Newly installed principal of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), Professor C. Justin Robinson, says the regional institution will have to address the financial situation it faces as it continues with efforts to provide a world class education to Caribbean people.
“Many of us present here today have experienced the life changing opportunities a world class education can bring and an education delivered by an institution deeply rooted in all of the contextual complexities of the Caribbean,” Robinson said at his induction over the weekend.
He told the ceremony, which was attended by UWI Chancellor Robert Bermudez, Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles, senior UWI’s academic and administrative staff as well as Education Minister, Daryll Matthew that Caribbean governments contributed approximately US$237.85 million to the UWI during the 2013 financial year, but that figure declined to approximately US$207.35 million, 10 years later.
While he acknowledged that is a significant amount of money to come from small island developing states, the newly Vincentian born academic said if the UWI is to maintain its ability to provide ‘world class’ education, then this is a matter that has to be addressed.
“The UWI operates in the same economy as the rest of us and with inflation these amounts are inadequate to sustain the accessible world class Caribbean university I spoke about. Imagine if you had to sustain your household today on an income that is 15 per cent lower than it was in 2013,” he told his audience, recalling the words of the late Professor Rex Nettleford who described the university as the Caribbean’s best gift to itself.
“Access to a world class Caribbean university has been of the most positively transformative developments to date on our journey as a Caribbean civilisation,” he said.
Robinson said that senior management at the UWI has embraced the challenge to deal with the funding gap while at the same time continue to grow and expand the university. “As such the current strategic plan seeks to engage in a ‘Revenue Revolution’. I take this opportunity to encourage UWI colleagues to embrace this strategy and embrace the “entrepreneurial UWI”,” he said, remaining optimistic that the newness of UWI FIC can work to its advantage.
“UWI FIC has a distinct advantage of newness and my most urgent task as leader is to ensure that the campus embraces this entrepreneurial/financially independent as far as possible culture from the outset.
“I see myself as being tasked with crafting a business model that generates the financial sustainability that is the foundation for all the wonderful things we want to do,” he added.
In his address Matthew underscored the value of leadership at this time of the life of the institution that on 27 May 2019, received the nod from the University’s Finance and General Purposes Committee (UF&GPC) to establish the Five Islands campus.
“As we embark on this journey with Professor Robinson, it’s essential to recognise the significance of leadership in shaping the educational landscape. Professor Robinson brings with him a wealth of experience, a passion for education, and a vision for the future that aligns seamlessly with the values that define our campus.
“As we transition to a new chapter under Professor Robinson’s leadership, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the strengths and achievements that define our university. We have a proud history of academic achievement, a diverse and talented student body, and a faculty committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
“Under Professor Robinson’s guidance, we can anticipate exciting developments and initiatives that will further enhance our educational experience. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, expanding research opportunities, or fostering collaboration across disciplines, we are confident that our principal will lead us toward a future of continued success and growth,” Mathew said.
