Interfaith Service kicks off The UWI’s 75th anniversary celebrations

Photo Caption: First row, left to right: Chancellor of The UWI, Robert Bermudez, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Lady Mary Beckles, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Mona Campus, Professor Dale Webber. Second row: University Registrar, Dr. Maurice D. Smith.

Staff, students, retirees, alumni, partners, and friends of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) turned out at the University Chapel at the Mona Campus in Jamaica on Sunday, January 8 for an Interfaith Convocation Service which signalled the start of the University’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

The service was led by Rt. Rev. Garth Minott Suffragan Bishop of Kingston. In his sermon, he remarked, “It is my hope that this 75th anniversary celebration will inspire us, incite us, energise us to work for and with the ongoing evolution of The University of the West Indies. To look for possibilities in the midst of problems. Practice generous giving of time and resources. Look to that process of growth and development to which we are called. Let us commit and recommit ourselves to contribute to the development of The University of the West Indies so that 75 years from now, those who are here will be grateful to us for having passed on to them this illustrious institution.”

Chancellor of The UWI, Robert Bermudez narrated the founding story of The University of the West Indies and Vice-Chancellor of The UWI and Professor Sir Hilary Beckles led a Christian reading from the Holy Bible. Other Officiants included representatives from the Sanatan Dharma Mandir, the United Congregation of Israelites, the Central Masjid and Islamic Council of Jamaica, the Bahai Faith, the Rastafari Innity Council, the Unification Movement and University Chaplains from the Anglican Church and Baptist Churches.

Students of the Mona Campus conducted the commemorative lighting of 17 candles representing each of the UWI contributing countries across the region.

2023 marks 75 years since the official opening of its first UWI Campus in Mona, Jamaica. The UWI’s 75th anniversary year will feature a yearlong calendar of events and activities across all five campuses as well as internationally. The UWI community is invited to visit the anniversary website, www.uwi.edu/75 for information.