The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy is pleased to announce the appointments of Professor Paulette Ramsay as Research Fellow and Sharon Bogues Wolfe as Director of Communications, Outreach & Events at the Institute.

Professor Ramsay as Research Fellow will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer and set the research agenda of the Institute. She will engage with the distinguished scholars of the institute and drive the academic and policy issues to underpin and lead the advocacy role that the institute plays.
 
Professor Ramsay has a distinguished record of pioneering research and publication for which she has gained recognition regionally and internationally. She is known for her contribution to the growth of the field of Afro-Hispanic studies and her impressive research in the creation and expansion of knowledge about Afro-derived peoples. Professor Ramsay’s expertise will facilitate the expansion of the institute’s engagement in Costa Rica and other Spanish speaking countries. A Fulbright Scholar Professor Ramsay is currently pursuing a fellowship at Clemson University’s Centre for Global Black Studies.Her extensive research unearthed important knowledge about African descendants in Cuba, Costa Rica, Columbia, Mexico, Ecuador and on the sub-Saharan country of Equatorial Guinea. In recognition of her contribution, she has received numerous awards including the Mexican Government Excellence Award and The UWI Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research Performance. Her research in African Diasporic matters and years of experience as Head of Department have prepared her for her work at the Institute.
 
Mrs. Bogues Wolfe in her new role will engage the media and facilitate outreach and information flow to internal and external stakeholders of the institute. She has exceptional interpersonal and partnership development skills which will assist the institute in broadening its audience. Her experience in planning and executing local and international conferences will also allow us to host seminars and workshops to bring together academics, the private sector, scientists, creatives and other experts in their field to discuss issues, share solutions and drive the institute’s brand identity and work.
 
The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa -Caribbean Advocacy was launched in June 2020 with the mandate to coordinate public policy and advocacy in fostering development relations between the Caribbean and Africa. Working within The University of the West Indies Global Office, its mission is to centralize and coordinate its relations with African peoples, governments, universities and other institutions through specialized institutional arrangements. Its intention is to build on the familial, cultural, and historical ties between Africa, the Caribbean and the African Diaspora.

The Institute, under the guidance of Statesman In Residence, the Most Hon. PJ Patterson noted “This new development signifies the strengthening of the team at the Institute to increase its advocacy role, to extend its outreach and its partnerships and collaboration with Africa, the Caribbean and the Africa diaspora.”