History
BFUWI – Your Link to the UWI In the UK
Univet Inside
Our Journey: The History of BFUWI
The British Foundation for The University of the West Indies was formed to secure sustainable, long-term support for world-class higher education across the Caribbean while deepening academic, social, and cultural ties within the United Kingdom.
2009 to Present
Official UK Charity Status
- January 7, 2009: BFUWI was officially granted formal charitable status by the UK Charities Commission under Charity Number 1127408.
- Global Sister Network: Formed to operate alongside its US counterpart, the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI), creating a global network of corporate and benefactor support.
- Scholarships & Growth: Continual funding for student scholarships, developmental projects, institutional strengthening, and infrastructure.
- Annual London Awards: Hosting the Annual Award Ceremony in London to celebrate British and Caribbean achievements across academia, society, sports, and the arts while building progressive community relationships.
2008
Mobilization & 60th Anniversary
- Initiated as part of UWI's 60th Anniversary celebrations through a joint effort between the UWIAA UK Chapter (led by President Vernon Barrett) and UWI leadership (led by Vice Chancellor Professor E Nigel Harris).
- Created to help UWI transition toward self-funding as Caribbean governments reduced fiscal support, easing the rising tuition costs placed on students.
1948 – The Foundation of UWI
Regional Institution Established
- The University of the West Indies was founded to provide higher education to students across 16 English-speaking countries in the Caribbean.
