News Releases

Renowned academic Professor Pedro Welch is being remembered by the leadership of The University of the West Indies and former colleagues as a fine scholar and treasured member of the History family after his sudden passing on Friday, February 21, 2025.
 
A dedicated educator and historian, Professor Welch served The University of the West Indies (The UWI) with distinction for over three decades. His colleagues and former students alike recall his humility, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to preserving and teaching Caribbean history.
 

Efforts are on to regulate the use of drones in Barbados. Key stakeholders gathered recently for the Inaugural Caribbean Drone Symposium, hosted by the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus. The February 10 – 12, event provided a pioneering symposium to examine varying aspects of drone operations.
 

Over the past five decades, the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at The UWI Cave Hill Campus has grown from a handful of students and three undergraduate courses to the largest of the campus’s seven faculties, offering a diverse suite of graduate and postgraduate programmes. And to commemorate its 50^th anniversary, the faculty has planned a year of activities to celebrate its many achievements.
 
The faculty was launched in 1975 with 46 registered students and an offering of three undergraduate degrees: Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.
 
Today it boasts an impressive 84 Bachelors degrees, four undergraduate diplomas, 49 taught masters degrees, and 14 MPhil and PhD degrees in a range of disciplines including Aviation Management, Criminology; Hospitality and Tourism Management; Labour and Employment Relations; and Substance Abuse Management.
 

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus has launched a transformative initiative to integrate sustainable food production into the operations of the Barbados Prison Service. This innovative six-week agricultural training program, a collaboration between the campus’ Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI) and the Barbados Prison Service, is designed to significantly reduce the institution’s food bill, align with national food security goals, and provide meaningful rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
 

Students at The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill now have greater opportunities to pursue their musical passions, thanks to a partnership with A&B Music Supplies Ltd. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will provide scholarships, access to high-quality instruments, and invaluable industry mentorship to support the development of talented musicians at the campus’ Faculty of Culture, Creative and Performing Arts (FCCPA).
The highlight of this partnership is the provision of a music scholarship worth $2000 funded by A&B Music Supplies. This initiative is a game-changer for many students, alleviating financial barriers and enabling them to focus on their craft. "By offering this scholarship, A&B Music Supplies creates an opportunity for dreams to flourish," said Professor David Akombo, Dean of the FCCPA and an accomplished musician. He emphasized that the resources made available through this collaboration will enhance the learning experience and further develop the intellectual, emotional, and cultural growth of students.
 

On behalf of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) community, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles offers the following tribute to Caribbean Renaissance Man and Professor Emeritus of History, Sir Fitzroy 'Roy' Augier, on his 100th birth anniversary.
 

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is celebrating the debut of former student cricketers Amir Jangoo and Jediah Blades on the West Indies Men's Cricket Team. The duo, who first received their regional exposure by representing The UWI on the Combined Campuses and Colleges first-class and List A cricket teams, later progressed to play for their national teams. They were selected to participate in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh, which took place at Warner Park in St. Kitts on Thursday, December 12.
 
Amir Jangoo, attended The UWI St. Augustine Campus and graduated with a BSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Management. He scored 104 runs (not out), becoming only the second Windies player in history to hit a century on his ODI debut. The 27-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batter's remarkable performance follows that of the legendary Desmond Haynes, who scored 148 runs on his ODI debut in 1978 against Australia. Jangoo's contributions led the West Indies to victory over Bangladesh, achieving a 3-0 series sweep while successfully chasing a target of 322 runs—the highest successful run chase at that venue.
 

Playing unbeaten throughout the tournament, UWI Blackbirds etched their name in history when they emerged winners of the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup 2024. In a pulsating final at Kensington Oval, the Cave Hill-based Blackbirds scored a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Brittons Hill to secure the prestigious title and a grand cash prize of BDS $100,000.
Brittons Hill opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a goal from striker Corey Hoyte. However, Blackbirds’ creative player and tournament MVP Niall Reid-Stephens quickly equalized in the 42nd minute, ensuring the first half ended on level terms. With the scoreline unchanged at the end of regulation time, the match entered extra time where the Blackbirds showcased their resilience and hunger for victory. Jaron Oughterson found the net in the 97th minute, followed by a goal from Romario Drakes in the 101st minute, putting the Blackbirds well ahead. Despite a last-minute goal from Brittons Hill’s Sheran Hoyte in the dying moments, the Blackbirds held their ground to clinch the win.
 

The agroprocessing sector in Barbados is poised for a transformative leap forward with the launch of an innovative Black Belly Sheep Project. The groundbreaking initiative combines cultural heritage with cutting-edge science and sustainable practices.

Spearheaded by a dynamic partnership between the Center for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI) at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the project is set to revolutionize Barbados’ livestock and leather industries. By harnessing the potential of the island’s iconic Black Belly Sheep, the initiative reimagines the hides of this native breed as high-value artifacts, blending craftsmanship with scientific precision.

The venture represents a bold step toward economic diversification and cultural preservation. “This project aims to transform the livestock and leather industries in Barbados, elevating them to exceptional economic and cultural significance,” explained Dr. Singh, Director of CAGRI. “We are building a high-value industry that integrates science and art to drive national development—a true demonstration of progress in Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).”The agroprocessing sector in Barbados is poised for a transformative leap forward with the launch of an innovative Black Belly Sheep Project. The groundbreaking initiative combines cultural heritage with cutting-edge science and sustainable practices.
 
Spearheaded by a dynamic partnership between the Center for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI) at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the project is set to revolutionize Barbados’ livestock and leather industries. By harnessing the potential of the island’s iconic Black Belly Sheep, the initiative reimagines the hides of this native breed as high-value artifacts, blending craftsmanship with scientific precision.
 
The venture represents a bold step toward economic diversification and cultural preservation. “This project aims to transform the livestock and leather industries in Barbados, elevating them to exceptional economic and cultural significance,” explained Dr. Singh, Director of CAGRI. “We are building a high-value industry that integrates science and art to drive national development—a true demonstration of progress in Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).”