caricom Day proceedings while Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor, The UWI andtheMostHonourableP.J.Patterson,Statesman-in-Residence,TheUWIlookonfromtheheadtable.

The event drew public participation in person at the UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica and online via UWItv. Thought leaders contributed to the forum, including Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM, and former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, emphasised, “The University of the West Indies has long been an activist in building collaboration and solidarity with the people of Africa”. He added that not only has The UWI defined itself as activist, but it has been playing its part “in the sense that we believe that we must put our teaching, our learning, and our advocacy around the principles that we hold to be dear.” He highlighted The UWI’s partnerships with African institutions and its unwavering commitment to advocacy through the P.J. Patterson Institute, instilling confidence in its advocacy.

L-R: Professor Clinton Hutton, Professor of Caribbean Political Philosophy, Culture & Aesthetics from The UWI Mona Campus, Ms Sandrea Maynard, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs, The UWI, the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, Statesman-in-Residence, The UWI, Mr Steven Golding, President of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League and Ms Omolora Wilson, President of The UWI Mona Campus Guild of Students