T&T PM Inducted into Park of Honour at UWI

Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley, was inducted on July 20, into the Prime Minister’s Park of Honour located at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

The park is used to honour UWI graduates who have been or are serving as Heads of Government.  The addition of Dr. Rowley’s name brings to 17 the number of heads who have been added to the monument at the park.

Dr. Rowley, who is the seventh Prime Minister of the twin-island republic, earned his first degree in Geology and Geography at the Mona Campus before completing a Master’s in Volcanic Stratigraphy at the St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago. He later obtained a Doctorate in Geology, specialising in Geochemistry.

In expressing gratitude, Dr. Rowley thanked UWI for acknowledging his presence at the institution, adding that he will continue to play his part in ensuring that the institution remains a “star in the crown of the Caribbean nation”.

“I am so grateful to so many people that everything that is said about me and my attainment… I share with all those persons at UWI where I spent most of my life,” he said.

He said that he was proud of the achievements of the university.

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal, UWI, Mona, Professor Archibald McDonald congratulated Dr. Rowley on his “outstanding contribution to Caribbean development”.

“You are a true monument to what hard work and dedication is capable of achieving, but you also illustrate to our entire society that a commitment to nation building and facilitating societal growth are important virtues of any true leader,” he said.

He noted that the significance of the park goes beyond honouring individuals, who have become exceptional leaders throughout the Caribbean.

“This park illustrates to the students who pass by it every day that they too are capable of setting forth positive change in our society, and that they too can become leaders of growth and development for the Caribbean,” he said.

Professor McDonald noted that Caribbean Prime Ministers, particularly those who are UWI graduates, act as an inspiration for the many young children who have similar dreams of greatness.

He said he looked forward to “hosting another ceremony before the end of this calendar year”.

Dr. Rowley, who is slated to depart on Thursday, July 21, following his official visit to the island, also toured the university’s Faculty of Medical Sciences.