I am so pleased to announce to you, that after our excellent 2018 debut in the Times
Higher Education (THE) Latin America University Rankings, our University has climbed
even higher in the 2019 report published by the prestigious UK-based ranking agency.
The UWI remains the number 1 ranked university in the Caribbean. This ranking is
impressive given that the region has over 200 registered universities. Furthermore, we
have improved our position within the top 3% of universities in Latin America and the
Caribbean. Again, the ranking stands out within a network of over 2,000 registered
universities.
The THE’s recently published rankings for the Caribbean and Latin America show the
continued improvement of The UWI, placing us 32nd among the 150 best ranked
universities across Latin America and the Caribbean—compared to 37th last year.
The strong showing comes on the eve of the 2020 World University Rankings due for
publication at the end of September 2019. Our performance reflects the considerably
improved hemispheric recognition of our research impact in multiple disciplines, the
development of strategic alliances with Latin American universities, and the official
recognition of our contribution to the development agenda of the subregion.
Developments in Mexico and Colombia, in particular, have seen The UWI’s visibility
mushroomed. We also entered into collaborations to create a Hemispheric University
Consortium, as well as a new association, Universities Caribbean, comprising over 40
universities from Latin America and the Caribbean. I am proud to have been elected by
this group to serve as its first President. Developments like these, and others, served to
enhance The UWI’s academic reputation, strategic partnering, and student preparation
for the postmodern world.
Indeed, we have set out on a strategic mission to radically transform and improve The
UWI’s regional and international academic standing as an excellent global university
rooted in the Caribbean. I am encouraged that each of you, my colleagues, have
mobilised around this vision, and worked very hard and smart as team “One UWI”.
I am moved by your focus and commitment to serve The UWI and the people of the
Caribbean who are deserving of excellent outcomes. This rise in our ranking reflects the
efficient and effective effort of the entire UWI family to be the best it can be. It is a
moment for us all to celebrate!
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles: Vice-Chancellor
