Current guild president of the UWI Mona campus, Roger Bent (left) has the attention of (from left) Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson, principal of the UWI Mona campus, Professor Gordon Shirley, David Minott and Vice-Chancellor Prof E. Nigel Harris. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/ Staff Photographer

The alumni of the University of the West Indies (UWI) continue to shine.

Last Wednesday evening, Prime Minister David Thompson of Barbados became the latest individual to be inducted into the park in honour of UWI graduates who are, or have been heads of government. Principal of the Mona campus, Professor Gordon Shirley, said he felt the park was a symbol of UWI's commitment to preparing graduates to be problem solvers, thinkers and entrepreneurs. He also felt that the number of inductees (12 in all with Belize's Dean Barrow to follow shortly) was evidence of UWI's ability to remain relevant and to produce leaders.

Thompson was called to the bar in Barbados in 1986. He is member of parliament for the constituency of St John (since 1987) and was a former minister of commerce, development and culture. Prime Minister Thompson said that he would always be indebted to the UWI and challenged the university heads to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. He opined his vision of a UWI that addressed the neglected areas of Caribbean culture and catered for students who were gifted in areas other than academics.

Among those out to witness the induction were St Kitts and Nevis High Commissioner Cedric Harper and wife Barbara, Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda, Argentine Ambassador Mario Pino, Spanish Ambassador Jesús Silva, Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner Yvonne Gittens-Joseph, Oliver Jones, Jennes Anderson, Honorary Consul to Barbados Winston Bayley, Joseph Pereira, Prof Sir Roy Augier, Carrole Guntley, Hilary Beckles, Loxley and Pauline Lindo and Prof Fred Hickling.

From left: Gordon Hutchinson catches up with Marjorie and Jeff Cobham. - Colin Hamilton/ Freelance Photographer

Professor Neville Ying (right), in discussion with Dr Yvette Williams-Harris and Prof Alvin Wint. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/ Staff Photographer