A St Mary's College old boy from Diego Martin is now heading one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the US– Howard University. Wayne Frederick is one in a long line of scholars from T&T who attended the historically Black university. T&T's first prime minister Dr Eric Williams, Pan African activist Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) and former T&T national football captain Shaka Hislop all studied at the Washington DC college.
In an interview with the T&T Guardian shortly after being announced as interim president in 2013, Frederick spoke of his love for Howard University, "The things about it that I love are its mission and its motto: truth and service. Howard (University) has influenced not just the US, but the African Diaspora in a major way," he said.
Frederick was inaugurated on March 6, but unfortunately, President Anthony Carmona who was invited, was unable to attend. President Carmona him on June 17. Today we publish an excerpt of the speech President Carmona delivered.
"I am very much aware of your exemplary achievements as a scholar, surgeon, researcher and administrator, but most significantly, of your relentless commitment to the service of your fellow man, the under-represented, the voiceless and the underprivileged. The contributions you have made to your varying fields of endeavour have been exceptional and Howard University is indeed very privileged to be led by someone of your calibre, pedigree and dedication. That you were appointed President of Howard University by unanimous vote of the Presidential Search Committee, is testament to the high esteem with which you are regarded by your peers. As President of the Republic of T&T, I can say without reservation that our indomitable sense of pride for you runs deep, as we join in celebrating this momentous occasion of your elevation and inauguration as Howard University's 17th President.
"It is admirable that though many of your achievements have been accomplished beyond our shores, you have never forgotten us and you continue to maintain strong bonds to your homeland. By your perseverance and consequent success, you have sent us an eternal message of the results of hard work, sacrifice and commitment. Everyone loves success but I wish to especially celebrate your road to success. You have refused to be defined by the size of your country but rather by the breadth of your vision and the depth of your character. I do recall that when you visited the Office of the President in T&T, yours was a character clothed with genuine humility. You have the absolute support of the Caribbean diaspora, for in the Caricom region, we are one. I am confident that the future of Howard University is assured under your charge and that you will, in the spirit of veritas et utilitas, keep Howard University focused on its visionary path to excellence.
"On behalf of the people of T&T, and on a personal note, my wife and I, kindly accept once more our warmest congratulations on your inauguration as the 17th President of Howard University. We stand in support of this new chapter of your career as you continue to break barriers and remind us of who we are and what we can achieve. Your career is an inspiration to us all."