On Saturday 16 September, 2017, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) will install Robert Bermudez as its sixth Chancellor. The installation ceremony takes place at The UWI’s St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, beginning at 6.00 p.m. (Eastern Caribbean time)/ 5.00 p.m. (Jamaica Time). 

The Chancellor is the highest office-holder in The UWI system, exercising powers and responsibilities laid down in The UWI Charter, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations. This ceremonial installation is significant as it marks the leadership transition of the regional institution. It is an important rite signaling the conferment of authority and the formal welcoming of the Chancellor to the University system. The ceremony incorporates centuries-old elements such as academic regalia, an academic procession and the mace, which are based on the tradition of the medieval university. Hundreds of invitees including representatives of governments, universities, businesses and other organisations and members of civic society at the regional and international levels, along with members of the University staff from across the region are expected to attend the special event.

Robert Bermudez, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, has enjoyed a distinguished career in business, spanning more than 40 years, during which he established a regional and international standing that is well acknowledged. He purposefully led the growth of the Bermudez Group from a local, family-owned business, to a successful manufacturing firm operating throughout the Caribbean and in Latin America.  He assumes this leadership role during a regional economic downturn and at a time when Caribbean integration, innovation, enterprise, and international competitiveness are all critical elements in revitalizing Caribbean development. Chancellor Bermudez’ vision for the University as it approaches its 70^th anniversary, encompasses a keen sense of the effectiveness of collaboration and relevance of the interdependence of academia and the economy.  

Previous Chancellors of The University of the West Indies have been: Her Royal Highness the Princess Alice Countess of Athlone (1948-1971); Sir Hugh Wooding (1971-1974); Sir Allen Lewis (1975-1989); Sir Shridath Ramphal (1989-2003); and Professor Sir George Alleyne (2003-2017).

The public is invited to view the installation ceremony live via: www.uwitv.org, beginning at 6.00 p.m. (Eastern Caribbean time)/ 5.00 p.m. (Jamaica time).

-End-

About The UWI Chancellor

The Chancellor is the highest office-holder in The UWI system. According to the University’s Statutes and Ordinances, “the Chancellor shall preside at meetings of the Council [the highest governing body of the regional university] and any Convocation and shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be conferred upon the holder of the office of Chancellor by The UWI Charter or any Statute, Ordinance or Regulation.”Mr. Robert Bermudez officially began his seven-year term of office on July 16, 2017. He succeeds Sir George Alleyne who served as Chancellor for two consecutive terms. For more, visit www.uwi.edu/chancellor_bio.asp

About The UWI

Since its inception in 1948, The University of the West Indies (UWI) has evolved from a fledgling college in Jamaica with 33 students to a full-fledged, regional University with well over 40,000 students. Today, The UWI is the largest, most longstanding higher education provider in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with four campuses in Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Open Campus. The UWI has faculty and students from more than 40 countries and collaborative links with 160 universities globally; it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food & Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology and Social Sciences. The UWI’s seven priority focal areas are linked closely to the priorities identified by CARICOM and take into account such over-arching areas of concern to the region as environmental issues, health and wellness, gender equity and the critical importance of innovation. For more information, visit www.uwi.edu

(Please note that the proper name of the university is The University of the West Indies, inclusive of the “The”, hence The UWI.)