Celebrations to mark The UWI Five Islands’ formal opening

Source Information: University of The West Indies

Beginning Sunday, September 1, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) will host landmark events to mark the historic opening of its Five Islands Campus, in St. John’s, Antigua.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted that “this is a matter of great pride for The University of the West Indies as it continues its onward march across the Caribbean, serving the development needs of our countries.”

He added, “The UWI was created to serve all our people equally. These are difficult financial times for the region but we must not succumb to self-doubt. Rather, more than ever we must stand together.”

Formal launch activities begin with a public ecumenical service at The St. John’s Cathedral on September 1. Dignitaries will include Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Dean of The St. John’s Cathedral, the Very Reverend Ernest Flemming, will officiate at the service which starts at 4:00 P.M. with an Academic Procession comprised of principal officers of the regional university, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus, Professor Stafford A. Griffith. A ceremonial opening of the campus in Five Islands Village will follow on September 3, at 5:00 P.M. This is an invitation-only event.

Both events will be broadcast live on local television by the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service, and across the region on UWItv via the FLOW network. There will also be a livestream on UWItv’s website (https://uwitv.org/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UWITv).