Vincentian Professor Justin Robinson takes up new posting at UWI

Vincentian Professor Justin Robinson has taken up a new posting as Principal of the Five Islands Campus of The University of the West Indies (UWI) in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Vincentian born academic who is also now Pro-Vice Chancellor of The UWI was inducted at a ceremony on Saturday evening January, 27, in Antigua.

Professor Robinson is the third principal to head the Five Islands Campus since it was established in September 2019.

Speaking at his induction ceremony, Professor Robinson pledged his “unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, innovation and excellence”.

He said that Saturday’s induction ceremony was the first of its kind at the UWI Five Islands Campus, and that The UWI is committed to making the Antigua campus not only a place to shape the minds of future leaders, but will also serve as “a beacon of innovation, inclusivity and academic excellence”.

After giving thanks to his entire support base, which included his mother, Nelcia Robinson who was present at the ceremony, Professor Robinson recalled that when he went into Sixth Form, there were 27 other students in the class and the teachers were complaining about how big the class was.

He charged Antiguans that with a UWI landed campus in their space, they must be prepared to not subscribe to such “elitist notions,” noting that while The UWI is an elite university, it is not an elitist institution.

The Principal, who was earlier lauded by his colleagues for his astute and visionary leadership noted that The UWI is not something for just a few special people, but for everyone in the Eastern Caribbean.

Last year, Caribbean governments contributed US$207 million to the university and Professor Robinson acknowledged that sum was a lot of money, for which the UWI is eternally grateful, but noted that it is but a fraction of what is required.

He said at The UWI they have embraced the challenge to bridge the financial gap between the governments’ contributions, what students pay, and what is required to have a world class, globally competitive, Caribbean institution.

The Vincentian scholar added that The UWI is embarking on a revenue revolution to ensure that it does not slip into mediocrity.

“We have to embrace this revenue revolution, change is not easy…but we must do this for ourselves and the region.”

At present, commercial projects are being embarked upon at UWI campuses across the region.

As the new Principal of UWI Five Islands, Professor Robinson said one of his most urgent tasks is to instil in the campus, a mantra and a culture of financial sustainability and independence as far as possible, from government financing.”

Professor Robinson’s vision for Five Islands is for a campus where “diversity and inclusivity will be at the heart of the campus.”

He promised to “actively cultivate an environment where every voice is heard, every identity is respected, and every individual is given a chance to thrive”.

Additionally, the Five Islands Campus must be technology driven, digital and tech savvy, he said.

The Five Islands Principal a national scholar, thanked God, his parents, family, his homeland and all others for supporting him along his journey.

Speaking at Saturday’s induction, UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Hillary Beckles noted that Professor Robinson is “profoundly suited for the task at hand.”

This young, energetic and accomplished Vincentian was hailed by the Vice Chancellor as “an expert in regional corporate affairs.”

Professor Robinson served at The UWI Cave Hill Campus for many years in various capacities, including as executive director of the Cave Hill School of Business.

While in Barbados, Professor Robinson also served as the chairman of the NIS and a member of the Board of the Barbados Centraln Bank.

In his address at the ceremony, Sir Hillary Beckles recalled that Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves never allowed Professor Robinson to forget his roots.

Sir Hillary said Dr Gonsalves always reminded Professor Robinson that he is a ‘Vincy boy’.