The most persevering

Ainka Brown Valedictory Speech, November 7, 2003

* Chancellor, Vice Chancellor
* Your Excellencies Sir Howard Cooke and Lady Cooke
* Your Lordship Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe and Mrs. Wolfe
* Excellencies of the Diplomatic Core
* Principals and Pro Vice Chancellors
* Honourary Graduands, Members of the Graduating Class
* Parents and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen
* Good evening.

THE GREAT military strategist Napoleon once said, "victory belongs to the most persevering". This is an apt characterisation of the graduating class of 2003. As any of us will quickly tell you, our passage through the University of the West Indies has not been an easy one. In fact, for many of us, reaching here to begin our course of study was a major feat. It was a predominantly uphill struggle, as we had to contend with such difficulties as financing our tuition, acquiring costly but much needed books and equipment and juggling both our academic and personal pursuits.

We remember enduring many a sleepless night either preparing for an exam or finishing an assignment due the next day. And we all recall the anxiety associated with committing that last fact to memory prior to an exam. Our journey has been exhausting both emotionally and financially but, God's grace, through our own persistence and with the unending support of family and friends we can now celebrate our academic victory.

It would be misleading to paint a picture of our time here as filled solely with the battle of the books during our sojourn at UWI we have learnt not just what was in the texts but a lot about ourselves and others. Somewhere in the midst of the block competitions on hall, sessions at Student's Union, co-curricular activities around the campus or just lymes at the Kiosks we shed many of the preconceived ideas held about each other. Just by carrying out our daily activities and interacting with the variety of persons that the student body represents we gained a greater understanding and appreciation of our Caribbean family. Our development has been holistic, as we gained both personal and academic benefits.

However, as we bask in the glow of our success we need to address the notions held by sceptics who wish to detract from the importance of this graduation exercise. They are of the view that there will be no concomitant progress and development in our region as a result of our increased learning and achievements. We need to respond to those persons who see the graduates of the University of the West Indies as mere intellectuals who make very little meaningful contribution and who will fill no role in successfully tackling the problems we face as a region.

This is our reply. We are cognisant of the fact that the degrees with which we are being conferred do not represent the end of our achievements because by no means have we reached our pinnacle. These pieces of paper which highlight our academic merit are merely keys that open the doors to greater possibilities. We know that these degrees entitle us to nothing, but instead place on us a greater level of responsibility. We realise that the Caribbean needs new ideas, not only new ideas, but the skill and the will to implement them for our development. We are prepared to help stamp out the culture of talk without action. If we have the time to spend complaining at length about a situation then we have the time to try to devise a solution.

WHOLLY PROACTIVE

We will not join the ranks of those who merely tear down with no attempt to replace or improve. We will not be a part of the apathy that threatens to creep up and overwhelm us in these trying times with each person waiting on someone else to take the initiative. We clearly see the need to be wholly proactive, and not reactive having to constantly grapple with the dictates of the rest of the world. We recognise the need to be trendsetters and this is where the knowledge we have garnered at this institution will come into play.

We do not take for granted the privilege of attending UWI and indeed we strive in our own capacities to make tertiary education commonplace. This will allow our region to more ably compete in areas such as science and technology thus putting us in a position to take greater advantage of the ever- changing times. For us the words implementation of a knowledge based economy and research and development will not be catch phrases but part of our emerging reality that is dealt with in a meaningful way.

We will endeavour to be selfish, so caught up in our own ambitions that no one else benefits from the opportunity we have facilitated the achievements which we are celebrating this evening. This in itself demands that we ensure a significant return on investment not just to our individual countries but to the region as a whole.

"There is no such thing as a little country. The greatness of a people is no more determined by their numbers than the greatness of a man by his height". These words of William Marston Moulton are proven everyday by the Islands of the Caribbean. We are determined to carry this trend further, pushing the Caribbean to the centre of the world stage thereby fully and unequivocally silencing our critics. We are ready to go forward into the world outside these walls and take up the mantle, as we know with skill and confidence much can be achieved.

Having thus stated our intentions, it remains for us the graduates, through our feedback and constructive criticism to assist the University in the formulation of policies which contribute towards the maintenance of a safe and structured learning environment, an environment which remains conducive to the development of Caribbean potential. This goal requires continual assessment of student facilities, the refining of course offerings and curricula in addition to campus security. Thus, ensuring that all who pass through the University of the West Indies will become well-rounded individuals with the technical proficiency, analytical skills, and flexibility that progress dictates.

My fellow graduates, we go forward with the knowledge that much faith has been placed in us by family and friends whose sacrifice, love and encouragement have guided us along the way. It is this, which has enabled us to overcome the many obstacles, which initially seemed insurmountable. We still have many hurdles to cross to attain the heights which we seek, we have many more battles to face, but with God's continued guidance and hard work I have no doubt that success will be ours.

Thank you.