The University of the West Indies Global Campus will convene its virtual commencement ceremony on January 10, 2026, celebrating the achievements of the graduating class of 2025. Originally planned for November 8, 2025, the event was rescheduled due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating path through the region.
In a special tribute, the institution will confer an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Sir Calixte George, a distinguished Saint Lucian whose multifaceted career has left an indelible mark on Caribbean development. The honorary recognition celebrates Sir Calixte’s extraordinary contributions across agriculture, education, scientific research, and regional leadership spanning over six decades.
Sir Calixte’s academic journey began with a scholarship to St. Mary’s College in 1952, where he later returned as a junior science teacher. His educational path led him to the University College of the West Indies in St. Augustine, where he graduated among the first cohort in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Reading in 1966.
His professional career commenced within Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, where he advanced to Chief Research Officer and Acting Chief Agricultural Officer. Sir Calixte later joined the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), eventually rising to Executive Director. His visionary leadership transformed the regional banana industry through his role as Managing Director of the Saint Lucia Banana Growers’ Association, where he engineered the transition of WINBAN into WIBDECO, modernizing exports and securing new international contracts.
Beyond agriculture, Sir Calixte championed workers’ rights as President of the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association, securing historic salary increases for civil servants. His political career included serving as President of the Senate (1979-1982) and Leader of Government Business in the Senate (1997-2006), during which he held multiple ministerial portfolios including Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry; Communications, Works, Transport & Public Utilities; and Home Affairs & National Security.
Among his most significant regional achievements, Sir Calixte pioneered the liberalization of the OECS telecommunications sector, establishing the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) where he served as founding Chair.
Despite hurricane-related disruptions that may prevent some Jamaican graduates from participating, the university extends its heartfelt congratulations to all graduands and particularly honors Sir Calixte’s lifetime of service. Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Global Campus, praised Sir Calixte as “an authentic Eastern and Pan-Caribbean public servant” whose dedication exemplifies the region’s unsung heroes.
Even in retirement, Sir Calixte remains actively engaged in regional development through writing and mentorship. His published works include a comprehensive history of his alma mater, and he is currently compiling his autobiography detailing his remarkable career.