HONOURS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
UWI ALUM RISES TO PRESIDENCY OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UWI ALUMNA BECOMES T&T’S SEVENTH PRESIDENT
The UWI celebrated
The appointment of its illustrious alumna, Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo to the esteemed office of President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was lauded by The UWI. Her Excellency, President Kangaloo, who was inaugurated on March 20, 2023, also has the honour of being only the second woman to hold the position. She was preceded by President Paula May Weekes, another UWI alumna. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted, “It is a special occasion
with great pride the appointment of one of its distinguished alumni to the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Announced on June 1 as the President of the 78 th Session of the UNGA, His Excellency Ambassador Dennis Francis is the first native of Trinidad and Tobago and the second UWI alum to hold the
when one of our own ascends to the highest seats of leadership in the region. As we celebrate our 75 th Anniversary and reflect on our rich legacy of leading Caribbean development, this is the kind of occasion that reinforces the need for The UWI to continue rooted, ready and rising.” President Kangaloo graduated from The UWI and the Hugh Wooding Law School and was admitted to practice Law in 1985. An accomplished legal mind and parliamentarian, she made history as the only person to serve both as President and Vice President of the Senate. She also served in a range of legislative and ministry portfolios including Opposition Senator, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister of Legal Affairs and Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education. Since 2003, all Heads of State of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have had strong ties with The UWI. One former Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal and three alumni have served in this office.
position. He joins His Excellency Dr. Samuel Rudolph Insanally of Guyana, who graduated from the University College of the West Indies (now The UWI) and served as the 48 th UNGA President. Extending congratulations, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles reminded that UWI alumni are the most valuable resource and greatest value that the University brings to the global stage.
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