The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus is mourning the passing of Emeritus Professor Baldwin Mootoo, a pioneering academic whose decades-long career helped shape the institution’s development across the Caribbean.
In a statement on Monday, the university described Professor Mootoo’s life and legacy as deeply intertwined with the growth and evolution of The UWI, noting that his academic journey began during the institution’s early years, before it attained full independent tertiary status separate from the University of London.
Professor Mootoo first entered the University College of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, as a student in 1956. He later achieved the distinction of becoming one of the earliest doctoral graduates associated with the newly independent University of the West Indies.
He later joined the Department of Chemistry as a Lecturer in 1971 and retired in 1996, having served as a Head of the Department, Campus Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Deputy Campus Principal of the St. Augustine Campus, the second of what would eventually be five campuses to be established regionally.
Over the period, he advanced collaborative research across the Caribbean and internationally, particularly in his field of natural products chemistry. During his decades of service, he would actively demonstrate a deep loyalty and passion for the institution which had been entrusted with helping shape the future of newly independent Caribbean nations and their peoples. He was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus in 2000.
“Baldwin was a remarkable colleague and comrade,” said Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. “Over several decades, we fought many battles together within the university and its community. In so doing, we bonded as brothers. From advocating for his beloved academic disciplines in the natural sciences to celebrating Sir Frank Worrell’s cricket style and statesmanship, we were joined at the hip. The time we spent together at The UWI and on cricket grounds across the region was like a precious gift from above. I offer condolences to his family and friends. May his wonderful soul rest in peace.”
Acting Campus Principal, Professor Derek Chadee notes: “There is no question that this university, the thousands of students, the researchers with whom he interacted globally, and others who continue to benefit from his published body of work – we all owe him an immeasurable debt. It is only fitting, therefore, that Professor Baldwin Mootoo should have his final resting place in The UWI cemetery at the St. Augustine campus.”
The university community has extended its deepest condolences to Professor Mootoo’s family, friends, colleagues, and former students, remembering him as a dedicated scholar whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.