The Rex Nettleford Foundation which was established on May 28, 2010, will be launched on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge and Conference Centre.

The Foundation is in memory of Professor The Hon Rex Nettleford, a well-known Caribbean scholar, trade union educator, social and cultural historian and political analyst.  He was also the co-founder, artistic director and principal choreographer of the internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica and was widely regarded throughout the Caribbean and the Diaspora as a leading authority on development and cultural dynamics.

The Rex Nettleford Foundation will support scholars and programmes that promote the strengthening of West Indian society in the areas of social and cultural development through research, community service and intellectual excellence, to produce young leaders who grasp the importance of public service based on integrity, who have a desire to protect the weak, and who will use their energies and talents for the betterment of humankind.                            

Sir Shridath Ramphal, Chancellor Emeritus of The University of the West Indies, has been named Chairman of the Foundation. Sir Shridath, who was Chancellor during Professor Nettleford’s term of office as Vice-Chancellor, is an outstanding Caribbean citizen who, among his many public service roles, served as Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990. His advocacy during his tenure as head of the Commonwealth Secretariat to end apartheid in South Africa is well known. Sir Shridath has also made significant contributions to Caribbean development.

Other board members include Ms. Pat Bishop, Multi-cultural Scholar, Mr. Jeffrey Cobham, Chairman, National Dance Theatre Company, Vice Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris, Sir Alister McIntyre, Vice Chancellor Emeritus of UWI, The Right Honourable P.J. Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. Karl Rodney, Founder and C.E.O of Carib News, Mr. Cezley Sampson, Executor of the Nettleford estate and Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Gordon Shirley, Principal of the UWI, Mona Campus.