April 21 2016 marks the 90th birthday of the Monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and Visitor of The University of the West Indies, HM Queen Elizabeth II .  The University of the West Indies enjoys a special relationship with the British Crown, a bond stipulated in the Royal Charter of the University.

Article Six (6) of the 1972 Royal Charter provides that Monarch, her heirs and successors, has “Visitorial Authority”, and shall be regarded as Visitor of the University. In exercising this authority, The Monarch, her heirs and successors, can “inspect the University, its buildings, laboratories and general work, equipment and also the examination, teaching and other activities of the University” from time to time.

Her Majesty, with HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as well as several other members of the Royal Family, have visited The University of the West Indies on several occasions. A perusal of The UWI’s (Vice Chancellor’s) Visitors’ Book bears testament to these visits, last such visit was in 2012, as part of the Jubilee Celebrations.  Queen Elizabeth’s first visit to the Mona Campus was in 1953, during her maiden tour of the Commonwealth.

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Best wishes to The Visitor!