Brock University in St.Catharines, Ontario and the University of the West Indies (UWI) are now considering the establishment of an  Institute for Canada-Caribbean Studies.

Officials from both universities came together  at Brock University on April 5 last to renew two existing Memoranda of Understanding and to sign a new MOU that will see them begin talks related to the proposed Institute.

“The signing ceremony at Brock University is a testament to the relationship we’ve built together over many years, and commitment to the future of Canadian-Caribbean studies,” said Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor  of the UWI.

According to a news release from Brock University, the Institute for Canada-Caribbean Studies would provide a focal point for multi-disciplinary research and teaching to deepen and improve the multi-faceted relationships between Canada and the Caribbean and examine issues affecting the Caribbean diaspora communities in Canada.

James Mandigo, Vice-Provost, Enrolment Management and International at Brock University, will serve as the institutional lead to help facilitate the development of the Institute. His counterpart at UWI, Richard Bernal, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs, will lead a similar process at UWI.

“Establishing an Institute for Canada-Caribbean Studies would be a true reflection of Brock’s global commitment to fostering intercultural understanding,” said Geavan Fearon, President of Brock University.

“We will also be welcoming scholars from across Canada to be active participants and members of the Institute to collaborate and lead projects related to Canada-Caribbean issues. Our vision is to harness the expertise of the academic community across Canada and the Caribbean to help address important topics that are relevant to those who live, study and work in these regions of the world,” Fearon pointed out.

Present at the recent meeting between officials of Brock University and UWI was Laurie Peters, Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Cayman Islands.

Established in 1948, UWI has campuses in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, and an open campus, which provides post-secondary opportunities to students in 16 other Caribbean countries. .

It is the largest higher education provider in the English-speaking Caribbean and was recently ranked in the top five per cent of universities in the world by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in 2019.

Canada has played a key role in the development of UWI, including funding support to build residences on the Jamaican and Trinidad and Tobago campuses, and a $20-million

In addition to the MOU related to the development of the Institute for Canada-Caribbean Studies, the signing ceremony renewed two MOUs already in place between Brock and UWI.

Together, they promote international and intercultural understanding, academic linkages and enrich the cultural understanding of both universities.

More specifically, the agreements continue to provide mobility opportunities for faculty, staff and students between institutions.

Faculty from across Canada and the Caribbean will be able to collaborate on joint research activities and participate in seminars, meetings and professional development opportunities. General staff, such as administrative and technical support, along with students from both institutions will also be able to gain valuable international experience through an exchange or short-term program.