Several members of staff and associates of the University of the West Indies have received National Honours and Awards from the Government in celebration of Jamaica’s 42nd Anniversary of Independence. Principal of the Mona Campus, Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Hall has been awarded the Order of Jamaica for his significant contribution to Education and Regional Development. Receiving the nation’s third highest honour, the Order of Merit is UWI Honorary Graduate, the Hon. Herb McKenly. He is being recognised for his distinguished service to Athletics locally and internationally. Honorary Graduate, Chris Blackwell also received the Order of Jamaica for his Philanthropy and outstanding contribution to the Entertainment Industry while Honorary Graduate, Ernie Ranglin has been promoted to the rank of Commander of the Order of Distinction for his outstanding performance in the field of music.
Senior Lecturers in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Erna Broadber and Mrs. Hermione McKenzie have both received the Order of Distinction Commander Class. Dr. Broadber has received the award for her contribution in the fields of History, Literature and Community Development. Mrs. McKenzie’s award is in recognition of her contribution to Education and Social Development. Receiving the Order of Distinction, Officer Class are Geoff Brown, former Head of the Social Welfare Training Centre; Miss Vilma Charlton, Lecturer, Institute of Education; Horace Levy, Part-time Lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Franklyn ‘Chappy’ St. Juste; Part-time Lecturer at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication, (CARIMAC). Geoff Brown is being honoured for service in the field of Social Development while Vilma Charlton is being recognised for service to Education and Sports. Horace Levy is being recognised for his contribution to Community development and Social Justice, while Mr. St. Juste has received the honour for his contribution to the Development of the Film Industry in Jamaica. The presentation of the National Honours and Awards will take place on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 18.