In one of the most comprehensive scholarly works of its kind within the region, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has been honoured for his distinguished contributions to academia and as a social justice advocate and administrator.

Dozens of academics including fellow historians from across the globe have contributed 41 articles to the near 1150-page festschrift, a commemorative volume of writings by various authors and presented to the scholar as a tribute.

The tome entitled Interrogating Injustices: Essays in honour of Hilary McD. Beckles was launched on December 15, 2023, at The UWI Cave Hill campus. The event brought the curtains down on yearlong celebrations marking the 75^th anniversary of The UWI and the 60^th anniversary of Cave Hill.

The unprecedented volume was edited by Professor Verene Shepherd, Dr. Henderson D. Carter and Dr. Ahmed N. Reid and published by Caribbean-operated Ian Randle Publishers.

Professor Shepherd, Director of The Centre for Reparations and Research at The UWI, said she was inspired by Sir Hilary and, like many others, had to unlearn inherited colonial history. A contributing author herself, she said a systematic approach was taken to the expansive scholarly project.

“We had to turn away a few articles…but we tried to accommodate as many people as possible. The whole project was meant to almost pattern the 10-point plan of the CARICOM Reparations Commission…It was a big project for a big intellectual and it took [a lot] of hours.”

Dr. Carter, Head of the Department of History and Philosophy at Cave Hill, authored three of the published articles. He said the writings were a celebration of the long and distinguished journey of Sir Hilary, whom he met in 1985, and described as a teacher, fellow cricketer, and friend.

The idea to compile scholarly works in honour of the academic was first conceptualized in 2013 but stalled, according to the Cave Hill historian. He said it was revived and reimagined in 2019 by Professor Shepherd.

“This book is our way of saying ‘thank you for your inspirational teaching, your inspirational supervision, your leadership in research, your foresight in creating heritage assets’…I’m proud to have been one of your students, proud to have been one of your cricketing friends.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Cave Hill campus, Professor R. Clive Landis, who hosted the event, contributed a chapter to the book entitled The Triple Three Threat to the Caribbean with reference to chronic diseases, climate change and COVID-19. He said the festschrift was fitting for one of the greatest intellects in the Caribbean.

Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong expressed similar sentiments in his reflections on Sir Hilary, whom he said was important to Caribbean civilization.

“Your contribution has made a tremendous difference to our society. Our society is so much richer by the fact that you … chose to come back here and to place your intelligence and your intellect, your energy and your services at our disposal and we would forever be grateful to you.”

Tribute was given in song by Barbados’ cultural ambassador Dr. The Most Honourable Anthony ‘Mighty Gabby’ Carter, a longtime friend of Sir Hilary.

A visibly emotional Sir Hilary, who received a standing ovation from the scores of friends, family, diplomats, and members of the academic community in attendance, said he was overwhelmed and thoroughly appreciated the honour.

In his remarks, he gave insight into some of his experiences and explained what kept him motivated over the decades, as he referenced advice rendered by his late father.

“You just do what’s in front of you. You get on with it and do your best and help out and that was always my perspective especially since, as an administrator of higher education, I could promote and assist in something that I believe in, which is making university education available to all who are willing and able. It breaks my heart even now, to know that in the English-speaking [Caribbean], we have the lowest enrollment in higher education in the entire hemisphere.”

Copies of Interrogating Injustices: Essays in honour of Hilary McD. Beckles are currently available through Ian Randle Publishers as well as the UWI Cave Hill campus Bookshop.