The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and the University of Botswana (UB) formalized a partnership last Thursday through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in research, governance, academic publications, student and staff exchanges, and teaching and learning.
A six-member delegation from UB, led by Vice Chancellor Professor David Norris, visited the Mona campus from May 16 to 17, 2024, as part of a broader effort to connect with the Caribbean Community and explore new collaborative opportunities.
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During their visit, the delegation engaged in high-level meetings with senior management, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Densil Williams and Acting Deputy Principal Professor Marvin Reid.
In his remarks, Norris expressed gratitude to Williams for hosting the UB team and emphasized that “both institutions can collaborate to overcome common challenges affecting our societies today. We share similar structures and have many areas where we can work together to address significant problems that governments and industries struggle to solve.”
The UB delegation also visited the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy, where they held discussions with statesman-in-residence PJ Patterson and other team members, including Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, patron; Mickel Hylton, chief research officer; and Professor Paulette Ramsay, research fellow.
During the meeting, the parties explored joint efforts to address environmental and cultural issues while strengthening economic ties. The UB delegation aimed to develop collaborations in media and cultural studies, tourism and hospitality management, and sports development but also identified additional potential opportunities in creative arts, trade and economic relations, climate change, food security, technology, and sports medicine.
The five-year MOU will solidify discussions like those between Patterson and Norris and bring to life the shared vision of Williams and Norris for a stronger bond between The UWI and UB.
