The 2021 UWI/Guardian Premium Open Lecture was held virtually on Thursday September 30th, streaming live via YouTube. This open lecture series occurs every two years and features internationally renowned educators. 

Established in 2002, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) established a strategic alliance with the Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited to honour teaching excellence at the St. Augustine Campus. In addition to these lectures are the Premium Teaching Awards, where teaching excellence is alternately recognised and awarded.

This year’s programme was led by Dr. Nancy Gleason, the Director of the Hilary Ballon Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Associate Professor in Practice, Political Science, New York University Abu Dhabi. Dr. Gleason presented to over 1,000 virtual attendees on the topic - “Navigating the Realm of the Electronic Classroom: Creating an Effective Culture for Innovation & Change.”

Commenting on Dr. Gleason’s presentation, Anand Pascal, President, Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited stated, “COVID-19 has brought us new realities and it is simply untenable to embrace a world where digitisation does not form a part. I for one am excited to see the continuous evolution of the digital world and can only imagine what it will look like as the generations to come embrace the e-Classroom.”

Also speaking as part of this distinguished panel; Professor Brian Copeland - Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, The UWI St. Augustine; Mr. Anand Pascal President, Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited and Dr LeRoy Hill, Director, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), The UWI, St. Augustine.

ABOUT GUARDIAN LIFE OF THE CARIBBEAN LIMITED

Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited has a proud tradition of continuous service dating back to 1847 when Standard Life of Edinburgh, Scotland, started doing business in the West Indies. Today, Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited is engaged in the underwriting of all classes of long-term (individual and group) pension plans, life, and health insurance business, as well as associated investment activities. As part of Guardian Group, the largest indigenous financial services and insurance group in the English and Dutch Caribbean, Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited continues to champion the group’s rich legacy of over 170 years as a leader in the financial services industry.

Guardian Life of The Caribbean Limited is affirmed with the financial strength rating of A- by A.M. Best - the most prestigious rating agency of insurance companies worldwide for yet another year in 2021.