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NEW UWI PRO VICE CHANCELLOR GLOBAL AFFAIRS

In furtherance of its strategic agenda and vision as a global university rooted in the Caribbean, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), announces the appointment of its new Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Global Affairs, Sandrea Maynard, LLB (Hons) LLM, SFHEA, PgCHE.

PVC Maynard, whose appointment became effective on January 1, 2023, will lead the regional university’s global engagement portfolio and coordinate all internationalisation and strategic global initiatives across The UWI system.

She follows a distinguished list of candidates to hold this PVC post which is situated within University’s Regional Headquarters in Mona, Jamaica. These include the late Ambassador Dr. Richard L. Bernal, Dr. Luz Longsworth and Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy.

Developing on the work of her predecessors, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, to whom the new PVC reports directly stated, “One of the major initiatives she will give oversight to, is the progression of the new UWI Global Campus, leveraging the high reputation of the regional university to build capacity and generate revenue as a core part of the University’s financial future.”

Introducing the national of St. Kitts and Nevis as “a member of the Caribbean diaspora in Britain, and a product of the Windrush generation,” Vice-Chancellor Beckles noted the significance of her portfolio especially as the University advances phase two of its Triple A Strategy 2022-2027, with a laser focus on converting its global reputation into revenue generation.

He underscored, “She has considerable experience in international student recruitment in China and elsewhere. Serving as a critical part of Coventry University’s global agenda, she was also a project leader in setting up the UWI-Coventry Institute for Industry-Academic Partnership.”

The qualified Barrister-at-Law, since 1998 has practiced both privately (domestic and internationally) and for the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service. Her journey working in academia began in 2012 as a Senior Lecturer and advanced to an Associate Professor in Law at Coventry University.

She has held senior leadership and management roles within UK universities across the sectors of law, business and university group subsidiaries both nationally and regionally, and managed multi-disciplinary and multifunctional teams through globally disruptive changes such as BREXIT and COVID-19.

She has been responsible for driving the development of internationalisation in higher education, and more recently, her particular focus has been on income generation nationally and globally within Higher Education.

She was instrumental in the development of a national curriculum in the criminal justice sector in the UK, and led on, and secured significant government contracts. She has also spearheaded the development and delivery of global executive and governmental training. In addition, PVC Maynard serves as a Visiting Professor at two institutions in France.

As it extends a warm welcome to PVC Maynard to The UWI community, the institution offers both congratulations and well wishes to her for a successful tenure as Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Affairs.(GIS/PR)

Caption: The University of the West Indies’ new Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Affairs, Sandrea Maynard, LLB (Hons) LLM, SFHEA, PgCHE. (The UWI)

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Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

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Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community. For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on.

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph