The UWI Press, under the guidance of its Board of Directors and dedicated staff, has sustained its core mission to advance Caribbean scholarship and culture by broadening access, deepening alignment with academic and industry standards, and maintaining operational agility for the 2024/2025 period.

ACCESS

The Press has continued its commitment to widening access to knowledge across the Caribbean and globally. This year saw the expansion of both digital and print publication channels, ensuring academic, research, and creative works reached a diverse audience of students, scholars, alumni, and the general public. These efforts are central to the Press’s vision for an informed Caribbean society.

ALIGNMENT

Strategic partnerships with leading industry and scholarly bodies, such as the Association of University Presses and the Association of Learned & Professional Society Publishers, have reinforced the Press’s editorial and publication standards. This alignment has enabled the UWI Press to remain the preeminent publisher of Caribbean scholarly material and to respond effectively to evolving societal discourse and stakeholder expectations.

AGILITY

Customer satisfaction and relationship-building remain at the forefront of the Press’s operations. Enhanced communication and diversified product distribution have improved responsiveness and regional reach. The Press’s agility enables it to swiftly address challenges and adapt to the dynamic landscape of academic publishing.

Governance and Staff

The governance structure, led by Professor Densil A. Williams (Chair), comprises representatives from all UWI campuses and key administrative offices. The staff, headed by Director Christine Randle, includes experts in editing, marketing, accounts, IT, and administration, all contributing to the Press’s continued success.

Publications and Achievements

During the reporting period, the Press published significant works addressing Caribbean history, society, law, politics, and culture. Notable titles include “History Matters: Reassembling the Fragments of a Contested Past,” “Near a Plantation: Free Villages of Barbados, 1840–1945,” “Richie Richardson,” “Island Cultures and Festivals: A Creative Ecosystem,” and “Don Dada: Assessing the Socio-economic and Political Power of Jamaica’s Mafia Bosses.”

Journals such as The Journal of Caribbean History, Caribbean Quarterly, and the Caribbean Journal of Psychology continue to foster academic discourse. Reprints such as “The Earliest Inhabitants: The Dynamics of the Jamaican Taino” ensure foundational works remain accessible.

Awards and Recognition

The Press’s commitment to excellence was recognised when “Near a Plantation” won the 2025 Elsa Goveia Memorial Book Prize, and “Politics in an Island State” placed third in the 2025 Gordon K. and Sybil Lewis Award.

Impact and Engagement

Several UWI Press publications were adopted as required texts for UWI foundation courses, reflecting their importance in Caribbean higher education. Ongoing staff development and participation in industry associations such as the Book Industry Association of Jamaica and the Independent Publishers Guild further strengthen the Press’s capacity and reputation.

Conclusion

The UWI Press has demonstrated resilience and innovation, maintaining its leading role in the Caribbean publishing sector. Through expanded access, strategic alignment, and operational agility, it continues to serve as a vital resource for knowledge dissemination and regional development.