I recently visited Trinidad after having lived abroad for almost eight years. While living here, I was a student at the UWI St Augustine Campus for three years prior to having migrated to the United States.
I decided to visit my Alma Mater to take a walk along memory lane, at an institution that has played a significant role in contributing to my development.
As I entered the north gate, I was immediately and pleasantly surprised to see a new plaza being constructed, along with several new state of the art buildings that adorned the green landscape of the campus; all of which never existed in my years here as a student.
In making further inquiries, as I spoke to some of my past professors, I was enlightened to be apprised of the extraordinary developments that occurred at the UWI over some eight years; with additional faculties, new partnerships and even new campuses. From Agricultural Innovative Parks, expansion of the Dental School, along with other medical science faculties and law faculties, all making it a world class institution.
The pride that I feel as an alumni is tremendous. The UWI has finally taken the necessary steps in making major leaps in higher education in a short period of time.
I thought to myself that the timing of such expansion (over the last eight years) could not have been more appropriate, as our country is now faced with some forecasted economic challenges. Having to have embarked on such projects at this time, may have been almost impossible. The vision of the management of the UWI St Augustine must be commended and it has certainly positioned them well to endure the adversities of social or economic instability, by building a strong educational base that will continue to sustain growth and possibilities in our developing nation.
As the physical landscape at the UWI continues to evolve, we have also witnessed the transference of knowledge and the diffusion of the alumni body, to impact in a positive way, the international community.
Congratulations UWI, on a job well done!
Louis Landerhaven,
Maraval.