Shaliza Hassanali
A sense of pride and jubilation filled the heart of former University of West Indies, St Augustine, campus principal Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie yesterday, as he watched his only son, Nirad Girrish Tewarie, receive his higher degree.
Tewarie, who contested the Chaguanas East seat for Congress of the People in last November 5 general election, was one of 18 students from the Faculty of Social Sciences who graduated as a Master of Science in International Relations at UWI Spec.
Apart from these 18 students, approximately 710 other Faculty of Social Sciences students were awarded first and second degrees, diplomas, post-graduate diplomas and certificates.
Among those who attended the graduation ceremony were newly-appointed principal Prof Clement Sankat.
Addressing the students, UWI's chancellor Sir George Alleyne said the world was in need of social scientists to tell us why women had outnumbered men with AIDS.
He said the social scientists were also required to solve social problems in the Caribbean.
"Your role will be a pivotal one in years to come," Alleyne told the graduates.
Alleyne called on the Government to inject more money into research at UWI.
Valedictorian Jolene Romain urged the graduates to appoint themselves as agents of change, since others could benefit from their achievement and academic success.