Paul Keens-Douglas, ‘Boogsie’ among UWI honorary grads

UWI has awarded three honorary degrees as part of its ongoing graduation ceremonies.

In a statement on Monday, it said the three honorary graduates are Professor Emeritus Edgar Julian Duncan, awarded for his contributions to Caribbean science and agriculture; actor and author Paul Keens- Douglas, for his contributions to culture and the arts; and Len "Boogsie" Sharpe for steelpan composition, arrangement, and performance.

At a brief ceremony on Friday at the office of the campus principal at UWI, St Augustine, the graduates received a UWI ring, official honorary degree certificate, canister, citation, and a PhD hood.

In his remarks, Prof Brian Copeland, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and campus principal, said, “Intuitive thinking, grounded in learned facts, often leads to the most brilliant designs, inventions, and innovations.

“These gentlemen are the proof. Together they represent the fusion of science, technology, and the arts so critical in our education if TT is to truly realise the full potential of our immense talent and creativity.”

Copeland added, the academic mementos received placed each of them “squarely in the fold of the UWI.”

The 2020 valedictorians were also acknowledged at the ceremony, and also received tokens on behalf of the university.

They are Chikara Mitchell for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Dr Shaquille O'Neal Trotman for the Faculty of Medical Sciences.

Richard Ali, valedictorian for the Faculties of Science and Technology and Food and Agriculture; Suraj Sakal, for the Faculties of Law and Engineering; and Keitje Greaves, for the Faculty of Humanities and Education, were unable to attend, but were also acknowledged.