KINGSTON, Jamaica – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has appointed a former senior financial executive, Dr. Dodridge Miller, as its new Chancellor, the seventh holder of the highest office in the regional university system.
Dr. Dodridge Miller“I am eager to engage our contributing governments together with the leadership of the University to hear from them how they would wish to deepen our working relationship. Their support remains essential for the continuity of The UWI’s role as a partner in the development agenda of the region,” Miller said.
Miller said that it is “absolutely necessary to forge and foster stronger partnerships as we go Forward” and that the university must continue to play an integral part in the regional and global development conversation.
“ I have already alluded to the work being led by academics of The UWI on the national and global stage in the critical areas of climate change and adaptation. Our academics have also been engaged as part of CARICOM teams in negotiating an international treaty to safeguard our collective marine biodiversity.”
The new Chancellor said that the leadership by The UWI for global reparatory justice has begun to redound to the benefit of some communities and countries in the region.
He said that the considerable work being done by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Small Island Development States (SIDS)-related research will continue into the foreseeable future.
“The contribution of our research and advocacy at national, regional and global levels is without question and we should be proud of what we have done and continue to do.”
The Chancellor said the alumni are the most visible outputs of The UWI, functioning in every discipline, at all levels, across the world.
“Notwithstanding the many higher education institutions operating in the Caribbean, I believe that the Caribbean public is generally supportive of The UWI. This also extends to the Caribbean diaspora.
“This is evidenced by the strong support for the annual galas held in New York and Toronto and I am deeply appreciative of the tremendous work done by the American Foundation for The UWI and the Patrons of the Toronto Gala,” Miller said, adding that their ongoing support has been invaluable over the years and I look forward to their continued support in years to come.
“The UWI is an important regional institution and is most worthy of our collective support. I look forward to working with all of you, our stakeholders, to continue to build The UWI,” said Miller, who succeeded Trinidadian Robert Bermudez as chancellor.
A UWI statement said that the University Council had appointed Miller at its annual business meeting earlier this year, describing him as “a distinguished graduate of The UWI,(and) brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
“He is regarded as a true Caribbean luminary with over 30 years of leadership in the banking, insurance, and financial services sectors, including a successful tenure as the Group President and chief executive officer of Sagicor Financial Company until his retirement in March 2023.”
