Dear Colleagues,
 
As you are aware, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID19, or more popularly known as the novel coronavirus, a pandemic.  The WHO has reported that 139,579 persons in 135 countries have been affected by the virus.  This includes Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, the Cayman Islands, Guyana, Saint Martin, Martinique and Cuba.  
 
As the virus spreads around the world, we have seen a variety of approaches adopted by universities.  Some universities have taken their teaching online while others have delayed the start of their semester.  The leadership of The University of the West Indies, led by the Vice-Chancellor, has decided that The University must prepare itself to deliver classes online since we have a duty of care to ensure our students receive instruction and the knowledge necessary for the integrity of their various programmes. 
 
While there are no confirmed cases of COVID19 in Barbados, at present, The UWI, Cave Hill Campus, is preparing for the possible emergence of COVID19 in Barbados.  In preparation for such an eventuality, the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at the Cave Hill Campus will be offering refresher courses in relation to teaching online this week and the Open Campus has kindly offered to provide online training in this area as well.
 
Colleagues, we must be prepared for any eventuality. I am therefore asking Deans and Heads to ensure that all teaching Faculty avail themselves for this training.
 
I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for working with the Campus and University to ensure we are as fully prepared as possible for all the adjustments we are required to make.
 
With very best wishes
 
Sincerely
 
V Eudine Barriteau, PhD, FB, GCM
Professor of Gender and Public Policy, and
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal