The University of the West Indies held its commencement ceremony over the weekend. Many Dominicans formed part of the graduating class including the Valedictorian, Ms.Novenia Norissia Isaac and mother and daughter duo, Delia Cuffy-Weekes and Natasha Jervier.

Veteran teacher at the Portsmouth Secondary School, Ms. Rose Romain, said, “My accomplishment of a BSC in Youth Development Work with first-class honours is yet another remarkable milestone in my scholastic life. The journey has been a life-shaping experience primarily because I have gained both personal and professional development, yet it was also the most challenging time in my life when my dreams and desire to successfully complete my studies were adversely affected by the scorns of Tropical storm  Maria coupled with other personal challenges. None the less amidst all of my adversities my faith remained rooted in my God and that alone took care of everything else. Taking into consideration the story of my journey, I feel far more blessed and humbly esteemed at my attainment”.Many of UWI’s students are employed full-time while completing their degrees online.  This is in itself is a rigorous ordeal.

Kerlin Pierre Louis, a teacher at Saint Luke’s Primary said,   “I feel proud of myself..feeling of accomplishment having a GPA of 4.12 and shortlisted as Valedictorian is of great achievement for me”. Ms. Pierre Louis graduated with a Bachelors of Education in Leadership and Management in Education. She continued, “As I reminisce on the road I traveled, I cannot refrain from ecstatically expressing YES! We have made it. It was Fredrick Douglas who nicely coined it, “if there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Rightly so, some tires may be tattered; likewise, some energies burnt out, but I have journeyed together, overcoming all challenges and obstacles, and successfully reached my destination. I may have hit roadblocks and stumbled along the way, but undoubtedly I have kept maneuvering keeping my eyes on this prize. Hours, days, and years swerved with diligence and utmost determination”.”As a teacher this degree will help me to better execute my rule as an educational leader, impacting the lives of all my students.

Teachers have a long-lasting impact on the lives of their students, and the greatest teachers inspire students toward greatness. As an educational leader, my primary aim is to nurture critical thoughts, listen actively, respond attentively, and educate students to help them to become the adults that I would like them to be.”
Below are pics of a few students who graduated.

Congratulations to all graduates of the UWI.