Kingston, Dec. 4, 2018 – Former Prime Minister The Most Hon. P.J. Patterson has come in for high praise for his contributions to The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and congratulations on the publishing of his memoirs, from Dr. Luz Longsworth, Chairman of The University of the West Indies Press (UWI Press).
Dr. Longsworth who is also Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Open Campus made her remarks ahead of the release later this month of the book, published by The UWI Press – a not-for-profit scholarly publisher of books in 14 academic disciplines.
Particularly, well known for its work in Caribbean history Dr. Longsworth said that “The UWI Press was honoured to count ‘My Political Journey’ by Jamaica’s 6th Prime Minister among its publications.”
Thanking Mr. Patterson for “entrusting The UWI Press with this important and historical book”, Dr. Longsworth said it was “totally in keeping with the commitment he has demonstrated to The UWI over several decades.”
These include, she said, a contribution from him of US$100,000 for the establishment with the university of the PJ Patterson Endowment Fund. The Agreement signed in April this year, names The UWI as investor, administrator and manager of the Fund which will assist in the funding of tuition and hall fees to needy students and the interchange among students to and from the Mona campus to other UWI campuses for a specific period, thus promoting regional integration.
Noting that the proceeds of the sale of Mr. Patterson’s book will benefit the Fund, Dr. Longsworth said “we are truly grateful for the support of proud alumni like the former Prime Minister as we work to maintain The UWI’s standard as the premier tertiary institution for the benefit of the Caribbean.”
Mr. Patterson also funds a scholarship to support the annual cost of tuition and other expenses associated with the first year of an undergraduate degree at The UWI and is a Patron of The UWI Global Giving Week, an annual fund-raising programme “to advance academic priorities, give student support, capital projects and infrastructure development.
About The UWI
For the past 70 years The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has provided service and leadership to the Caribbean region. In 2018, The UWI celebrates its evolution from 1948 as a university college in Jamaica with 33 medical students to an internationally respected regional university with near 50,000 students. Today, The UWI is the largest, most longstanding higher education provider in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with four campuses in Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and an Open Campus. The UWI has faculty and students from more than 40 countries and collaborative links with 160 universities globally; it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food & Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science & Technology, Social Sciences and Sport. Its seven priority focal areas are linked closely to the priorities identified by CARICOM and take into account such over-arching areas of concern to the region as environmental issues, health and wellness, gender equity and the critical importance of innovation. The UWI has been a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of our people. As the regional institution commemorates its 70th anniversary milestone, it will celebrate its students, faculty, administrators, alumni, governments, and partners in the public and private sector. The anniversary commemoration will focus on reflection as well as projection for the future with an emphasis on social justice and the economic transformation of the region.Website: www.uwi.edu and www.uwi.edu/70 . (Please note that the proper name of the university is The University of the West Indies, inclusive of the “The”, hence The UWI.)