A Journey of Dedication and Service
Mr. Howell began his journey at The UWI Cave Hill Campus in the year 1984 (September/October), initially working in the Faculty of Social Sciences for a brief period. It wasn’t long before his dedication and work ethic saw him transferred to the Student Affairs (Exams) Office, where he served part-time from 1984 to 1986. It was in 1986 that Mr. Howell found his true calling when he joined the Faculty of Natural Sciences (now the Faculty of Science and Technology – FST) as an Office Assistant, where he has worked ever since.
For the past forty (40) years, Mr. Howell has been a familiar and steadfast presence in the FST Faculty Office, offering his support and expertise across various roles. His responsibilities have been numerous, ranging from the collection and delivery of mail between the FST Faculty Office and the departmental offices of the Departments of Biological and Chemical Sciences (BCS) and Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics (CMP), and the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES), to assisting with lab manual preparation for Biology, Physics and Chemistry, and the preparation and printing of numerous documents for many FST Faculty Board Meetings. His reliability and attention to detail were also crucial when handling student materials for distribution, ensuring the smooth operation of daily office tasks.
A Legacy of Professionalism and Strong Relationships
Throughout his career, Mr. Howell’s contributions to the faculty have been immeasurable. Not only has he been a pivotal part of the daily operations of the FST, but he has also cultivated lasting relationships with colleagues across departments. Whether working with Academic staff, Professional staff or Administrative/Technical/Support (ATS) staff, Mr. Howell’s friendly demeanour and willingness to help have made him a beloved figure among his peers. He fondly reflects on the strong bonds he’s built with those from the FST Faculty Office, CERMES, and the BCS and CMP Departmental Offices, and he is grateful for the pleasant, supportive work environment that has enabled him to thrive over the years.
Achievements Beyond the Office
Mr. Howell's contribution to The UWI Cave Hill Campus extends beyond his professional duties. In addition to his Office Assistant role, Mr. Howell was also an avid cricket player, representing The UWI Cave Hill Campus, on a team made up of both UWI staff and students, for a remarkable twenty-five (25) years, in the Barbados Cricket Association 2nd Division Level Cricket Competition. His passion for the sport is evident, and although his playing days are behind him, his love for cricket remains unwavering. Cricket, along with his fondness for other sports, continues to be one of his primary interests.
His dedication to excellence in all aspects of life is reflected in his personal achievements. In 2024, Mr. Howell was honoured with a special award from The UWI Cave Hill Campus in recognition of his outstanding forty (40) years of service. This milestone not only underscores his long-standing commitment to the University but also speaks to his relentless pursuit of being the best he can be, regardless of the circumstances.
A Life Well-Lived, Both at Work and Beyond
While Mr. Howell’s professional life at The UWI Cave Hill Campus has been marked by extraordinary dedication, his personal life is equally rich with passions and interests. Outside of work, Mr. Howell enjoys vegetable gardening, with a particular focus on lettuce crop production, an area in which he has become highly skilled. He is also an avid music lover, with tastes spanning calypso, gospel and classical genres. His culinary preferences reflect his West Indian roots, with a particular love for dishes such as fish, chicken and breadfruit casserole. Above all, he cherishes spending time with his family and friends, living a life full of joy and fulfillment.
As he prepares to retire, Mr. Howell’s influence and impact will be felt long after his departure from the FST Faculty Office. His contributions to The UWI Cave Hill Campus are a testament to his unwavering work ethic, commitment to service and kindness to all those he interacts with.
A Farewell to Remember
Mr. Howell’s retirement is a bittersweet moment for all who have had the privilege of working with him. His legacy of hard work, camaraderie and service to The UWI Cave Hill Campus (especially to the Faculty of Science and Technology – FST) will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. As he reflects on his illustrious career, Mr. Howell’s personal mantra remains a guiding light: “To be the best I can be at all times, regardless of the circumstances or situations".
Mr. Howell’s unwavering commitment to excellence, his positive attitude, and his dedication to making the UWI Cave Hill Campus a better place for all will not be forgotten. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) and honour the incredible staff members like Mr. Howell, we are reminded of the power of dedication, passion and the impact one (1) individual can have over the course of a remarkable career.
Congratulations, Mr. Howell, on your 40+ years of service. We wish you a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement! Your legacy will continue to inspire all who follow in your footsteps.
