MORE students from the poorer class are enrolling at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus than in previous years, but this is not affecting the quality of graduates from the institution, according to the university's chancellor, Sir George Alleyne.

In 1983 the poor to lower-middle income groups accounted for 61 per cent of the new student enrolment. By 2003 the proportion of new students coming from these groups had grown to 75 per cent, Sir George told Saturday's graduation at the university's Mona campus.

Ten years ago 36 per cent of the university's graduates received first or upper-second class degrees. Today the figure is 40 per cent.

Sir George underscored the fact that in the last two decades the UWI has moved from being an institution of the privileged few to becoming a major instrument of upward social mobility in the Caribbean.

But Sir George later chided sections of the audience for screaming noisily as their loved ones received their certificates, saying that their behaviour was more suited to a football or basketball match.

In the third of three ceremonies on Saturday evening, Jamaican-Canadian billionaire Michael Lee Chin was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his achievements in business and philanthropy.

Lee Chin, in his address, attributed his success primarily to the values instilled in him by parents.

He also expressed optimism in Jamaica's future, saying the country was a land of phenomenal opportunity.

Thousands of family members and well-wishers braved the inclement weather to witness the ceremony.

Executive Class

Gardens with Gravel

Death to the Mullet!