Principal of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, is urging the incoming class of 2025/2026 to embrace the complexities of life.
She was speaking at the campus’ orientation event on Friday, as hundreds of students laughed, danced and sang as they got to know each other under relaxed circumstances.
Professor Belle Antoine said the event was important for the students and the work at the institution.
“What we really want is a well-rounded individual, a well-rounded student. So we value all of these activities. This is why, for example, we have a really good slate of co-curricular courses as well. I want to encourage you to take part in the co-curricular studies. It is very important, especially in our very complex world, that you are able to appreciate various aspects of life, of civilisation.”
The UWI Principal said she attended a recent innovation science event where UWI partnered with leading scientists from the United States who have roots in the region.
“What is interesting about it is that this science symposium uses culture, uses the arts, uses music. For example, I never knew that hip hop and a lot of these music, the things that we do, the really sexy things that you think are just about music and culture, they rely on math, they rely on science.”
She emphasised the need for the students to embrace the multifaceted aspects of life.
“In the spirit of what we’re doing here today – that life is not one-sided. There are so many aspects. Centuries ago, we used to be Renaissance people and so we want you to think not in silos but to think in that way. We are in a complex world with climate change, with AI, with all kinds of things. So be as well-rounded as you can be, enjoy yourselves, and even as you pursue your intellectual endeavours, remember that life is not only one focus. Life is really multi-level, and we embrace that at the University of the West Indies.”
The students received gifts and listened to presentations from various groups on campus as they interacted with each other in a light, festive atmosphere.