One excellent example at UWI

Gordon Robinson, Contributor

Very early on in these impositions on your time and patience, I wrote a column on leadership in which I proposed that the very best synonym for 'leadership' is 'example'.

Recently, I've benefited from one of the very best examples of leadership (pun intended). In a recent column (Can two bad apples spoil the federal bunch? Gleaner, August 31), I wrote that today's UWI suffers " ... anaemia of interest and constipation of production." I continued: "Students aren't facilitated with required information. Incorrect information is circulated, resulting in acute dislocation and embarrassment. Many teachers are lackadaisical and uncaring ... "I concluded, "No wonder UWI's academic output is at an all-time low."

After the piece was published, I visited my friendly neighbourhood bulletproof vest provider, replenished my supplies and began the process of hunkering down for the anticipated academic backlash. Instead, to my shock and amazement, I received a phone call from the office of UWI principal, Gordon Shirley, asking me to meet with him to discuss the concerns I'd raised. Now, as a confirmed hermit, I rarely speak on the telephone and almost never attend meetings outside of home but, June Degia, who called, was so charming that I had to accept. So, armed with my social commander-in-chief, the old ball and chain, I sallied forth to this meeting.

Satisfying experience

The experience was satisfying and edifying. The principal couldn't have been more accommodating, especially with Old B.C. shooting from the hip on her years of pent-up frustration with UWI's administration. We also met the much-too-modest Dr Mervyn Chisholm who didn't once speak of his achievements but, among which I know, to be as author-presenter of the brilliant paper, Mainstreaming Diversity: Opportunities, Obligations and Obstacles to the recent Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association's 13th Annual Conference.

His presence was key because the most impressive information coming out of our meeting was UWI's renewed commitment to diversity not only in curricula, but also in the student body itself - a vital tool of tertiary education in today's global village.

Principal Shirley was passionate about the institution's commitment to modern education and new-style degrees whereby, for example, a pure and applied science degree could include a more eclectic mix of courses than just the scientific. He assured Old B.C. that the plan was to emphasise world languages (hopefully without having to learn the country's literature) to help make UWI's degrees globally competitive.

He spoke of the commitment, despite challenges, to make early contact with potential students in secondary schools to help guide their career decisions; of the benefit of feedback (including student assessments of lecturers) in creating formulas for a creative mix of courses in the modern degree; of producing a rounded graduate; and of maintaining links with other countries in order to promote exchange programmes whenever possible. His dedication to producing graduates able to converse on topics outside of his/her core degree was obvious and exciting. I've no doubt that UWI's academics are in the best possible hands.

Impressive material

The research material on offer was equally impressive, albeit not very well promoted. I've learned, for example, that the Tainos weren't the first to 'discover' Jamaica. Research by Dr Sabrina Rampersaud from the Department of History and Archaelogy has established that the 'Redware People' (named for their distinctive red pottery) were here from 650AD but extinct sometime BC (Before Columbus). Did you know that research by members of the Basic Medical Sciences Department into the possibility of substituting alcohol-based co-solvents in paediatric paracetamol (panadol) with starches from local yams is ongoing and showing promising preliminary results?

Of course, no review of UWI's academic output would be complete without mention of the great Anthony Harriott whose independent studies in local social sciences (his latest book Organised Crime and Politics - Breaking The Nexus couldn't be more relevant) have made him the modern Petros.

Dr Eris Schoburgh's innovative case study of the Portmore Municipal Council will be instructive in identifying which local governance values (a microcosmic ideal whereby wider concerns regarding how we're governed without participation, efficiency, accountability and respect for human rights are proven to be equally applicable to local government) has a chance of fostering a new thinking at all levels of government.

There's lots of hope for UWI's future. This is one federal survivor that's on the way back. If the type of leadership skills shown by Gordon Shirley in his reaction to my critique can become a fixture, the sky's the limit.

I'm still waiting on a call from the WICB president. Any bets?

Peace and love

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Feedback may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com