New Chancellor takes office at the University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (UWI) has today welcomed a new Chancellor, the sixth person to hold the position since the university was formed.

Trinidad and Tobago national Robert Bermudez assumed his duties just over two months since he was chosen to succeed Sir George Alleyne.

Chancellor Bermudez – as he will be called – has been an entrepreneur for over 40 years.

He led the growth of his family-owned firm to a regional business throughout the region and Latin America, and has enjoyed a distinguished career in business, serving as either chairman or board director for several corporate bodies in Trinidad and Tobago and wider Caribbean.

His vision for the UWI outlines a keen sense of the mission, effectiveness, relevance and interdependence of academia and the economy.

His professional experience as a Caribbean-wide entrepreneur with business acumen garnered from across the region suggests that he will continue the outstanding tradition of leadership at the university.

According to the University’s Statutes and Ordinances, “the Chancellor shall preside at meetings of the Council [the highest governing body of the regional university] and any Convocation and shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be conferred upon the holder of the office of Chancellor by The UWI Charter or any Statute, Ordinance or Regulation.”

His predecessors include Pincess Alice, Countess of Athlone (1948-1971), Sir Hugh Wooding (1971-1974), Sir Allen Montgomery Lewis (1975-1989), Sir Shridath Ramphal (1989-2003).

Sir George Alleyne has been at the helm for the last 14 years.

“The UWI’s senior executive management team and extended community of faculty and staff, students, alumni and council members warmly welcome Mr. Bermudez to the academy”, a statement said.

“The institution also takes this opportunity to thank Sir George Alleyne for his remarkable tenure of 23 years working at the regional university, including 14 years of service as Chancellor.”

The official installation ceremony for Chancellor Bermudez is expected to be held in September 2017 at The UWI, St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “Our new Chancellor has demonstrated through his many roles as a man conscious of his Caribbean identity and responsibility, and willingness to provide leadership to our people at home and beyond, in the entrepreneurial arena and elsewhere, that he is amply energised for the role of Chancellor of our beloved UWI.

“He comes to office on the eve of our 70th anniversary during which the university community will be reflecting upon 70 years of service and leadership. It will be an honour for us to have him presiding over these activities.”