UNIVERSITY OF the West Indies (UWI) Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles and others in the leadership of the 68-year-old school are launching a global special appeal to a familiar group. The 150 000 UWI graduates are being encouraged to “give back” to their alma mater.
As the vice chancellor explained it, the UWI which has trained many of the Caribbean current or former heads of governments and corporate executives has an impressive record of spurring economic and social development through the well trained graduates.
Recently, Sir Hilary visited New York City and was the guest of honour at a “Mix and Mingle” reception held in Manhattan by the American Foundation of the UWI to announce the launching of the UWI Global Giving Week that’s scheduled for the first week of next month.
The money is urgently needed. With several UWI member countries, Barbados included, owing the university about US $200 million and showing few, if any, signs of reducing their indebtedness, the university seems heading for a financial crossroad. In Barbados’ case, the country owes the UWI US $100 million, according to Sir Hilary.
“We are now in a circumstance where we have to rely on our graduates to help us,” he said.
The university is planning an international campaign designed to recapitalise it and upgrade obsolete systems and facilities.
“So far the response in Jamaica has been impressive. The response in Trinidad has been equally impressive. The response in Barbados was not as impressive as Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.”
Tony Best is the NATION’s North American Correspondent. Email: [email protected]
