Chair of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Council, the Honourable Dr June Soomer, SLC and the Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Education, Dr. Natalio Wheatley will participate in The UWI Open Campus British Virgin Islands (BVI) Graduate Recognition Ceremony slated for Thursday, October 28, 2021. The Ceremony, scheduled for 4:00 p.m., at The UWI Open Campus Site in Paraquita Bay, is in celebration of the BVI graduates of The University’s Class of 2021.  

Seven UWI Open Campus Graduates were conferred with their degrees during the recent Virtual Graduation Ceremony on October 16, 2021:  Michael Smith, Kamica Harris and Simone Simpson-Pope were awarded their Bachelor of Science Degrees in Accounting, Management Studies/Economics and Youth Development Work, respectively,while Rodney Brathwaite was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Management and Resilience.  Tavia Hodge received the Master of Science in Management and Heida Joyles-Selwood was awarded the Master of Science Management in Educational Leadership with Distinction.  During the ceremony, the Chancellor of The UWI, Mr Robert Bermudez also bestowed the first UWI Open Campus BVI Doctor of Education degree on BVI Islander, Dr Susan Frett-Potter. 

Three Graduates from the Cave Hill and Mona Campuses will also be recognised during the local ceremony: Khyra Powell and Sade’ Piper (Bachelor of Laws) and Mornel Horne, Master of Social Sciences Intel Trade Policy.

Dr. Soomer, who is currently in the BVI on other official business, was recently awarded the prestigious Saint Lucia Cross, the country’s highest national award, during Saint Lucia’s 41^st Anniversary of Independence. She was appointed Chair of the Open Campus Council in 2018 after serving as Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to the OECS and CARICOM with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs from 2008-2016. Most recently, Dr. Soomer was Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States until 2020.  She will deliver the Keynote Address and present the Graduates with their degrees. 

The Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Education will bring greetings during the Ceremony.