The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has extended congratulations to The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar on her resounding victory in the recent general election, which was held on April 28. Persad-Bissessar, who served as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 2010-2015, has made history once again by becoming the only woman to ever lead the twin-island Caribbean nation.
A UWI press release quoted Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, as saying “We are thrilled to see Mrs. Persad-Bissessar elected as Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth Prime Minister.”
“Her re-election is a testament to the trust that the people have in her leadership and vision for the future of Trinidad and Tobago,” he continued.
Persad-Bissessar, an alumna of The UWI, has an impressive educational background that includes a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, a Diploma in Education, and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from UWI Cave Hill. She also holds an Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. The UWI community “takes great pride” in witnessing Mrs. Persad-Bissessar achieve this historic milestone, shared the press release.
As one of the few female heads of government in the Caribbean, Persad-Bissessar joins an elite group of women leaders who have made significant contributions to their countries. These include the late Dame Eugenia Charles of Dominica, Mia Amor Mottley from Barbados, Janet Jagan of Guyana, and Portia Simpson Miller of Jamaica.
The university also shared that its network of over 237,000 alumni has produced many notable leaders in the Caribbean region. In fact, more than 25 UWI alumni have become Heads of Government or Heads of State, while countless others hold leadership positions across various professions – both locally and internationally.
The statement expressed UWI’s eagerness to collaborate with Prime Minister-elect Persad-Bissessar and her government to help achieve the development aspirations of Trinidad and Tobago.