By: Coretta Joe
The highly anticipated UWI Cave Hill Law Week culminated in the prestigious Law Society Legal Regal Gala, held on Thursday night at the Savannah Beach Hotel. Under the theme Masquerade Night, the gala brought a night of elegance and celebration to the faculty’s annual calendar.
The Legal Regal Gala is a signature networking and dinner event organised by the student-led Law Society executive in collaboration with the Faculty of Law. This year, the guest of honour was Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Other distinguished guests included the interim Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Antonius R. Hippolyte; Deputy Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr Ronnie Yearwood; and lecturers Carla Ali and Jaydene Thomas.
Outgoing Law Society president Darrion Poyotte-Lionel reiterated that the gala serves as an opportunity for his fellow students to take pride in their progress through the rigorous journey of legal studies.
“Legal Regal has always stood as a hallmark event within the faculty—one that brings together students, faculty, and members of the wider legal community in a space that is both professional and celebratory. It is a reminder that while the study of law is rigorous, it is also deeply human—built on relationships, shared experiences, and a collective pursuit of growth,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Pierre, himself a UWI alumnus, used his address to remind attendees that the University of the West Indies has produced many distinguished leaders who have made their mark globally in both academia and the professional world.
Pierre, who also serves as Saint Lucia’s Minister of Finance, Constituency Development, People Empowerment, Justice and National Security, outlined several pressing concerns the UWI management must address to maintain its leadership in academia. He emphasised that faculties and processes must remain cutting-edge, noting that the integration of technology is a key area to ensure The UWI remains the first choice for students.
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of developing a sustainable, ideally self-financing model with regional governments fully onboard to avoid further fragmentation of the institution. Critically, he argued that economically challenged students must be granted opportunities to further their education. To this point, he shared that his government has initiated a “one university per household” project, partly funded by the state.
“Students where no known family member has attended a university are eligible for a fully funded first generation scholarship. These policies seek to create some level of equity and the basis for wealth creation, and an end to intergenerational poverty,” Pierre said.
The prime minister also addressed core themes of climate change, economic diversification, innovation, and security in the context of leadership. He implored the audience of students and soon-to-be graduates to find solutions to issues within their control, stressing that The UWI plays a pivotal role in the changing geopolitical environment.
“The UWI must never lose its place as a leader in the world of intellectual, social and economical activism. A place where critical thinking prevails, but it must also be able to provide solutions for problems of decision makers,” he added.
Rounding out the night of networking between students and faculty, the event featured special awards for students from years one to three, entertainment by talented Law Faculty students, and the formal announcement of the 2026–2027 Law Society Executive.
