The University of the West Indies Global Campus will bestow one of its highest honors upon Sir Calixte George, a revered Saint Lucian agronomist and statesman, during its virtual commencement exercises scheduled for January 10, 2025. The ceremony will confer the honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his transformative contributions to agricultural science, regional development, and public service throughout the Caribbean region.
Originally planned for November 2025, the graduation event was rescheduled due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. While recovery efforts continue in parts of Jamaica, the university will proceed with celebrating graduates across the Caribbean basin.
Sir Calixte’s distinguished career encompasses over sixty years of pioneering work that fundamentally reshaped the region’s agricultural landscape. As one of the earliest graduates of UWI’s St. Augustine campus, he revolutionized farming practices through advanced research and comprehensive training programs throughout the Windward Islands. His leadership extended to directing the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), where he engineered modernization initiatives for the banana industry through the West Indies Banana Development and Exporting Company.
Beyond agricultural innovation, Sir Calixte championed workers’ rights, securing landmark improvements for civil servants, and occupied multiple high-level government positions including Senate President, Leader of Government Business, and ministerial roles across various portfolios. His visionary governance included spearheading telecommunications liberalization within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and serving as the inaugural chairman of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority.
Knighted as a Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia, Sir Calixte remains active in scholarly writing and professional mentorship. Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI Global Campus, praised the honoree as “an authentic Eastern and Pan-Caribbean public servant” whose lifetime of work embodies selfless dedication and exceptional service to the region.