UWI unveils stamps for 60th anniversary

Five new postage stamps have been commissioned as part of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the University of the West Indies (UWI).{{more}}

The stamps, which were designed and produced by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Philatelic Services, depict images relating to UWI, including the university’s logo, its 60th anniversary logo, a graduation scroll and a picture of this country’s UWIDEC Media Building.

One stamp features both logos and a scroll.

The stamps are available at ten, thirty, and ninety cent denominations, as well as at $1.05 and $6.00

According to head of this country’s Open Campus, Dr. Adrian Fraser, each country has produced its own set of commemorative stamps.

Fraser indicated that the stamps are just one part of the anniversary celebrations, which got started in January this year.

A number of activities are also scheduled to take place here during the last quarter of the year, which include a dinner on September 27th at the Methodist Church Hall hosted by Vice Chancellor Nigel Harris, and a lecture by acclaimed Professor Rex Nettleford, who will speak on education and development.

The local celebrations also saw the re-launching of the Alumni Association, previously called the Guild of Graduates, with plans on stream for the development of a mentoring program by past students of UWI.

In July this year, the region said goodbye to the phrases “Extra Mural departments”, “Non Campus Countries” and “School of Continuing Studies,” with the establishment of the Open Campus.

The Open Campus is described as a network of virtual and real modes of education, with a physical presence in each country.

Fraser indicated that the Open Campus aims to increase access to university programs for persons unable to attend the three campuses in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, and will place emphasis on teaching, research and consultancy. (JJ)