The African–Caribbean Worldview and the Making of Caribbean Society A Conference to celebrate the work of Professor Barry Chevannes
University of the West Indies, Mona Campus January 19 – 21, 2006
The Department of Sociology, Psychology & Social Work in conjunction with the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Mona is pleased to announce a conference in honour of Professor A. Barrington Chevannes’ lifetime of scholarly work, service and achievement. The conference is scheduled to be held in Kingston, Jamaica on January 19 – 21, 2006.
Professor A. Barrington Chevannes has been one of the best known academic advocates at the University of the West Indies (UWI) for the past 35 years. He has made tremendous contribution to research and teaching in the areas of Afro-Caribbean religions, Caribbean culture and identity, male gender issues, crime/violence, values/ethics and social integration. He has served at UWI as a lecturer in various faculties, Head of Department of Sociology and Social Work and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Professor Chevannes has published numerous articles, books, book chapters and reports on his diverse research interests. He has also worked on several research consultancies in topics ranging from the cultural identity of returning residents to the long-term effects of cannabis use in Jamaica. Professor Chevannes is well known for his public service. He chairs the Council of the Institute of Jamaica, is the founder of Fathers Incorporated, and is a member of the Peace Management Initiative. He has received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for outstanding achievements in research, teaching and public service and is also recognised for his original contribution to Jamaican folk and religious song heritage.
The conference aims to highlight the work of Professor Chevannes through rigorous intellectual engagement of several themes in sociological and ethnographic study. It also seeks to analyse and propose solutions to some of the pressing issues related to urban youth violence, governance, globalisation, gender identity, native religions and social cohesion in the Caribbean. It is hoped that this conference will reflect the breadth and influence of Professor Chevannes’ research.