The University of the West Indies (The UWI) brought the warmth of the Caribbean to London with its staging of the inaugural UWI London Benefit Dinner on Saturday, November 16 at the Lincoln’s Inn, where Sir Lenny Henry, Baroness Floella Benjamin and Lord Simon Woolley were among those honoured.

Held under the patronage of music composer, conductor and violinist, Professor Dr Shirley Thompson, OBE, the black-tie event was an incredible evening of splendour.

“The University is deeply appreciative of the tremendous support received in London for this historic occasion. There is much for The University to celebrate in London as it was founded over 76 years ago as a College in special relationship with the University College of London with 33 medical students at one campus in Kingston, Jamaica. Today The UWI has an enrolment of over 50,000 students across five campuses. We are #1 in the Caribbean and in the top 3 per cent globally,” said Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor of The UWI.

The theme of the event this year was ‘Educate to Elevate’. All funds generated will be awarded in postgraduate scholarships to students involved in Climate Research and Social Environment Government research. Climate change is an existential threat to the Caribbean and The UWI is working assiduously to mitigate its deleterious effects on the region.