FOUR Jamaicans are among 13 honorees selected by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) for its 2026 graduation ceremonies.

The Jamaicans are former Cabinet minister Arnold Bertram for his contribution to Caribbean scholarship and public advocacy. He will receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD) while Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae artiste, singer, rapper, and producer Damian Marley will be honoured for his contribution to culture, and will receive a Doctor of Letters (DLitt).

In the meantime folklorist and performer Dawn Robinson-Spence — best known for her decades-long leadership of the Hertford Folk and Cultural Group, one of Jamaica’s premier traditional folk ensembles — will be honoured for her contribution to culture, and will receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD).

Meanwhile attorney-at-law and former president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Milton J Samuda will be honoured for his contribution to public service, advocacy and administration. He will also receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD)

According to The UWI, the award of these prestigious honorary degrees continues its long-standing tradition of celebrating the region’s most notable luminaries for their contributions to Caribbean life and development.

“This year’s awardees boast outstanding careers spanning journalism and media, ministry and community service, diplomacy, medicine, agricultural development, law and public service, culture, sport, and music,” The UWI said in a release.

Approved by the University Council, the honorary degrees will be conferred at The UWI’s 2026 graduation ceremonies carded to take place between October 10 and November 14, 2026.

Five Islands Campus – October 10

Arnold Bertram will be honoured for his contribution to Caribbean scholarship and public advocacy.

Don Rojas of St Vincent and the Grenadines for his contribution to Caribbean and American media – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

Thea LaFond of Dominica for her contribution to sport – Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Cave Hill Campus – October 17

Doug E Fresh of the United States of America for his contribution to the arts through hip hop music – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

Reverend Dr Lucille Onita Baird, MBE, JP, of Barbados for her contribution to the church, community leadership and social commentary – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

St Augustine Campus – October 22 to 24

Ambassador Colin Granderson of Trinidad and Tobago for his work in diplomacy – Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Professor Shaneeta Johnson of The Bahamas for her contribution to the development of surgical sciences and health care – Doctor of Science (DSc)

Winston R Rudder of Trinidad and Tobago for his contribution to agricultural development, public service, food and sustainable development – Doctor of Science (DSc)

Milton J Samuda will be honoured for his contribution to public service, advocacy and administration

Mona Campus – November 5 to 7

Arnold Bertram of Jamaica for his contribution to Caribbean scholarship and public advocacy – Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Damian Marley of Jamaica for his contribution to culture – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

Dawn Robinson-Spence of Jamaica for her contribution to culture – Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Milton J Samuda of Jamaica for public service, advocacy and administration – Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Global Campus – November 14

Melvin L Claxton of Antigua and Barbuda for his contribution to journalism – Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

René Baptiste CMG of St Vincent and the Grenadines for her contribution to governance, law and culture – Doctor of Laws (LLD)