Page 105 - UWI Class of '74 Memory Lane

Memories
Memory 1
Words spread about my presence in Irvine Hall without the usual granting of the "privileges" of passing through Campus "Immigration and Customs. "This irated the RAGGING organisers. Gopeesingh and I got a formal invitation to have tea with the Chancellor and his wife one Saturday afternoon. Dressed in our suits, we arrived at the Chancellor's home to discover that was a hoax and we were not expected. We were however invited in and we had tea. When they realize their plan "backfired" they went into full gear. That night when I got back to Irvine Hall, my bed was in the corridor, soaking wet.
Memory 2
Unlike most Caribbean students, I did not leave from home (Antigua} for UWI. I left from England after nine years finishing school etc. On my arrival on Campus, I experienced "Raggin" and all that went with it. To me at the time, the behaviour of the students were very childish. My first thought was "How am I going to fit into this type of environment?" This was a Cultural shock! I didn't even know what it was to "go for a "Lime. “Looking back, some of my fondest memories are the time spent with these students learning about their countries and cultures. When I was being Honoured by UWI (DSc) October 2016, I boasted that it was at UWI that I learnt about Caribbean unity. I even penned a song "Family" which was played at the graduation ceremony.
Memory 3
After living in Irvine Hall for two years it was time to find a back room in Mona. This was not for me...too Claustrophobic. I proceeded to rent a three bedroom house in Mona and rented two of the rooms to students. Eventually, I eventually rented a four bedroom in Upper Hope Pastures and rented the rooms to students and one Doctor....I liked the idea of not having to pay rent. With this income, I was able to buy a truck to work on the road building project. This was managed by a friend. During this period, Selwyn Rocke and I jointly owned a car which we shared and commute to campus.
Life Highlights
v June 28th 2018: United Nations Population Award 2018 Individual Laureate
v 2016: Honourary " Doctor of Science" Degree (Honoris Causa) by the University of West Indies
v 2007: The Second Highest National Award of Antigua and Barbuda KGCN-The Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation- K.G.CN.
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