by Jean Lowrie-Chin
The week started on a high note, with a Jamaica House
Reception to launch a week of activities in celebration of the 70th
Anniversary of the University of the West Indies. It is remarkable, as noted in a documentary
by Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, that there are 15 current heads of
Government in the Caribbean, who are graduates of the University of the West
Indies. These include Jamaica’s Prime
Minister Most. Hon. Andrew Holness; our Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter
Phillips is also a graduate.
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| Professor Merle Collins gives the Reply on behalf of Pelican Honourees |
As for those of my generation, we were able to pay low
university fees in the seventies, and I believe that we continue to feel a
sense of responsibility to our country because of this precious gift.
The
citations for the seven recipients of UWI Pelican Awards, one for each decade,
reflected this gratitude, a passion to give back, and so their distinguished
careers have been marked by not only professional excellence, but also by their
volunteerism and philanthropy. The
recipients, starting with the first decade were: Dr. Lloyd Stanford, Jamaica;
Dr. Karl Massiah, Barbados; Professor Merle Collins, Grenada; Hon. Justice Dr. Irving
W. Andre, Dominica; Ambassador Dr. June Soomer, St. Lucia; Dr Andre Haughton,
Jamaica; Dr. Nicole Nation, Jamaica.
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| Legendary philanthropist Valerie Facey with Ryland Campbell and Peter Williams |
Phase Three Chairman Dr Marcia Forbes has sponsored
the recording of interviews with the Pelican honourees, and related their
emotional moments as they recalled their years at UWI. At the event, it was
special to see two of my own amazing professors: Professor Maureen Warner-Lewis
and Professor Edward Baugh. How blessed we were to be guided though the
literary works of centuries and continents by these masters.
Congratulations to UWI Alumni President Jacqueline
Sharp, Director of Alumni Relations Celia Davidson Francis and UWI Alumni Past
President Cecile Clayton for pulling together such a meaningful week of
activities for us proud Pelicans.
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