On May 30, 2015, the University of the West Indies (UWI) inaugurated Sir Hilary McDonald Beckles as the new Vice-Chancellor of UWI at a ceremony at the Usain Bolt Sport Complex of UWI’s Cave Hill campus. A group of local and regional dignitaries gathered there to mark that special occasion.

Nearly one thousand attendees were present at the ceremony, including Mr. Perry Gladstone Christie, Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of the Bahamas; Dr. Ralph Everard Gonsalve, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Mr. Freundel Jerome Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados; as well as principals of UWI’s various campuses, diplomatic envoys of different countries in Barbados and other notable guests. Mr. Song Qingbao and Mr. Ché Leon C Corbin, the Chinese and the Barbadian Co-Directors of Confucius Institute at UWI Cave Hill campus, were also invited to witness the inauguration.

The ceremony was hosted by Sir George Alleyne, Chancellor of UWI. He spoke highly of the great achievements Sir Hillary has accomplished when working as the principal of UWI at Cave Hill. Sir George also confirmed his belief that UWI will scale new heights under the leadership of Sir Hillary Beckles. In his speech, Sir Hillary noted that, as a regional university, UWI serves 17 English-speaking countries in the Caribbean area, and enjoys a good academic reputation and international standing. However, Sir Hillary further noted that if UWI desires to be one of the top-notch universities around the world, all the attendees should make joint efforts to accomplish their goal, especially against the backdrop of the world economic downturn. He stressed that, “If our economy is in the state of stagnancy, then all of us must work with one heart and try to get the sluggish economy back on track.”

After the ceremony, the new UWI Vice-Chancellor, Sir Hillary Beckles, met with Mighty Gabby, the Cultural Ambassador for Barbados, as well as other artists who came to the site to express their congratulations. He also took time to meet with the Chinese and Barbadian Co-Directors of the aforesaid Confucius Institute. As an advocate and supporter of Silk Road of Education in the Caribbean region, Sir Hillary stressed his belief that the Confucius Institute will have a bright future at Barbados, and will eventually play an important role in the whole region.