Latoya Grindley, Features Writer

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (right) jokes with Dennis Lalor (second left), his wife Diane Lalor, and UWI Vice-Chancellor Nigel Harris.

The lawns of the Mona Visitors' Lodge in St Andrew buzzed with chatter and laughter as guests gathered to share in the celebration of the University of the West Indies (UWI) 60th anniversary. The reception was held on Saturday under the patronage of Sir George Alleyne.

Strategically placed bars and food tents with various delectables were spread across the venue, much to the appreciation of the patrons, who indulged in the offerings.

The musical entertainment provided by the UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra added that very special touch to what could have been considered a reunion.

Kisses and hugs were the order of the night, as people met up with their former classmates, some of whom were seeing each other for the first time in 60 years.

Not to be missed

The reception was surely not to be missed by many who travelled from overseas to celebrate the institution that helped to shape them into who they are now.

As part of the night's celebrations, a regional endowment fund was launched. And a target of US$20 million was set for the next five years. But the fund seemed to be well on its way, because at halfway through the night it was proclaimed that US$4 million was already reached.

Some of those out for the night were Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall, Sir Hilary Beckles, Professor Clement Sankat, Professor Neville Ying, Janet Sri Skanda-Rajah visiting from Toronto, Jean Forde, also visiting from Toronto, US Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, among others.

On Monday, it was the Governor General's turn to host the celebrants.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com.

Professor Edward Baugh (left) greets fellow 'prof', Mark Figueroa, and wife Jennes Anderson, at the Governor General's reception to celebrate UWI's 60th anniversary.

Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn (right) greets Chancellor of the UWI, Sir George Alleyne. Looking on is Lady Hall. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Ann-Marie Grant (left), executive director of the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies, takes on Minna Israel, managing director of RBTT.

Dr John Hall catches up with Dr Maureen Samms-Vaughan (centre) and her daughter Stephanie (check the family resemblance).