Kadeem Charles, a first-class honours graduate in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science, was named valedictorian of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus Class of 2025. In his valedictory address, Charles shared his journey of resilience and called on his peers to responsibly navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking under the theme “Pelicans in an AI-Driven Future: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” Charles recounted the challenges he faced during his academic journey, including moments when he nearly dropped out. “There were at least three occasions when I almost left university,” he said. “But faith, support from lecturers and colleagues, and the belief in a brighter tomorrow kept me going.”
Charles credited his passion for gaming as the spark that ignited his love for technology, leading him to his current role as a fraud analyst. “This experience showed me how the skills I gained at UWI could address real-world problems in an AI-powered era,” he explained.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Charles revealed that he almost lost his scholarship in his first year. “It was a humbling moment filled with self-doubt,” he admitted. “But I realized the only comparison worth making was to my own progress. I studied smarter, worked harder, and moved forward.”
Beyond academics, Charles emphasized the lessons of resilience, teamwork, and creativity he gained at UWI Five Islands. “The university gave me resilience when I wanted to quit, lifelong friends, and opportunities I couldn’t have created alone,” he said. He fondly recalled late-night hackathons, volleyball matches, and student club activities as formative experiences.
Charles also addressed the transformative potential of AI, highlighting its applications in healthcare, disaster prediction, and beyond. “AI will reshape work, business, and creativity,” he noted. “But it also raises critical issues like privacy, job displacement, and over-reliance on machines. These are not just global concerns—they are Caribbean issues too.”
He urged graduates to lead with ethics and empathy, ensuring technology serves humanity rather than the reverse. “While AI may shape our tools, it is our resilience, community, and creativity that define us,” he asserted.
In closing, Charles expressed gratitude to his family, lecturers, and classmates, particularly mentioning Saskia. “To God, our families, lecturers, and my fellow graduates—thank you. I wouldn’t be here without you,” he said. “Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Let us continue to rise together.”
The 2025 graduation ceremony highlighted UWI Five Islands’ growing role in nurturing the Caribbean’s next generation of innovators and leaders. Charles’s speech, blending gratitude and determination, encapsulated the optimism of a class ready to embrace an AI-driven future.