Garth Rattray

We have a tendency to take things for granted. Many don't appreciate the value of our country, environment, loved ones, basic possessions, health and schooling. Of all our 'assets', the only thing that can't be taken from us is our education.

It was indeed a visionary and progressive administration that oversaw the establishment of the College of the University of London at Mona in 1948. That entity started out as a medical school and, thankfully, several of its proud beneficiaries are alive and very active luminaries in our medical community. Many of us have been the grateful recipients of their vast knowledge and experience.

Conversions

In keeping with the mandate of establishing a regional university, the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad was converted into the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in 1961. And, in 1962, the College of the University of London (based at Mona) broadened its wings to achieve full university status. In 1963, the Cave Hill campus was established in Barbados. Since then, The Bahamas established the Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management.

Additionally, students of non-campus countries acquired access to university centres and distance-learning facilities.

There is no doubt that the University of the West Indies has consistently provided a solid and practical educational foundation on which many careers and lives are built. Every conceivable aspect of our existence is in one way or the other influenced or directed by someone with an education from UWI. Our country and region has, therefore, grown out of the knowledge base provided to our various leaders within society.

Study at home

I, for one, turned down opportunities to study abroad and opted instead to seek my tertiary education right here at home in Jamaica. I have had no regrets and I can unreservedly attest to the fact that any UWI graduate can stand toe to toe with graduates from the best universities anywhere in the world. We have all been exposed to the highest standards of intellectualism available. Our UWI graduates consistently impress and even amaze First-World academicians.

The University of the West Indies (Mona) campus became the repository of hope and socio-economic advancement for thousands of financially challenged bright young Jamaican students when, under the Michael Manley regime of the 1970s, tertiary education was 'free'.

It was during that era that many people, now middle- and upper-level managers, consultants and professionals, secured the academic foundation that has seen them through life. Our current, debt-driven financial exigencies preclude free tertiary education at this juncture; however, I long for a time when the Government, in partnership with private enterprise and altruistic individuals, can offer a wide range of scholarships to worthy but needy students.

Become competitive

Over the years, a growing number of overseas-based universities have 'invaded' our land and placed the computer keyboard and mouse into the hands of thousands of distance-learning students. UWI needs to become more proactive in this ever-growing and lucrative academic arena. The university needs to expand its online learning facilities to become competitive.

Finally, I would also like to see the University of the West Indies (Mona) campus become far more actively engaged in the process of brainstorming and producing practical ways of solving our many serious problems. For instance, studying and theorising the causes of crime is very helpful, but we need demonstrable solutions from our many brilliant individuals ensconced behind the hallowed halls of academia. The UWI motto, oriens ex occidente lux - a light rising from the west, must be made manifest.