There was a quiet sense of triumph inside the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church on Thursday, 12th March 2026, as the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Anguilla hosted its long-awaited Recognition of Graduates Ceremony for the Class of 2025. Beneath the theme, “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” the afternoon unfolded as both a celebration and a reflection of endurance, following months of delay caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Thirty undergraduate and four postgraduate students were formally recognised, surrounded by proud families, faculty, and national leaders including Hon. Ministers Shellya Rogers-Webster and Cardigan Connor, Hon. Deputy Governor Perin Bradley, and Permanent Secretary Bonnie Richardson-Lake.
In her opening remarks, President of the UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA) Ms. Marva Smith described the occasion as not just a university milestone but “a win and accomplishment for the entire Anguilla community.” She underscored that the graduates’ achievements were rooted in sacrifice, perseverance and faith.
Smith also highlighted a notable milestone for Anguilla, with the Class of 2025 recording its highest number of male graduates—six in total. Her message moved seamlessly into the broader purpose of the university, reminding graduates that as Pelicans, they now carry a responsibility to “shine” and to embody the institution’s values in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
That sense of shared purpose was echoed in an introductory greeting from Manager British Overseas Territories UWI Global Campus Dr. Beverly Shirley, delivered by Ms Caledah Hull, which placed partnerships at the centre of the university’s mission. Dr. Shirley emphasised that collaboration between the university and its partners strengthens access to education and secures a brighter future for Anguilla and the wider Caribbean. She praised the graduates’ tenacity, urging them to move forward with humility, initiative, and a commitment to service, reinforcing Smith’s call for graduates to become active agents of change.
Hon. Deputy Governor Perin Bradley extended those sentiments, grounding them within Anguilla’s national development. Congratulating the Class of 2025, he acknowledged the discipline required to reach this milestone and drew attention to the ceremony’s theme, noting the importance of evolving alongside technological change. He connected this directly to public sector reform efforts in Anguilla, highlighting the need for innovation balanced with professionalism and integrity. He also pointed out that 16 of the graduates are public servants, a reminder of the enduring relationship between UWI and the development of Anguilla’s public service.
The ceremony reached its most anticipated moment as diplomas were presented by Mr. Stanley Reid, Ms. Marva Smith and Ms. Arlene Browne-Richardson. As graduates crossed the stage to receive their credentials, Ms. Browne-Richardson reflected on the academic tradition of the university, explaining that such recognition marks advancement within a scholarly community committed to learning and intellectual growth.
With the formalities complete, the atmosphere shifted to one of shared reflection as most outstanding student, Ms. Laurelei Fraser delivered the graduate response. Her address was both candid and compelling, inviting fellow graduates to relive the realities of their journey — late nights, missed deadlines, technological setbacks, and moments of doubt.
Fraser’s interactive style drew laughter and agreement as she posed pointed questions about the student experience, from last-minute submissions to sleepless nights. Yet beneath the humour lay a powerful narrative of resilience. She reflected on regional disruptions, including the February 2023 subsea fibre break and the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, emphasising that adaptability had been essential to their success.
Her message resonated deeply with the ceremony’s theme, as she reminded her peers that while technology continues to transform the world, it is human qualities — determination, integrity, and empathy — that will ultimately define their impact. In doing so, she echoed the earlier sentiments of Smith, Shirley and Bradley, tying together the evening’s central message of balancing innovation with enduring values.
Earlier the Hon. Minister of Education Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster described the ceremony as a proud and significant moment for Anguilla, made even more meaningful by the challenges that had delayed it. Like Fraser, she looked ahead, expressing confidence that the graduates would contribute meaningfully to Anguilla and the wider region.
Finally, Ms. Hull led the graduates in reciting the alumni pledge, as they committed themselves to upholding the ideals of the university and contributing to the advancement of their communities and region.
As the Class of 2025 stood together — now formally inducted as Pelicans — the ceremony closed not simply as a recognition of academic success, but as a powerful statement of resilience, unity, and readiness to navigate a future where tradition and innovation meet.
By Janissa Fleming
