"One UWI, One Alumni Family" 

On Saturday, Feb 25, 2023, at the request of the Director of Alumni Relations, the UWI Museum Curator, Dr. Shani Roper, graciously accommodated a visit by Mr. John Sherlock and Dr. Hilary Sherlock, the children of the late Sir Philip Sherlock who was a member of the Irvine Commission, which conceived the University College of the West Indies in 1945. John was accompanied by his wife, Babette. They were delighted to visit the UWI Museum in the UWI's 75th Anniversary year and shared several tales of their childhood at The UWI, living in Irvine Hall and exploring the campus, much to the delight of Dr. Roper and Mrs. Davidson Francis. 

One in particular story caught Dr. Roper's interest, as they were able to let her know that it was their dogs (Lassie and Nelly) who started the fight over the train of the first UWI Chancellor's robe which was reported in the Gleaner in 1958 as follows: 

“During the opening ceremony of Mary Seacole Hall on Tuesday, February 25, 1958, four dogs created a scene by fighting over the train of Chancellor Princess Alice’s ceremonial robe. According to a Gleaner report, whilst awaiting the arrival of Governor General, Lord Hailes and his wife, a hound and a terrier developed an interest in the Chancellor’s train and started fighting over its possession. Two mongrels on site caught wind of what was going on and decided to join the disturbance. In an effort to rescue the Princess’ train, some UCWI officials including the then Vice-Chancellor, Sir Arthur Lewis, and Principal Dr. Walter Grave tried to fend off the dogs but their efforts were futile. It was a police constable who valiantly saved the Princess’ train from the presumptuous beasts.”

As you probably know, Sir Philip Sherlock's signal contribution was the introduction of Extra Mural Studies at the University. This department helped to transform continuing adult education by providing access to certification for individuals who needed to work and study.

Dr. Hilary Grace Sherlock, Principal of the STEP Centre, in Kingston, Jamaica, was made an Honorary Graduate of The UWI at Mona in 2020 for her work in Special Disabilities Education and was conferred with a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. Retired airline pilot, John Sherlock, flew for BWIA for 40 years. He has lived in Trinidad for over 45 years and is married to Trinidadian, Babette (née Rodriguez). Interestingly, their younger brother, Chris was also a pilot and flew for Air Jamaica.

Both Hilary and John will be sharing more information with Dr. Roper and they will be interviewed by the Director of Alumni Relations for Pelican Talks - so look out for more fascinating tales from UWI's early days.