The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica, W.I., Friday, March 6, 2026—Anguilla’s Premier and Minister for Finance, the Hon. Cora Richardson Hodge, underscored the critical role of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) in shaping national and regional development as she delivered the feature address at the Opening Ceremony of The UWI’s biennial Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings on Tuesday, March 3.

Premier Hodge, speaking at the hybrid two-day event hosted by the Government of Anguilla, emphasised the significance of the meeting. She stated, “The decisions taken in this forum affect national capacity, regional competitiveness and the future.” Reflecting on the realities facing Small Island States, she noted, “We understand clearly that small does not mean insignificant,” highlighting the pressures of economic uncertainty, climate vulnerability and rapid technological change. She accentuated that “our response has always been regional cooperation.”

Premier Hodge also underscored that the sustainability of The UWI depends on its partners’ commitment. She stressed that “member states must honour their financial obligations,” noting that delays or reductions affect staffing, student support, programme quality and innovation. Her address concluded with a call for sound, evidence-based decision-making.

Minister of Social Development and Education, Anguilla, Shellya Rogers Webster, built on the Premier’s remarks by emphasising the value of The UWI’s work and the impact of its partnership with Anguilla. For a small island state such as Anguilla, Minister Rogers Webster noted, “education is central to our sustainability and competitiveness,” highlighting that the partnership with The UWI ensures Anguillan students benefit from regional excellence while contributing meaningfully to the wider Caribbean’s intellectual capital. She reminded participants of the importance of their work: “The outcomes of your work will help shape institutions, inform policy and influence generations of students, now and always.”

Reaffirming these endorsements from Anguilla’s leadership, ViceChancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, noted that the University remains fundamentally strong and continues to excel globally. Addressing the Opening Ceremony, ViceChancellor Beckles described the TAC meetings as a high point of his annual management engagement, offering a platform to engage with the principal investors and stakeholders of the institution. “It allows us to share insights into the impact of their investment in the University, and to speak transparently about our processes of accountability and governance.” 

He declared that “the state of The University of the West Indies is very strong,” adding that its reputation “has never been greater.” He pointed to a significant international benchmark: “our 2026 ranking by Times Higher Education, which places us in the top 3.6% of universities worldwide.”

Speaking to how the institution continues to excel despite regional economic challenges, the ViceChancellor credited both the contributing governments and the University’s management team. He noted that The UWI is in a unique position and remains committed to maintaining its reputation while strategically managing its resources to provide high-quality education to students across the Caribbean. This, he stated, is a commitment undertaken “on behalf of the people of the Caribbean, because we know that the people of the Caribbean deserve to have a first-class university.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr Bonnie Richardson Lake, in welcoming meeting delegates on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, described the TAC process as a vital mechanism that aligns The UWI’s resources with its mission, strategic priorities and the needs of Caribbean societies. She noted that “in a region where every investment must count, these discussions matter.” She urged participants to keep the University’s transformational role at the centre of their deliberations.

The TAC meetings bring together Permanent Secretaries and senior government officials from the 17 contributing countries that support The UWI to review the 2026–2028 budget estimates for all campuses and university entities. Their deliberations will inform the recommendations forwarded to the Campus and University Grants Committees, which ultimately guide budget approvals and support The UWI’s financial sustainability and regional mandate.

The Opening Ceremony was chaired by Mrs Andrea McNish, University Bursar. Fifteen of the seventeen contributing countries were represented on Day One. During the two-day period, the Committees reviewed detailed budget presentations from The UWI’s campuses, the University Centre, the Seismic Research Centre and the University Hospital of the West Indies. The opening ceremony also featured cultural performances, setting the tone for two days of deliberations towards a stronger UWI.

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About The University of the West Indies 

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region. 

Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE’s prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.