Distinguished Saint Lucian agronomist, educator, and statesman Sir Calixte George will be among 11 Caribbean visionaries honoured by the University of the West Indies (UWI) during its 2025 graduation ceremonies, receiving the Doctor of Laws (LLD) (Honoris Causa) from the UWI Global Campus.
Sir Calixte’s recognition marks yet another milestone in a remarkable career that has spanned more than six decades of public service, scientific research, and national development.
A proud alumnus of St Mary’s College, Sir George won an open scholarship to study Agriculture at the University College of the West Indies, St. Augustine, before earning his BSc in 1963 and MSc in Soil Science from the University of Reading, UK, in 1966.
On returning home, he served as Chief Research Officer and later Acting Chief Agricultural Officer in Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, leading research and farmer training across the Windward Islands. His leadership later extended to the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), where he became executive director, coordinating regional agricultural innovation and capacity-building.
George also played a pivotal role in transforming the banana industry as Managing Director of the Saint Lucia Banana Growers’ Association, overseeing the establishment of the Windward Islands Banana Development and Exporting Company Limited (WIBDECO) and securing key export contracts that modernised the sector.
Beyond agriculture, his contributions to governance and policy were far-reaching. He served as President of the Senate between 1979 and 1982, and later as Leader of Government Business in the Senate from 1997 to 2006. During his tenure, he held several ministerial portfolios, including communications, works, agriculture, and home affairs. Among his lasting achievements was the liberalisation of telecommunications in the OECS and the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), where he served as founding Chair.
Knighted as a Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCSL), George has continued to contribute to public life even in retirement — authoring St. Mary’s College: The Caribbean’s Nobel Laureate School and working on his autobiography chronicling his years of service.
The UWI described this year’s honorary graduands as “exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields,” reflecting the institution’s commitment to celebrating excellence and innovation across the Caribbean.
Other 2025 honourees include reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, philosopher Professor Paget Henry, aviation leader Lyndon Gardiner, and musician Mungal Patasar, among others.
Ceremonies recognising the awardees began on October 11 and will run until November 8, 2025, across the university’s five campuses.
