The University of the West Indies Press (UWI Press) is pleased to announce that earlier this month, three of its published books were recognised internationally by the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards).

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) continues to receive international recognition for its contributions to social and economic impact as well as its pursuit of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The latest acknowledgment comes from the UN’s global network of students, academics, scientists, researchers, think tanks, institutions of higher education, and educational partners, the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI). The UNAI welcomed The UWI as a member on April 27.

The following statement is issued by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, on the passing of Professor George Lamming, Caribbean and global literary luminary.

Data in the Caribbean shows persons with disabilities being severely challenged in terms of accessing employment. A 2015 socio-economic study in Jamaica shows 91% of the respondents being unemployed. Similarly, a 2017 Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) report has shown up to 90% of the population of persons with disabilities being unemployed.

Health systems in the Caribbean remain highly vulnerable to impacts from climate change, both on the quality and the capacity of services, as well as on the socio-economic and environmental determinants of health.  These impacts have been well documented: extreme weather conditions; heat waves; more frequent strong and devastating hurricanes; recurring and extended periods of drought followed by excessive rainfall; increased levels of air pollution and sea-level rise.

The eagerly anticipated Hurricane Watch: New and Collected Poems by Olive Senior was virtually launched on Tuesday, May 24.

“The entire country mourns the passing of an extraordinary woman who lived her life in service to her country through media, culture and religion. Her contribution to the nation through the performing arts and broadcasting has been unmatched and impactful - in equal measure. The lives of Jamaicans at home and abroad have been positively influenced by the information, opinion and wisdom she imparted during her many years on the airwaves and through her writing. The UWI is indeed honoured, privileged and grateful to have been a part of her journey.” 

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) joins with CARICOM in calling on Britain to retreat from stated political calls to subvert and subordinate the sovereignty of the people of the Virgin Islands. This is the second occasion in recent weeks in which we have called for respect of the national rights of a community; having done so following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are committed to the decolonization of the Caribbean and deplore the persistence of colonial rule of the people in the region.

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and Canada’s University of Waterloo (UW) have renewed a landmark student mobility agreement. After finalising the details of the arrangement in 2021, officials of the two Universities met virtually on Thursday May 5 for the symbolic signing of the agreement.

The agreement strengthens opportunities for internationalizing educational programmes through student mobility initiatives, aimed at developing global citizenship, increasing adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and intercultural communication skills.

The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, Faculty of Science and Technology in partnership with, AddisCoder, Inc., the Caring Hands of Rastafari or the C.H.O.R Foundation and members of the diaspora employed by Google, will be hosting the JamCoders Summer Camp from July 4—29, 2022.

The deadline for registration is May 14, 2022. To apply or for more information, visit their website at https://jamcoders.org.jm/