UWI will give 13 honorary degrees to people across the region during its 2024 graduation ceremonies between October 12 and November 9.
In a release, UWI said this year’s recipients have had long and impactful careers in the areas of advocacy and activism, medicine, tourism, culture, sports, business, education, science and the music industry.
At the Five Islands Campus ceremony on October 12, Sir Curtly Ambrose of Antigua and Barbuda will become a doctor of laws for his contributions to cricket.
His supreme fast bowling contributed to legendary West Indian cricket in the nineties. Described as one of the "greatest pacemen ever," the six-foot-eight sportsman became one of the West Indies top fast bowlers and one of Antigua’s four cricket knights.
Ambrose’s was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2011 and knighted in 2014 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Ambassador Dr Walton Aubrey Webson of Antigua and Barbuda will receive a doctorate of laws for his work in human rights advocacy.
Webson is the UN’s first visually-impaired permanent representative. Across his career, he has built a sterling reputation as a human-rights advocate, championing efforts to improve the lives of children with visual impairments.
Four people will receive honorary degrees at the Cave Hill Campus graduation ceremony in Barbados on October 19.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Governor General Dame Susan Dougan will receive a doctorate of laws for her public service and work in education.
Dougan has spent her professional life serving her nation and championing development through educational reform. She served as chief education officer, cabinet secretary and received her OBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.
Barbadian Sir Trevor Hassell will receive a doctorate of science for his contribution to medicine. Hassell has distinguished himself as a regional and international advocate for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Barbadian Elton “Baba Elombe” Mottley will receive a doctor of letters for his contribution to the development of culture and the arts. Mottley’s influence is evident in the establishment of Yoruba Barbados, a company he founded to champion the rich tapestry of Barbadian culture.
Throughout his career, Mottley has curated diverse works spanning drama, dance, musicals, educational films and art exhibitions.
Ralph Taylor of Barbados will receive a doctor of laws for his work in the tourism sector. Taylor introduced the all-inclusive concept to Barbados with his acquisition of the Divi Resort in 1991.
He rebranded it the Almond Beach Club and Spa and served as Almond Resorts Inc, chairman and managing director for the next 20 years.
Today, he is Arcadia Hotels & Resorts chairman and CEO, a new hotel brand that owns and manages the SoCo Hotel in Barbados.
The St Augustine Campus graduation will take place from October 24-26. Dr Maniram Ragbir of TT/Britain will receive a doctor of science for his work as a plastic/ reconstructive surgeon.
Ragbir has specialised in the field fo
