It was with great pride that The UWI celebrated the appointment of one of its illustrious alumna, Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo, to the esteemed office of President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Her Excellency, President Kangaloo, who was inaugurated on March 20, 2023, also has the honour of being only the second woman to hold the position. She was preceded by President Paula May Weekes, another UWI alumna.

Extending congratulations on behalf of the UWI community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted, “It is a special occasion when one of our own ascends to the highest seats of leadership in the region. As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary and reflect on our rich legacy of leading Caribbean development, this is the kind of occasion that reinforces the need for The UWI to continue rooted, ready and rising.”

President Kangaloo graduated from The UWI and the Hugh Wooding Law School and was admitted to practice Law in 1985. An accomplished legal mind and parliamentarian, she made history as the only person to serve both as President and Vice President of the Senate. She has also served in a range of legislative and ministry portfolios including Opposition Senator, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education. She has acted in the position of President on several occasions and was elected by a 48–22 secret ballot vote of the electoral college.

Since 2003, all Heads of State of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have had strong ties with The UWI. One former Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal and three alumni have served in this office.