KINGSTON – Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles wrote new Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr Carla Barnett to congratulate her on the appointment.
Barnett, a two-time UWI graduate, will become the first woman to serve in the position, after her appointment was announced on Tuesday.
She holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the UWI Mona in Jamaica.
Sir Hilary said in the correspondence to Barnett that the UWI community was filled with great pride to have yet another member of its alumni ascend to one of the highest offices in the Caribbean.
“The UWI and the CARICOM Secretariat have an excellent track record of working together,” he said.
“I look forward to building on those tremendous gains and hope that there will be an opportunity soon for us to discuss ways to deepen the collaboration.”
Barnett is the third UWI alum to assume the role of CARICOM Secretary-General, following Edwin W. Carrington and Roderick Rainford.
Barnett, a Belizean, previously served as a Deputy Secretary-General of CARICOM, was formerly vice-president of the senate in her homeland and served in various ministerial capacities.
Among her other leadership roles were Financial Secretary of Belize, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, as well as vice-president of operations of the Caribbean Development Bank.
(AR)