Dr Tomlin Paul celebrated as a ‘Caribbean man’
Mourners reflect on legacy of late UWI deputy principal at funeral
Published:Tuesday | March 24, 2026 | 12:06 AMCorey Robinson/Senior Staff Reporter
Dr Tomlin J. Paul, the late deputy principal of The University of the West Indies (UWI), was yesterday remembered as a “Caribbean man”, a devoted father, and a distinguished medical professional, as mourners gathered at the University Chapel to bid him farewell.
As rain clouds gathered overhead and birds chirped across the chapel grounds, tributes painted the picture of a one-of-a-kind man with a natural gift for making people feel valued. They spoke of a leader who prioritised students’ growth and well-being, reflected on their realities, and championed practical solutions.
Sombre faces turned to smiles as Paul’s work and vision for health and education took centre stage. He was the youngest of nine children – four boys and five girls – born to humble parents in Trinidad and Tobago, yet his work extended across borders.
“He said, ‘A democratic society needs the creativity and intelligence of its people to build a first-class nation. Students need a challenging, high-quality education system that empowers them as thinkers, communicators, and citizens.’ That is a serious statement,” said Justin Paul, the eldest sibling, recalling a conversation with his late brother.
“He explained that many teachers and lecturers encounter students whose creative and critical abilities remain largely untapped, noting that this is a major challenge educators must address,” he continued. “This was not just something Tomlin said – it was something he lived. He believed deeply in the power of education and demonstrated that belief through his discipline and pursuit of excellence.”
Tributes from Dr Paul’s sisters, Omris Pierre and Jennis Paul, as well as family friend and business partner Orville Nembhard, carried a similar tone. His stepson, Nathaneel Gooden, spoke of a jovial father who welcomed everyone with open arms – even dancing with cashiers he had never met before in Rwanda.
TRUE HEALER, TEACHER
“A true healer and teacher by nature, he always sought to make you feel understood and that you mattered. He exhibited kindness even in the most difficult moments, and that kindness was a strength I admired. He showed me what responsibility and love look like – what it means to stand firm when life gets hard, and how to appreciate the small joys in life.
“Even though he is no longer here physically, those lessons did not leave with him. They live on in me and in everyone whose life he touched,” said Gooden.
That legacy, UWI Guild President Roshaun Wynter said, was evident in Paul’s impact on student life.
Wynter pointed to initiatives such as the students’ mental health toolkit, improvements to the scholarship application process and online systems, and advocacy for students with disabilities.
“All of those projects have Dr Paul’s name written all over them,” he said, noting that students are grieving his passing, while expressing gratitude for his work and extending condolences to his family.
“His work was not only about administration; we felt that his legacy was for us. He prioritised students’ growth, and his work reflected their well-being,” Wynter added, echoing sentiments shared by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and UWI Principal Professor Densil Williams.
AWARD IN HONOUR
Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Professor Joseph Plummer, further cemented Paul’s legacy with the announcement of the Dr Tomlin Paul Award, which he said will be presented to a faculty member who best exemplifies his qualities.
Dr Tomlin J. Paul, a respected physician, passed away peacefully at home earlier this month. He joined UWI Mona as a lecturer in 1990 and later served as senior lecturer in community health, director of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, deputy dean, and dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences from 2017 to 2021. He began his tenure as deputy principal at the Mona campus on August 1, 2023.
He also held academic positions at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, where he served as chair of the Educational Development and Quality Centre, and dean of Research, Innovation and Quality.
Paul was widely recognised for his contributions to medical education and public health, including being named a five-star doctor by the World Organisation of National Colleges and Associations for Family Physicians. He was also a strong advocate for student engagement, continuous quality improvement, and social accountability in health professions education.