editor’s notes Leading Caribbean Development Caribbean people, without a doubt, possess an innate resilience and impetus. It is that resilient spirit which drove the generations before us out of slavery, indentureship and colonialism. And it is indeed the same spirit which will see us evolve and prepare for what our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles coins “the new Caribbean development revolution”. Since his installation last May, he has been awakening and rattling the consciousness and sub-consciousness of all our critical stakeholders, recruiting us all into a movement ready to take charge. He reminds us of a fundamental truth about universities: “that they are not built to serve themselves, but rather, built and resourced to serve their communities and nations”. Acknowledging this truth, we recognise that The UWI has a huge responsibility to set the trajectory for the future of the Caribbean. And although we have been doing much work over the past 68 years, the education development revolution that has brought us this far into our existence, must be re-energised to confront the new challenges ahead. We are set here in a time and space that demands that the Caribbean chart a new global discourse and path for itself. It is an environment where “business as usual” will only lead us to certain defeat. Around the world, countries are grappling with the development challenge of how
to scale quality education for their children and youth. Resting at the heart of a nation’s progress is quality higher education. And, by extension, the progress of our entire Caribbean region depends on it. Vice-Chancellor Beckles has mapped out a plan – a “triple A” strategic vision – alignment of industry and academia for wealth creation, expansion of access, and alertness to global opportunities. Originating from this vision, will rise an army of initiatives aimed in turn at raising up a more activist University, committed to helping achieve the Caribbean economic and social renewal that takes us out of this recessionary cycle and drives sustainable growth and wealth generation in the region. In this issue of The Pelican we open a dialogue about the Caribbean development revolution. We also feature some of the initiatives that have already been set in motion to enable future growth. With new leadership comes new expectations. It was one of the greatest world leaders, Nelson Mandela, who said that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Without a doubt, it will be our choice to lead us in this Caribbean development revolution.
Dr. Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill Editor & Creative Director