UWI delegates on three-day visit

A strong university presence was felt here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week, as representatives of the different faculties from the three campuses of the University of the West Indies visited for a three-day open house exercise which ends today, Friday.{{more}}

This exercise forms part of activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the University’s existence, which will be celebrated this year.

While here, the faculty members visited schools in and around Kingstown, including the Community and Teachers’ Colleges.

Today, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the UWI School of Continuing Studies, the representatives will host an open day, where persons seeking more information on the University or any of the campuses can drop in and meet with the faculty members.

Yesterday, the local School held a recognition of graduates ceremony, which took place at the Methodist Church Hall.

Yesterday’s function saw in attendance the principal designate of the UWI Open Campus Professor Hazell Simmons McDonald, who is also a Pro Vice Chancellor, and Luz Longsworth, acting Director of the School of Continuing Studies.

On Monday this week, during a media conference, Resident Tutor at the local School of Continuing Studies Dr. Adrian Fraser read a declaration by Governor General Sir Fredrick Ballantyne, proclaiming January 7th, 2008, University of the West Indies Day.

The official launch of the activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary takes place in Barbados this weekend, starting tomorrow with an interfaith church service at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church.

This will be followed by a street procession, then a night cricket match. On Sunday, a gala concert is expected to take place, featuring cultural performances by members of the 15 contributing territories, and the US based Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

A packed calendar of events is planned for the entire year locally and in the region.

In his declaration, the Governor General called on citizens to reflect on the institution and participate in celebratory events throughout the year. (JJ)