The Commemoration Service marks the beginning of the Annual Homecoming Celebrations for The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. The celebrations provide an opportunity to remember the founding of the University and engender a greater sense of belonging and camaraderie among staff, students, and alumni. It also specially acknowledges The UWI’s unique position as the only higher education institution with a presence throughout the English-speaking Caribbean.
 
The Homecoming Celebrations signal the continuation of a tradition that began on February 16, 1950, when the then University College of the West Indies, (UCWI) installed its very first Chancellor. Since then, February 16 has been used to commemorate that initial step that marked the beginning of The UWI’s journey into a full-fledged university.

Classes were only held half day, for as the records state “The Principal asks that no instruction be given from noon onwards on that day”.  A Commemoration Day Church Service was held on the Sunday closest to February 16th and the earliest church Programme we have in the Archives is dated 1954.
 
The University of the West Indies Mona Campus invites you to attend the Annual Commemoration Service on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Service starts at 9:15 am in the University Chapel, Mona Campus.