The UWI ushered in a new era at its 2024 graduation ceremonies by unveiling a vibrant collection of redesigned academic regalia. This marked the first major change to the institution’s ceremonial dress in over 75 years, symbolising The UWI’s ongoing journey toward full independence from its colonial roots. The new gowns were developed through a consultative process with the university community. Staff members Dr Rajeev Venugopal and Dara Jordan- Brown, working alongside renowned Jamaican designer Tonycia Jarrett, created regalia that celebrated Caribbean culture. The designs incorporated bold colours, regional textures, and distinctive elements from The UWI’s brand identity. The regalia were manufactured locally by Donald Mirander (Rednarim), using climate- appropriate, sustainable fabrics that reflected both environmental responsibility and regional pride. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles described the new academic dress as “both symbolic and significant,” noting that it represented another step in The UWI’s ongoing decolonisation. The regalia became more than attire—it is a statement of the university’s heritage and aspirations. This transformation followed other landmark changes, such as the 2019 transfer of the Office of the Visitor from the British monarchy to local Caribbean authority, bringing The UWI closer to its goal of being a fully Caribbean institution.