EDITOR: I have been for the last several months a keen viewer of “105 TV”. I have found many of the programs to be intellectually stimulating and reflective to a fair degree of faithfulness, to the role of development of the Caribbean region, as had been hoped for on the birth of this institution. I clearly remember hearing my father “Leonard Providence” saying then, “The university will have to play a leading role.”

The people of the Caribbean, Sir Hilary, recognize, that the reach and status that UWI enjoys today, has been the result of the commitment and dedication of you and your UWI colleagues. The people are also aware that some of our political leaders have been indifferent with respect to the honouring of their country’s obligation to the UWI.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines today, this seeming indifference is hurting us badly. As you no doubt are aware, the UWI Centre located in Kingstown, our capital, has had to be closed to allow substantial restorative work to be done on the building. A local engineering company was contracted, and they completed the project over two years ago, yet the UWI Centre still remains closed, while the resident tutor and her staff operate from a rented building which is clearly not best suited for the purpose.

I wish to emphasize Sir Hilary, that in view of the stresses of the socio-political circumstances with which we in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are at this time burdened, the UWI Centre in Kingstown is critical, with respect to the discussions the people ought to be involved in, over the next twelve to fifteen months, as they endeavour to determine the best way forward, in pursuit of Peace and Justice for all.

My best wishes to you and your staff.

Leroy Providence