Governor General among 13 honourees for UWI 2024 graduation ceremonies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI)continues its annual tradition of honouring the sterling contributions of a select group of theregion’s notable luminaries.

The University Council approved the conferral of 13 honorary degrees at the 2024 graduation ceremonies across The UWI’s five campuses.

This year’s honorary graduands have had long and impactful careers in the areas of advocacy and activism, medicine, tourism and culture, sport, business, education, science and the music industry.

The UWI’s 2024 graduation ceremonies are scheduled to take place between October12 and November 9, 2024. The list of honorary graduands is:

– Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose of Antigua and Barbuda for contributions to Cricket – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
– His Excellency Ambassador Dr W. Aubrey Webson of Antigua and Barbuda for his work in Human Rights Advocacy – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
– Dame Susan Dilys Dougan, Governor General of St. Vincent and The Grenadines for her public service and work in Education – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
– Sir Trevor Hassell of Barbados for his contribution toMedicine – Doctor of Science (DSc)
– The Most Honourable Elton Deighton Elombe Mottley of Barbados for his contribution to the development of Culture and the Arts – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
– Mr Ralph Taylor of Barbados for his work in the Tourism sector – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
– Dr Maniram Ragbir of Trinidad and Tobago/Britain for his work as a Plastic/
Reconstructive Surgeon –Doctor of Science (DSc)

– Dr Patricia Rodney of Guyana for her work as a Medical Practitioner and Human Rights
Defender – Doctor of Science (DSc)

-Mr Donald Anderson, CD of Jamaica for his work as an Entrepreneur/Market Researcher/Sport Administrator – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
– Mr Monte Blake of Jamaica for his pioneering work in music – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
– Mr Courtney Campbell of Jamaica for his work as an Entrepreneur/Philanthropist –Doctor of Laws (LLD)
– Dr Conrad Douglas, CD of Jamaica forhis contribution to the development of the Bauxite Industry – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
– Mr Kirani James of Grenada for excellence in Athletics – Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Dame Susan Dilys Dougan has spent her professional life serving her nation and championing development through educational reform. A career educator and civil servant her contributions to national development started at St. Vincent Girls’ High School as a Science Teacher from 1975 to 1997.

She held the post of Deputy Head Mistress (1997-2001) and then Head Mistress (2001-2004). As an administrator she restructured the timetable to a nine-period day allowing students greater opportunity for exposure to a wider range of subjects.

In 2004 Dame Susan was appointed Chief Education Officer (CEO), a role she held until 2009. As CEO, she implemented the national policy for universal access to secondary education. Under her leadership significant education sector advancements were also made in the areas of early childhood education, adult and continuing education, and tertiary education. This included amalgamating several tertiary level departments into the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Community College. She also contributed to many regional education reform initiatives and served as an examiner for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) for many years.

As Cabinet Secretary (2009-2013) Dame Susan’s contributions included her service as the SVG focal point for many organisations, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). She also represented her country in engagements with CARICOM’s Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), UNESCO, OECS and IDB among others.

In 2010 Dame Susan received her OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The next year she was honoured during the St. Vincent Girls’ High School’s centennial celebrations by being included on a commemorative stamp. In 2014, Dame Susan came out of retirement to serve as the Governor General’s Deputy and in 2019, she made history when she was appointed the first female Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Source: UWI