Guardian ( Trinidad and Tobago )
14 May 2023 ( Page 5 )
PM Rowley receives honorary doctorate from Howard University
STORIES BY RISHARD KHAN - REPORTER
RISHARD.KHAN@GUARDIAN.CO.TT
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was among names like US President Joe
Biden receiving Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Howard University
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley receives an honorary Doctor of Letters
from Howard University during the institution’s 155th Commencement
Convocation Ceremony yesterday.
PICTURE PM FACEBOOK PAGE
yesterday.
Presenting the Prime Minister for his award of Doctor of Letters, the
president of the University, Trinidadian-born Wayne A I Fredrick, listed
among Dr Rowley’s achievements the improvement of roads, increasing
economic growth, and increasing education funding and repairs in T&T.
“The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has experienced welcomed growth.
Government policies implemented to promote diversification, investments,
and tax incentives for small businesses have increased the rate of economic
growth. Energy reforms are also at the heart of your goals. The national gas
master plan promotes renewable energy sources to lessen the country’s
dependence on fossil fuels and encourages private investment to explore new
gas and oil resources,” Frederick said.
“During your tenure, quality education has also been a strong priority with
increased school funding as well as more opportunities for vocational
training.
Under the school improvement project, you renovated and upgraded
facilities nationwide. Likewise, the number of community centres has
expanded with a number of projects within the Diego Martin community you
represent and such centres are crucial to the lifeblood of the citizens with
more than 40 opened throughout the country since your first term in office.”
“Infrastructure and healthcare have been central to the well-being of your
constituents with improved roads, better access to transportation, upgraded
water and sewerage systems and expanded medical care.”
Frederick also described the Prime Minister’s handling of the COVID-19
pandemic as “exemplary” for “saving lives and reducing the overall spread
as much as possible thanks to your quick and decisive actions.”
Apart from his academic achievements, Dr Rowley was also commended for
increasing the partnership between T&T and the United States in areas of
mutual benefit like security, energy, education, agriculture, and the arts.
Frederick also commented on Dr Rowley’s efforts to foster regional
integration among Caribbean countries like Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana.
These achievements, among others, Frederick said, are why the Prime
Minister was chosen for the Honorary Degree.
“Dr Keith Christopher Rowley, we proudly name you a beloved son of the
capstone. Your steadfast progressive activism, visionary, purposeful
dedication, and passionate commitment to humanity are the hallmarks that
have marked your phenomenal servant leadership of the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago. Howard University celebrates your living legacy of achievement
and applauds you as a shining example of our cherished core values;
leadership, excellence, truth, and service,” Frederick said.
According to Frederick, Dr Rowley encouraged him to create the Eric
Williams Endowed Chair at the University in Caribbean Studies. He said it
was something he would continue to pursue after he retires.
US President Joe Biden also received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters
yesterday as he delivered the commencement address. He too thanked Dr
Rowley for his efforts.
“Prime Minister, I didn’t know you were so talented ... we’ve got to talk,” he
said.
“All kidding aside, thank you for being a strong partner in the Caribbean and
addressing climate change, and supporting democracies across the Western
Hemisphere.”
Also receiving accolades were US Congressman James E Clyburn, education
benefactors Martha and Bruce A Karsh, health sciences trailblazer A Eugene
Washington, and corporate director Benaree Pratt Wiley.
Photo: Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley receives an honorary Doctor of Letters
from Howard University during the institution’s 155th Commencement
Convocation Ceremony yesterday.
PICTURE PM FACEBOOK PAGE