UWI Five Islands Campus honours top academic performers

The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has recognised dozens of students across its four schools for outstanding academic performance during the first semester of the 2025-2026 academic year, with honourees named to both the Honour Roll and the more prestigious Principal’s List.

The ceremony, which brought together staff, students and well-wishers both in person and with more than 100 participants online, was delivered by Campus Registrar Dr Camille Samuel on behalf of Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson.
Samuel told the gathering that the recognition reflects a deliberate institutional focus on student success and targeted intervention.

“This evening’s ceremony is about recognising your academic excellence. We know that you have chosen to focus over being engaged by disruption,” she said.

She emphasised that the campus uses its technological platform to monitor individual student progress closely and reviews every student profile to ensure student retention and performance.

The awards were structured across two categories.

The Honour Roll recognises students who achieved a top-tier grade point average during the semester under review, while the Principal’s List honours those who have maintained top-tier grade point averages throughout their entire programme.

Samuel used the occasion to challenge those recognised to look beyond individual achievement.

“You come from a tradition of celebrating excellence. In higher education, centuries ago, it was well understood that you must name it, record it, and celebrate it,” she said.

She added that the institution’s mandate extends beyond technical competence.

“It is our intent to produce persons who are committed to community development, who are ethically grounded, and who understand that there’s a world that requires their services,” Samuel told the audience.

The Campus Registrar also issued a direct charge to the honourees about the nature of achievement beyond graduation.

“We will be releasing you into a world that does not reward potential. It rewards execution,” she said, urging students to treat the recognition as an opportunity to refine their craft rather than a final destination.