THE University of the West Indies (The UWI) and University of Botswana (UB) last Thursday formalised a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in areas such as 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 larger effort to connect and explore new possibilities within the Caribbean Community.

During their visit the delegation participated in high-level collaborative meetings with senior management, led by Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Densil Williams, and Acting Deputy Principal Professor Marvin Reid.

“The UB and The UWI, despite the challenges with funding, were able to build fine universities that are ranked among the elite in the global academic community. This was not an effortless task, and was done through adroit partnerships and collaboration like what we are embarking on today. We will endeavour to make these partnerships work to the benefit of both institutions,” Professor Williams said.

Norris, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to Williams for accommodating the UB team and noted that “both institutions can work together to overcome common challenges that affect our societies today. We have almost similar structures and a lot of areas where we can work on together to solve big problems that governments and industry are not able to solve.”

The UB delegation also visited PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy where they held discussions with Patterson, statesman-in-residence, and other members of the team including Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, patron; Mickel Hylton, chief research officer; and Professor Paulette Ramsay, research fellow.

At that meeting the parties explored working together to address environment and cultural issues, while forging stronger economic ties.

The UB delegation sought to develop collaborations in areas such as media and cultural studies, tourism and hospitality management, and sports development, but came away from the consultation meetings with so much more. The delegation saw potential opportunities in the creative arts, trade and economic relations, climate change, food security, technology, and sports medicine, among other areas.

The five-year MOU will give teeth to discussions such as the ones had by Patterson and Norris. It will also give birth to the shared vision held by Williams and Norris to forge a stronger bond between The UWI and UB.