Premier of Anguilla Cora Richardson Hodge underscored the critical role of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in shaping national and regional development.

Hodge was speaking at the opening ceremony of the UWI biennial technical advisory committee (TAC) meetings on March 3.

At the hybrid two-day event hosted by the Government of Anguilla, she emphasised the significance of the meeting.

“The decisions taken in this forum affect national capacity, regional competitiveness and the future.” Reflecting on the realities facing small island states, she noted, “We understand clearly that small does not mean insignificant,” highlighting the pressures of economic uncertainty, climate vulnerability and rapid technological change.

She accentuated that “our response has always been regional cooperation.”

Premier Hodge also underscored that the sustainability of The UWI depends on its partners’ commitment. She stressed that “member states must honour their financial obligations,” noting that delays or reductions affect staffing, student support, programme quality and innovation. Her address concluded with a call for sound, evidence-based decision-making.

Anguillan Education Minister Shellya Rogers Webster built on the premier’s remarks by emphasising the value of the UWI’s work and the impact of its partnership with Anguilla.

For a small island state such as Anguilla, Rogers Webster noted, “education is central to our sustainability and competitiveness,” highlighting that the partnership with the UWI ensures Anguillan students benefit from regional excellence while contributing meaningfully to the wider Caribbean’s intellectual capital.

She reminded participants of the importance of their work: “The outcomes of your work will help shape institutions, inform policy and influence generations of students, now and always.”

Reaffirming these endorsements from Anguilla’s leadership, Vice‑Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, noted that the university remains fundamentally strong and continues to excel globally.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Beckles described the TAC meetings as a high point of his annual management engagement, offering a platform to engage with the principal investors and stakeholders of the institution.

“It allows us to share insights into the impact of their investment in the university, and to speak transparently about our processes of accountability and governance.”

He declared that “the state of the University of the West Indies is very strong,” adding that its reputation “has never been greater.” He pointed to a significant international benchmark: “our 2026 ranking by Times Higher Education, which places us in the top 3.6 per cent of universities worldwide.”

Speaking to how the institution continues to excel despite regional economic challenges, the vice‑chancellor credited both the contributing governments and the university’s management team. He noted that UWI is in a unique position and remains committed to maintaining its reputation while strategically managing its resources to provide high-quality education to students across the Caribbean.

This, he stated, is a commitment undertaken “on behalf of the people of the Caribbean, because we know that the people of the Caribbean deserve to have a first-class university.”

Dr Bonnie Richardson Lake, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, in welcoming meeting delegates on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, described the TAC process as a vital mechanism that aligns UWI’s resources with its mission, strategic priorities and the needs of Caribbean societies.

She noted that “in a region where every investment must count, these discussions matter.” She urged participants to keep the University’s transformational role at the centre of their deliberations.

The TAC meetings bring together permanent secretaries and senior government officials from the 17 contributing countries that support UWI to review the 2026–2028 budget estimates for all campuses and university entities. Their deliberations will inform the recommendations forwarded to the campus and university grants committees, which ultimately guide budget approvals and support UWI’s financial sustainability and regional mandate.