Lyndon Gardiner, the visionary Founder and Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, was conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree by The University of the West Indies (UWI) during a prestigious graduation ceremony at the Cave Hill Campus on October 18, 2025. This accolade recognizes Gardiner’s groundbreaking impact on the aviation sector and his unwavering commitment to fostering regional development across the Caribbean. The honor celebrates his three-decade-long leadership in building the Caribbean’s largest privately owned airline network, which has significantly enhanced connectivity and community growth. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Gardiner reflected on his journey, stating, ‘This recognition is deeply humbling. My dream was to connect our islands and make travel accessible to all, and today, that dream thrives through the dedication of our interCaribbean family.’ The UWI Council lauded Gardiner’s rise from modest beginnings in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, to transforming interCaribbean Airways into a regional powerhouse servicing 27 destinations across 17 countries. His bold leadership during the 2020 pandemic, when he expanded operations into seven new countries while competitors scaled back, was particularly commended. Beyond his business achievements, Gardiner’s philanthropic efforts were highlighted, including the establishment of the Manville Gardiner Memorial Scholarship, which supports Caribbean students pursuing aviation careers, and his collaborations with the World Pediatric Project for medical transport. The ceremony also celebrated his contributions to youth mentorship and disaster relief. Accompanied by family and colleagues, Gardiner’s recognition underscores his enduring legacy of innovation and community care. Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean Airways, remarked, ‘Lyndon’s story embodies the Caribbean spirit of determination and unity.’ The 2025 UWI graduation honored eleven distinguished individuals, with Gardiner being one of two celebrated at the Cave Hill Campus. Since its founding in 1992, interCaribbean Airways has grown into the Caribbean’s most extensive air transport network, employing hundreds and operating a modern fleet of over 20 aircraft.