Sir Curtly Ambrose, VM CEO Courtney Campbell and more to get UWI honorary degrees

The University of the West Indies (UWI) will confer 13 honorary degrees across its five campuses during the 2024 graduation ceremonies, taking place from October 12 to November 9.

These prestigious degrees will recognize significant contributions from individuals in various fields such as advocacy, sports, culture, business, medicine, and music.

Among the honorees are four prominent Jamaicans set to receive honorary doctorates at the Mona Campus ceremonies from October 31 to November 2.

Pollster Donald Anderson, music pioneer Monte Blake, VM Group CEO Courtney Campbell, and bauxite industry expert Dr. Conrad Douglas are among the distinguished individuals being recognized. Anderson will receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD) for his work as an entrepreneur, market researcher, and sports administrator, while Blake will be honored with a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for his pioneering contributions to music.

Campbell will also receive an LLD for his leadership and philanthropic efforts, and Dr. Douglas will be recognized with an LLD for his contributions to the development of the bauxite industry.

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This year’s honorary degrees will also be presented at UWI’s other campuses. At the Five Islands Campus in Antigua, cricket icon Sir Curtly Ambrose will be awarded a Doctor of Laws (LLD), alongside human rights advocate His Excellency Ambassador Dr. W. Aubrey Webson. At the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, honorees will include Dame Susan Dougan for her public service and Ralph Taylor for his work in the tourism sector. The St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago will honor medical professionals Dr. Maniram Ragbir and Dr. Patricia Rodney.

Sir Trevor Hassell (Barbados) will receive a Doctor of Science (DSc) for contributions to medicine while The Most Honourable Elton Elombe Mottley (Barbados) will receive a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for contributions to culture and the arts.

The ceremonies will culminate on November 9 at UWI’s Global Campus, where Grenadian Olympic sprinter Kirani James will receive an LLD for his outstanding achievements in athletics.

This annual tradition of awarding honorary degrees reflects UWI’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating regional excellence across a wide range of disciplines.