Robinson

The University of the West Indies (UWI) has described the late Professor Leslie Robinson as an outstanding example for young Caribbean scholars and to whose brilliant academic skills the university is indebted.

Professor Robinson, who was the first to be appointed principal of the UWI, Mona campus, died on Wednesday. He was 82.

He served the institution for more than 42 years in different capacities, most notably as principal, vice-chancellor and dean of several faculties. Professor Robinson earned the admiration of his peers through his relentless efforts to achieve academically and his contribution to education.

In 1943, the outstanding Jamaican scholar was awarded the only available scholarship for boys. He proceeded to the University of London where he received a First Class Honours Degree in 1946.

Order of Jamaica

Two years later he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree with a distinction, after which he returned to what was then the University College at Mona where he was appointed a lecturer in mathematics. He was also conferred with the Order of Jamaica, one of the nation's highest honours.

In a tribute to the late professor, vice-chancellor of the UWI, Professor Nigel Harris said "his outstanding talent as a teacher extraordinaire, his administrative skills which he put to good use in all majoruniversity committees, his seminal contribution to the establishment of the Development and Planning Unit, his special interest in matters involving the student body, service to international bodies like UNESCO and his contribution as chairman of the Council of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (now the University of Technology) are all confirmation of his absolute commitment to the cause of education in this region."

"All of us who have benefited from the outstanding contributions of this brilliant scholar in so many areas of the life of both the university and the nation take great pride in the legacy he has left ... the University of the West Indies is in debt and we will be eternally grateful that he came our way," Professor Harris added.