The Final Decolonisation of The UWI The ‘Beckles Agenda’

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, while focussing on the economic development of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and its global reputation over the last five years, has been simultaneously consistent in his efforts to decolonise the University, moving it away from its British legal history to a truly independent and indigenous university.

In his latest report presentation to the University’s governing body (Council) for the 2023-2024, academic year themed ‘Regionally Respected. Globally Celebrated’, Vice-Chancellor Beckles revealed that the regional institution is finally entering the closing stages of this decolonisation.

Setting context, he shared highlights of The UWI’s history noting its start as a College of the University of London in 1948 established on the recommendations of the Asquith Commission to set up colonial universities. He explained that the decolonisation process has been a lengthy one with several steps.  It started with the 1962 breakaway from the University of London and the establishing of its current constitution as The University of the West Indies. Vice-Chancellor Beckles credits Sir Arthur Lewis, The UWI first Vice-Chancellor, with executing this important first step. 

Subsequently, significant moments in The UWI’s decolonisation process included bringing the University in-line with the regional discourse around a shift away from the Privy Council and embracing the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).  Mirroring the regional decision, Vice-Chancellor Beckles moved to indigenise the Visitor role at The UWI, ending the system where the British monarch served as the University Visitor, and with the Privy Council, the court of appeal for student and staff matters. The move supported by Britain saw The Honourable Justice Rolston Fitzherbert Nelson appointed the first Caribbean Visitor in 2019.

In 2024, following a process initiated for the University’s 75^th anniversary, The UWI replaced its academic regalia, inherited from the University of London with unique Caribbean designs more suitable to the tropical environment and consistent with the culture and spirit of the region. 

Vice-Chancellor Beckles made a strong case for the eminent next steps saying, “When this University was established in 1948, we were given the power to grant degrees by means of Royal Charter, and we issued degrees on behalf of the British monarchy. Theoretically and legally that Royal Charter can be revoked ­— and if it is revoked, The UWI will not exist.”

He referenced the terms of the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established CARICOM, “The UWI’s republican status is complete with judicial and intellectual independence. The final step in decolonisation is the power to grant degrees. We have approached the Heads of Government, and have said this final decolonisation has to be the revocation of that Royal Charter. They have endorsed the transfer of that Royal Charter into an agreement embedded within the Treaty of Chaguaramas. This will reverse the existential threat, and bring the degree-granting function within legal domestic arrangements and completely indigenised The UWI as a regional university.” According to Vice-Chancellor Beckles, the Treaty of Chaguaramas also declares The UWI an independent, regional university forever.  The proposal submitted to the University Council for approval is to locate the legal entity within the region.

Vice-Chancellor Beckles acknowledged the contributions of Ms. Laleta Davis-Mattis, former General Counsel, The UWI and the Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders, outgoing President of the Caribbean Court of Justice who are both lead consultants to the process.

The complete 2023/2024 annual is available at www.uwi.edu/vcreport. Also view a recorded broadcast of the Vice Chancellor’s live presentation here.