The numbers speak for everyone! We, however, must speak for ourselves. Our vision for The UWI must transcend this virus. We are deep into planning for the class of ‘21. At The UWI COVID-19 is contained.
We are beyond the tipping point. The UWI is fully opened for business to the class of 2020-21. Dates and delivery modes will be science-based. We are downsizing remote working, and we are upsizing online teaching and learning. A reimagined, reformed UWI is taking solid shape. COVID rules are giving management a boost, but they are not ruling The UWI’s roost.
Campuses have gone back to the drawing board to prepare COVID-conscious budgets for resubmission in June to the University Grants Committee. We have started the engagement of our staff unions and government stakeholders to work through how expenditure reduction can be achieved. It will be an ethical exercise.
Sacrifice is necessary to sustain sovereignty. So far there has been a great deal of it. Staff and students have been exemplars in emergency action. More is required.
All eyes are on The UWI. Most are smiling but many are worried. We have demonstrated the quality and effectiveness of our Science and sensibility. The Humanities have heralded our commitment to community. As ONE UWI we have encouraged the region to rise above the destruction in order to suppress the scourge. We are in a good position with the public.
As we settle budgetary matters in anticipation of a surge of students in 2020-21, focus will be on regional recovery and institutional emergence. The region now understands, more clearly than before, the vital, lifesaving importance of having a world class, locally committed university. This has been one of the most impactful COVID-19 lessons of ‘20.
Looking to the future, we are urging stakeholders to ensure that no pandemonium presides over The UWI during and after the pandemic. We have walked that ‘rise and fall’ road before with our Test Cricket. Preparations are in progress to invite the private sector to join with the public sector and make capital investments in the institution. We are determined to ensure that the emerging academy will be stronger and better funded to meet the greater challenges ahead.
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles – Vice-Chancellor
