The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands congratulates the prominent persons and institutions from Antigua and Barbuda who were appointed in the 2023 National Awards.
The honourees were recognised on Independence Day, November 1, 2023, during the Ceremonial Parade held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The UWI community proudly notes among the awardees one current staff member and several distinguished alumni.
Mr. Hyram Forde was awarded the Grand Cross of The Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GCM) for his service to education and development in Antigua and Barbuda.
He has served in several educational capacities, including at the Antigua State College and on the task force for the establishment of the Five Islands Campus, the fourth landed campus of The University of the West Indies. He currently serves as the Director of Administration (Acting) of the Five Islands Campus.
Also, two notable alumni were recognized. Hon. Steadroy Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Public Safety and Labour was awarded a Knight Grand Cross of The Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KGCN). He is a proud alumnus of The UWI Cave Hill Campus and has been lauded for his many contributions to the development of Antigua and Barbuda including being one of the main proponents for the establishment of The UWI Five Islands Campus.
Also, Mrs Cicely Helen Dorsett was awarded the Grand Cross of The Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GCM) for her service to nursing and development in Antigua and Barbuda. She is a proud alumna of The UWI Mona Campus having completed both the Advanced Nursing Diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing there.
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Justin Robinson congratulated all the awardees especially those with ties to The UWI and Five Islands Campus. “It is with great pride that I congratulate the awardees including our staff and alumni who continue to represent their university’s motto in their community shining as a light from the West. The UWI Five Islands and the wider UWI family are proud of their contributions to nation building.”