The University of the West Indies (UWI) marked a change in its leadership as it welcomed it’s new Chancellor, Robert Bermudez, who assumed duties today.
The Trinidad and Tobago national is the 6th Chancellor of the University and was appointed at the University Council’s annual business meeting held on April 27, 2017, succeeding George Alleyne.
“The chancellor shall preside at meetings of the Council [the highest governing body of the regional university] and any convocation and shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be conferred upon the holder of the office of chancellor by The UWI Charter or any statute, Ordinance or regulation,” a release from the university said.
Bermudez has been an entrepreneur for over 40 years, leading the growth of his family-owned firm, to a regional business throughout the Caribbean and Latin America and has enjoyed a distinguished career in business, serving as either chairman or board director for several corporate bodies in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.
The official installation ceremony for Chancellor Bermudez is expected to be held in September 2017, at The UWI, St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad.
According to Vice-Chancellor, Hilary Beckles, “Our new chancellor has demonstrated through his many roles as a man conscious of his Caribbean identity and responsibility, and willingness to provide leadership to our people at home and beyond, in the entrepreneurial arena and elsewhere, that he is amply energised for the role of chancellor of our beloved UWI. He comes to office on the eve of our 70th anniversary during which the university community will be reflecting upon 70 years of service and leadership. It will be an honour for us to have him presiding over these activities.”
