Top regional and international educators joined local government officials and other public and private sector representatives in showering praise on theAnguillaCommunity Collegefor its role on the island as a tertiary institution, and for having its first President, Professor Delroy Louden, formally installed.
The ceremonial occasion was the installation of Professor Louden at a special service atSt. Augustine’s Anglican Church,East End. The colourful and memorable event attracted invited a number of guests from abroad, including professional colleagues of Professor Loudon, other academics, as well as a number of his family members from his nativeJamaica.
The installation ceremony, with all the regalia and other trappings, seen at similar functions at international universities and colleges, was witnessed by a capacity congregation at the Church, swelled by the large delegation from various parts of the Caribbean and theUnited States.
The service commenced with a processional entry led by Chief Marshal for the event, Constable Ralph Johnson, a member of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, who carried the mace; a trumpet overture and a presentation of flags. During the first part of the service the invocation was delivered by the Rt. Reverend Errol Brooks. A salute to theAnguillaCommunity College, in song, was presented by the Combined Choir of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. The Scripture Reading was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Gifford Louden, ofJamaica(Professor Louden’s brother).
The 3-hour service continued with greetings from many persons. (Their detailed and complimentary remarks both about the academic prowess and work of Professor Loudon, and the importance of theAnguillaCommunity College, cannot be reproduced in this report due to space limitations.)
Those who delivered greetings included Governor Alistair Harrison; Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes; Minister of Social Development, Edison Baird (represented by Education Officer, Veda Harrigan); Senator A. J. Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Jamaica; Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs, St. Maarten; Professor John Chikwem, Dean, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania; and Professor Robert Beck, Chief Executive/Medical Director, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Pennsylvania.
Others who gave greetings were Professor Vivienne Roberts, on behalf of Professor Hazel Simmonds McDonald, Vice Chancellor, UWI Open Campus, Barbados; Dr. Angela Samuels-Harrison, President, Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutes; Mr. Cebert Adamson on behalf of the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica; Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks on behalf of the Faculty and Students of the Anguilla Community College; and a brief address by Professor Gossett Oliver on behalf of Professor Errol Morrison, President, University of Technology, Jamaica.
The announcement of the installation of Professor Louden (who was robed during the proceedings), as the first President of the Anguilla Community College, was made by Mrs. Rhona Richardson-Roydon, Chairperson of the Board of Governors.
Dr. Louden, a former Professor and Principal Investigator atLincoln University,Pennsylvania, and a co-Investigator at the National Cancer Institute, also inPennsylvania, assumed the post of President of theAnguillaCommunity Collegein May 2010.
He said, in part, in his address: “For us at theAnguillaCommunity College, the challenge is to create our unique identity as a college that is different in our academic offerings, rather than simply replicating what is currently being offered in the region. We will establish essential linkages and collaborations with regional and international institutions. We have no intentions of re-inventing the wheel.”
Professor Louden stressed that, in its pursuit of knowledge, the Community College was “committed to educating and training and upgrading the skills of present and future generations of Anguillians and others.” He said the aim was to enable them to “become caring, thoughtful and considerate citizens who will show their humanity and engagement not only at home but in the global sphere.”
He observed that the signature goal of his Presidency would be creating linkages and collaborations. “I will work steadfastly with our regional and international partners to develop, strengthen, and enhance, our Academic, Vocational and Technical programmes,” he pledged. “Our sustainability plan will be comprehensive – conceptualizing the College in the context of its community and the interest of our regional neighbours.”
Professor Louden’s address was followed by a rendition by the Anguilla Methodist Circuit Men’s Choir. The Benediction was proclaimed by Pastor Phillip Gumbs of theChurchofGod(Holiness), after which the Chief Marshal led the procession from the Church, ending the service and ceremonial installation.
