The Latin American-Caribbean Centre (LACC) advanced The UWI’s strategic globalisation agenda during the 2024/2025 academic year. The Centre focused on fostering international partnerships, student development opportunities, and regional engagement, aligning its work with the UWI’s Triple A Strategy.

Strengthening Partnerships

LACC renewed and expanded collaborations with educational institutions and governments across the Americas and Europe. The Centre prioritised both traditional and non-traditional affiliations, supporting joint research, student and faculty mobility, and new avenues for academic exchange. This strategic emphasis contributed to UWI’s “Revenue Revolution” goals.

Student Development

The Centre supported the Colombian Government’s foreign language exchange programme, enabling UWI graduates to teach English in Colombia and Colombian teachers to teach Spanish at UWI campuses. In 2024/2025, five UWI graduates participated, with increased numbers anticipated for 2025/2026. The programme’s success was underscored by extended assignments for outstanding participants and ongoing consultations to enhance the initiative.

Support for Caribbean Higher Education

LACC played a pivotal role in the proposed re- establishment of a Caribbean university on San Andres Island, Colombia. The Centre assessed the project’s alignment with UWI’s mission, coordinated feasibility studies, and maintained high-level engagement with Colombian authorities and the Raizal community. A strategic plan was developed for phased implementation, with a high-level meeting between UWI and the Colombian President scheduled for August 2025.

Academic and Cultural Initiatives

LACC coordinated UWI’s involvement in an international conference on Caribbean ancestral knowledge and multilingualism, highlighting the University’s expertise in these areas. A renewed partnership with INFOTEP in San Andres was also pursued, focusing on expanding multilingual academic programmes, particularly in Creole.

Regional Collaborations

The Mexico Chair programme continued, with LACC facilitating the appointment of a Mexican scholar at UWI Mona. Discussions with Austral University in Argentina advanced a student exchange partnership, with draft agreements under review.

Diplomatic Engagement

LACC re-engaged with GRULAC (Group of Latin American and Caribbean) diplomatic missions in Kingston, securing renewed commitments from eight Heads of Mission. The Diplomatic Dialogues initiative, developed under the “We Are Neighbours” programme, was launched to foster student engagement with regional diplomats, raise awareness of regional issues, promote academic collaboration, and expand international career opportunities. The programme will be piloted at Mona Campus in 2025/2026.

Cultural Heritage and Legacy

LACC initiated the creation of a Plaza of Latin American and Caribbean Heritage on UWI campuses, designed as an interactive space for cultural learning and regional integration. Endorsed by university leadership, the project is advancing with student-led designs and plans for partnership and funding outreach.

Conclusion

Through renewed partnerships, student-centred initiatives, and engagement with regional and international stakeholders, the LACC significantly contributed to UWI’s goals of global engagement, student achievement, and regional development during 2024/2025.