The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is pleased to advise of appointments and reappointments for members of its senior Executive Management approved at its annual business meeting of University Council.

Regarded as the regional university’s highest governing body, the University Council, chaired by Chancellor Robert Bermudez, met virtually on Friday, April 30, 2021. The Council is authorised by The UWI’s Charter and Statutes to review the work of the University together with the audited statement of accounts and makes required appointments of new and returning Executives, Deans and Senior Managers.

Among the key decisions made by the University Council was the approval of the reappointment of Professor Sir Hilary Beckles as Vice-Chancellor of the regional university for a second, six-year term.  

Earlier in the public session of the meeting, broadcast live on UWItv, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles presented a detailed report of the 2019/2020 academic year in review to the Council, entitled, Off we go on the Revenue Revolution.

A distinguished academic, international thought leader, United Nations committee official, and global public activist in the field of social justice and minority empowerment, Sir Hilary was first appointed as the 8th Vice-Chancellor of The UWI in May 2015. He has a legacy of over 40 years of distinguished service to the regional university, which has encompassed the roles of Professor of Economic History, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, and a 13-year tenure as Principal of The UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.

Several other senior executive appointments were also approved at the April 30 sitting of the University Council. Professor Clive Landis, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies was confirmed as new Principal of The UWI, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, succeeding Professor the Most Honourable Violet Eudine Barriteau, who proceeds into retirement. Incumbent Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI St Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Brian Copeland was approved for a post-retirement extension. Professor Ian Boxill was also approved for an extension as Deputy Principal of The UWI Mona Campus in Jamaica. Mrs Laleta Davis-Mattis was reappointed as University Counsel and Head of the Legal Unit, based at The UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica.

All the mentioned appointments and reappointments take effect from August 1, 2021.