Ms. Marva Smith, an enthusiastic advocate for voluntary assistance, has embraced an exciting new role as the Games Committee Chair of the Regional Guild Executive within The UWI Global Campus. This appointment came as a result of a regional bi-election held in June 2023 and promises to be a remarkable opportunity to acquire and develop fresh leadership skills that will not only prepare Ms. Smith to serve her local and regional student community with excellence, but also shape a promising future.
This appointment was marked by a Regional Executive Retreat and Induction Ceremony where Ms. Smith received the opportunity to travel to The University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters in Mona, Jamaica in July 2023. This transformative experience saw the coming together of students from various islands and territories across the region who had the privilege of staying in student accommodations – a unique experience given their status as online students, for whom such an opportunity would typically be out of reach.
Over the course of the five-day period, these student leaders engaged in a variety of preparatory sessions which would serve to develop their leadership capacity for the upcoming academic year.
The Retreat commenced with a thought-provoking Leadership Seminar hosted by the esteemed past Principal of The UWI Global Campus (formerly Open Campus), Dr. Luz Longsworth, aptly titled “Navigating Leadership”. Dr. Longsworth shared profound insights, emphasising that “Leadership is intentional; you have to study it.” The seminar left attendees thirsting for more, with Dr. Longsworth’s wisdom promising to be a guiding force in their leadership journeys.
The second day was a momentous occasion – the induction ceremony – was greeted with cheers from Guild Office Manager, Mrs. Nickel Abraham who also served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event witnessed the participation of prominent figures throughout The UWI, including The UWI Global Campus Registrar, Ms. Althea Gordon. Special remarks were delivered by Dr. Emily Dick-Forde, Deputy Principal of the Global Campus, on behalf of Dr. Francis Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Global Campus. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Timothy Roper, Faculty of Law Representative from The UWI Cave Hill Guild of Students Executive. The event also featured a musical selection by Mr. Mickel Besson, President of the Cave Hill Guild of Students Executive, culminating in the presentation of certificates by Mrs. Alecia Walters-Archie, Assistant Registrar, Student Support and Services.
The third day saw the provision of a platform for all participants to present their portfolios, share their perspectives, and explore collaborative ways to fortify the Guild Executives’ tenure for Academic Year 2023/2024 – a vital step toward achieving a more unified and effective leadership team and wider student community.
The fourth and final day saw the conclusion of this retreat with a meeting with the Campus Registrar to deliberate on the planning for the Guild Calendar of Events, the special Annual General Meeting, and the Revision and Completion of the Global Budget. These discussions were pivotal in shaping the organisation’s future direction.
The retreat proved imperative, fostering a deeper understanding of participants’ personalities and cultures, while providing the privilege of connecting with peers on a profound and personal level. Ms. Smith expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Regional Guild Retreat in Jamaica.
The Guild of Students is a student association comprising all registered students of The University of the West Indies. All registered students of the UWI are automatically members of the Guild of Students and if desired, can serve on their local Chapter Executive. Its Regional Executive Body, otherwise referred to as The Guild Council, comprises nominated Chapter Chairs which hail from the various territories where The UWI Global Campus holds a presence. The Guild Council is the recognised means through which communication between the students as a body, and the authorities of the university takes place. Toward the end of each Academic Year, students are elected by the rest of the student body to serve on the Guild Council.
For more information about the UWI Global Campus Anguilla Guild of Students and its initiatives, please visit www.linktr.ee/UWIGC_GOS_AXA
