Ambassador Calvin Ayre (third from left) presents the cheque to Professor Densil A. Williams (left). From left: Professor Williams, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus; Jamilla Kirwan, Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation; Ambassador Ayre; Hyram Forde, Acting Director of Administration; and Pascale Kentish, President of the Guild of Students.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua--The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (The UWI FIC), as part of its celebration of The UWI 75th Anniversary celebrations, on March 21, launched its scholarship programme dubbed: “The UWI Five Islands/Calvin Ayre 75 Financial Care Programme”.
The programme, one of three major initiatives for the campus as part of The UWI 75th Anniversary celebrations, benefited from the generous seed funding of US $200,000 from the Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) in Antigua and Barbuda, according to a press release from The UWI FIC. The partnership will see the scholarship scheme providing over 200 scholarships/bursaries for both senate-approved degree programmes and professional development courses to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda who purse studies at the Five Islands Campus.
Speaking at the launch of the project, Principal of The UWI FIC, Professor Densil A. Williams said, "The gift from the Calvin Ayre Foundation is a celebration of philanthropy and a manifestation of Ambassador [Calvin – Ed.] Ayre’s commitment to education and to nation building in Antigua and Barbuda. He noted that “the 75 Financial Care Programme will enable more students to access the transformative power of higher education and help secure a brighter future for our people, country and region."
CAF Manager Jamilla Kirwan expressed the foundation’s enthusiasm on partnering on such a project. "We are thrilled to partner with The UWI Five Islands Campus on this initiative. Education is a fundamental pillar of our foundation's philanthropic efforts, and we are proud to support students who are working hard to achieve their academic goals." She explained that the foundation’s mission is embodied in its commitment to inspiring action in others, elevating lives and empowering individuals and communities, the release states.
Chairman of the Ayre Group and CAF founder, Ambassador Ayre emphasised the importance of supporting education initiatives around the world. He said, "Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the world. The Calvin Ayre Foundation is proud to support the UWI Five Islands Campus and provide financial assistance to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams."
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, who officially launched the programme, expressed his support for the initiative and its potential impact on Antigua and Barbuda. He stated, "I commend the Calvin Ayre Foundation for this partnership, which will enable more Antiguans and Barbudans to access higher education.” Further, the prime minister observed that the project will have a lasting impact on the lives of our people and contribute to the development of not only the country but the wider Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). He also encouraged other corporate entities and foundations to partner with The UWI to ensure opportunities for access were available to students.
Starting September 2023, the first set of students will benefit from this scholarship programme, the release concludes.
