News

Environmental researchers will receive much-needed financial support following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Harris Paints, and its Chairman and President, Robert L. Jones. The money will support teaching and research at the campus’ Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES). 

 

Under the agreement, Harris Paints and Robert L. Jones will provide US $10,000 each on an annual basis to students enrolled at CERMES, to support scholarships and environmental-related research. The funds will be made available through the Robert L. Jones, Harris Paints Environmental Grant. 

 

Principal of The UWI Cave Hill Campus, Professor Clive Landis, welcomed the new partnership, saying it will contribute to the promotion of environmental sustainability.  

 

“This linkage will facilitate not only theoretical research, but also the translation of that research for the innovation and applied solutions to the problems faced by Caribbean communities and businesses,” Landis said at a signing ceremony on Wednesday, June 21.    

 

Chief Executive Officer of Harris Paints, Ian Kenyon, noted that the partnership with CERMES heralds a new dawn for the company.  

 

“It will help students right across the region, not just in Barbados, make a contribution to improving the world we live in by allowing them to express their ideas in a way that would not have been possible without the help of the grant,” he stated.  

 

Chairman and President of Harris Paints, Robert L. Jones, said the agreement was timely, given the growing concerns about the impact of climate change on Barbados and other small island developing states.  

 

“Individual responsibility can and will make a difference.  Education and knowledge are essential. I can think of no better partner than CERMES to lead this initiative.  They have well established and internationally recognised leadership credentials.  In addition, they provide a broad academic programme which encompasses students from an impressive number of countries.”  

 

Director of CERMES, Dr David Yawson, expressed gratitude for the support, stating it will contribute to much needed funding for environmental research.  

 

“Harris Paints & Mr. Robert Jones chose the right path, education, to support environmental sustainability efforts in the Caribbean. By so doing, and through this grant, Harris Paints and Mr. Robert Jones have openly responded to a key question and requirement of sustainability: verifiable interest and efforts,” Yawson said.