The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica. Thursday, December 12, 2024—The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and the University of Glasgow are celebrating a historic milestone, as the first cohort of students have graduated from the world’s first Master’s in Reparatory Justice. The five graduates were awarded their joint degrees from both Glasgow and The UWI in Glasgow on Monday December 9.
The double-degree MA/MSc in Reparatory Justice programme is a collaborative initiative between two universities through their joint Glasgow-Caribbean Centre for Development Research (GCCDR). The programme prepares students for leadership roles in the global reparations movement. Participants examine the complexities of slavery, colonialism, and human rights, while also contributing to an evolving global discussion on reparatory justice.
A key feature of the programme is the unique opportunity to work with scholars at the Centre for Reparations Research at The UWI and Glasgow’s Beniba Centre for Slavery Studies. Students also have the flexibility to study at either the University of Glasgow or The UWI campuses in Mona or Cave Hill. This arrangement offers an international learning experience enriched by the expertise of both Caribbean and global contexts.
Fer Ortiz Vivas, who graduated with distinction said: “The Reparatory Justice Master’s has been a transformative experience. Not only have I gained specialised knowledge, but I’ve had the opportunity to connect with incredible scholars and activists from all over the world. My research on Spanish compensation schemes for enslavers in Puerto Rico is just the beginning. This programme has encouraged me to explore intersections between archival research, artistic practices, and healing, and I’m excited to continue my studies at the PhD level.”
Fanny Olsson, who completed her undergraduate studies in History at Glasgow before applying to the Master’s programme, also graduated with distinction, and said: “It’s starting to sink in that I’m part of the first cohort of students to graduate from this programme, and it’s such a privilege. The research we have done and the connections we’ve made are crucial in shaping my future academic work. I’m excited to continue exploring reparatory justice beyond the scope of slavery, focusing on the intersection of gender, sexuality, health, and class in specific US towns.”
Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, congratulated the graduating class, stating: “Our UWI community is immensely proud of the dedication and achievements of this pioneering group of students. Their graduation marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the University of Glasgow. We look forward to following their journey as advocates for justice in the ongoing reparations discourse, especially as this important movement continues to gain momentum globally. There is a pressing need for more unified voices to ensure that the reparations dialogue addresses contemporary challenges. As an activist university leading this movement, we embrace them as UWI alumni. We value their expertise and believe they have the potential to significantly impact the trajectory of reparative justice."
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “These graduations mark a truly historic milestone in the University of Glasgow’s journey of reparative justice. When we signed the Memorandum of Understanding with The University of the West Indies in 2019, we committed not just to acknowledging our past links to slavery, but to actively changing their consequences. “This first cohort of graduates from our joint Glasgow–UWI pioneering Reparatory Justice programme embodies that commitment. These exceptional scholars will help shape the global conversation on reparative justice, turning our institution’s promise into meaningful action. While we cannot change the past, we can – through education, research and partnerships like this groundbreaking collaboration with The UWI – help build a more equitable future.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs at The UWI, Ms. Sandrea Maynard also noted the significance of the occasion, stating: “This is a truly groundbreaking programme, and we are immensely proud of this inaugural cohort of students graduating at such a pivotal moment in our shared history. Their achievements come as society confronts critical challenges surrounding decolonization and reparatory justice, alongside pressing development issues such as climate justice. We commend their dedication and eagerly anticipate their future contributions and thought leadership as the world navigates these complex realities. The Office of Global Affairs is honoured to have played a role in this effort, successfully operationalising the MoU signed with our esteemed partner in 2019.”
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Notes to the Editor
Photo Caption: Pictured in the University of Glasgow Chapel, L to R: Reparatory Justice Master’s graduates Nicole Whyte; Fer Ortiz Vivas, Fergal O’Donohoe; Fanny Olsson and Cordelia Asamoah.
The graduation stoles worn by the scholars were a gift from Reparatory Justice Master’s graduate Cordelia Asamoah to her fellow graduates. They are Kente stoles made in Ghana. The Sankofa bird is the embodiment of the Akan word meaning "go back and get it" representing the theme of "looking to the past to inform the future". The geometric symbol is Akoma Ntoso “linked hearts” metaphorically representing unity and agreement or harmony within communities.
Learn more about the double-degree MA/MSc in Reparatory Justice programme here
About the University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow has been changing the world since 1451. We are a world top 100 university and a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities.
As a globally connected university, we work in partnership with others across the world to advance global solutions to real world problems. We are proud to be a founding member of the university networks Universitas 21 and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities.
We are committed to tackling the most pressing global challenges facing humanity and the natural world. We are delivering against the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030.
About The University of the West Indies
The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.
From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.
The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.
The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old). The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action. In 2024, The UWI launched a first-of-its-kind global online graduate business school focused on leadership within the context of supporting the SDGs.
Learn more at www.uwi.edu
