Two T&T nationals are among 13 regional figures named by the UWI for honorary degrees in 2026.
At the St Augustine Campus, Ambassador Colin Granderson will receive a Doctor of Laws for his contribution to diplomacy, while agricultural economist Winston Rudder will receive a Doctor of Science for his work in agricultural development and public service.
Both will be conferred during graduation ceremonies from October 22nd to 24th, together with Professor Shaneeta Johnson of The Bahamas for her contribution to the development of surgical sciences and health care.
Jamaica’s reggae artiste Damian Marley will also receive a Doctor of Letters from the Mona Campus for his contribution to culture.
The schedule for the 2026 ceremonies and the list of honorary graduands follows.
Five Islands Campus – October 10
- Mr. Don Rojas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for his contribution to Caribbean and American Media – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
- Ms. Thea LaFond of Dominica for her contribution to Sport – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Cave Hill Campus – October 17
- Mr. Doug E. Fresh of the United States of America for his contribution to the arts through Hip-Hop music – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
- Reverend Dr. Lucille Onita Baird, M.B.E., J.P. of Barbados for her contribution to the church, community leadership and social commentary – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
St. Augustine Campus – October 22 to 24
- Ambassador Colin Granderson of Trinidad and Tobago for his work in diplomacy – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- Professor Shaneeta Johnson of The Bahamas for her contribution to the development of surgical sciences and health care – Doctor of Science (DSc)
- Mr. Winston R. Rudder of Trinidad and Tobago for his contribution to Agricultural development, public service, food and sustainable development – Doctor of Science (DSc)
Mona Campus – November 5 to 7
- Mr. Arnold Bertram of Jamaica for his contribution to Caribbean scholarship and public advocacy – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- Mr. Damian Marley of Jamaica for his contribution to culture – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
- Mrs. Dawn Robinson-Spence of Jamaica for her contribution to culture – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
- Mr. Milton J. Samuda of Jamaica for public service, advocacy and administration – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Global Campus – November 14
- Mr. Melvin L. Claxton of Antigua and Barbuda for his contribution to journalism – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
- Ms. René Baptiste CMG of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for her contribution to governance, law and culture – Doctor of Laws (LLD)
