News Release issued November17,2008
“60” The Gala, The University of the West Indies’ Black-Tie Fundraising Dinner has already attracted financial support to the tune of over TT$3M. This was announced at the media launch for “60” The Gala this morning (November 17th, 2008) at the Office of the Campus Principal, UWI St. Augustine.
“60” The Gala, the climactic conclusion to the University’s yearlong 60th Anniversary celebrations, is a red carpet affair to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on December 12th, 2008 under the patronage of His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and former UWI St Augustine Campus Principal.
The media launch of “60” The Gala was chaired by Professor Gurmohan Kochhar, Chair of the Gala Black Tie Fundraising Dinner Committee. Professor Kochhar urged all the University’s stakeholders to renew and strengthen their relationships with the longstanding regional institution.
To date, four major corporate sponsors have responded to the University’s urgent call and have been officially recognised as Diamond Sponsors. They are Petrotrin, National Gas Company (NGC) Western Scientific and BP Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr. Arnold Corneal, Manager of Corporate Communications, Petrotrin, praised the University for “service unequalled in the educational fraternity” and commented on UWI’s impact on the local and regional landscape in the field of education. Mr. Corneal also pledged Petrotrin’s lifelong partnership with The University of the West Indies, asserting that The University had earned the company’s respect and support.
Ms Jeannette Elias, Manager of Corporate Communications, NGC, also extended congratulations to the University on achieving this significant milestone in their institutional history, and gave her company’s commitment to education at all levels.
Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat noted that, “60” The Gala “sets the stage for stronger partnerships between The University, our regional governments, the leaders of business and industry in the Caribbean, and all our Alumni spread across the Caribbean Diaspora.” His address closed with a final appeal to government, business, industry, alumni and staff to continue to support The University by patronising the Gala event.
Mr. James Richardson, President of the UWI Alumni Association (Trinidad and Tobago Chapter) urged all present to “consider the possibility that in our lifetime, there will be no greater opportunity than this to join The University in demonstrating unflinching dedication to the advancement of our peoples, our nations, and our region as a whole.”
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Dawn- Marie De Four-Gill, University Director of Marketing and Communications, acknowledged the support offered by corporate Trinidad and Tobago.
For more information about the Gala Fundraising Black Tie Dinner, please contact the Local Organising Committee at uwi60staugustine@sta.uwi.edu or (868) 662-2002 Ext. 3635.
