By Brigid Winter, Vice President, Class of 1999
Listen! Can you hear it? The nostalgic strains of Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, evoking feelings of pride, triumph, and reminiscence! It is 1999, Sunday, June 20th, and a group of eager, excited, and relieved students adorned in gowns, caps, and radiant (some nervous) smiles are proudly marching into the auditorium. Soon, their names will be called and they will cross the stage to receive their diplomas.
This was the Class of 1999, a powerful cohort of 164 individuals—the then largest graduating class—representing five faculties and pursuing degrees ranging from Associates to Masters. Armed with ambition, faith, and an unwavering commitment to “the pursuit of excellence,” they stood ready to embrace the challenges of the new millennium and beyond.
Now, a quarter-century later, the Class of 1999 gathers to celebrate their silver anniversary, reflecting on a journey marked by steadfast determination and a shared motto: “God in, with, and beside us.”
From the outset, this class embraced a noble aim: to excel in every endeavour they pursued and undertook. Inspired by Philippians 3:13-14, they adopted a forward-looking mindset, leaving behind past achievements while eagerly reaching towards future aspirations. Their commencement theme, “Taking the mantle into the new millennium and beyond,” resonated deeply as they embarked on diverse paths in a world on the cusp of the new millennium. They would witness and be a part of the transition into the 21st century. What a unique and opportune position to be in, as the last graduating class of the 20th century!
Indeed, these graduates were poised for greatness, and filled with optimism and a sense of boundless possibilities. The internet was beginning to revolutionise global communication, connecting people via email and early social media platforms, and expanding horizons in unprecedented ways. Equipped with the knowledge and skills they acquired during their academic tenure at the Caribbean Union College (CUC), they entered a rapidly evolving world, prepared to make a profound impact.
And make an impact they did! Many took to heart, the commencement speaker, Dr Delbert Baker’s charge to, “go, be a problem-solver.” In a time, which for many of them, was one of exploration and growth, the class of 1999 ventured into and excelled in various fields. They became educators, administrators, pastors, doctors, scientists, authors, and entrepreneurs, among various other roles. Their influence spanned continents, with some answering the call as missionaries in East Asia, while others pioneered businesses that thrived in the digital age. Many pursued advanced degrees, broadening their expertise and unlocking new opportunities, while some chose paths of public service, shaping policies and institutions. Some also stayed in service of their alma mater.
Ground-breaking and leadership are not new to the Class of 1999. During their time at CUC, the Channel newspaper, The Honours Society—Epsilon Phi Epsilon, The Business Club, and the Computer Science Club—Virtua, were established. Members of the class of 1999 were involved in each of these initiatives in leadership and other roles. Class members’ leadership extended to student governance, where some of them served on the Associated Student Body (ASB) and laid foundations for future generations through initiatives such as representation for day-students and the acquisition of a school bus.
One watershed moment comes to mind. Picture this: it is an ASB Chapel Day, and students are seated in the chapel, undoubtedly chatting as they wait for the program to begin/proceed. Suddenly, a familiar and well-known drum intro fills the air, followed by the raspy, throaty voice of Mark Anthony Myrie, more popularly known as Buju Banton. I imagine students exchanging confused and doubtful glances and communicating both verbally and non-verbally, “No way are they going to play this song at chapel!” Then, as the music continues, there are hoots of agreement and some murmurs of displeasure, as many join Mr. Myrie in singing, “Only Rasta can liberate the people, over hills and valleys too. Don’t let them fool you. Don’t believe for a minute that they are with you…” It sparked a cheerful, sceptical pandemonium of sorts, as students joined the singing while wondering what was happening. To say this was unprecedented would be a gross understatement!
Approximately twenty-six years later, I asked the then ASB President, Mr. Leslie Hislop, what the ASB’s motive was in playing this particular song. What did they hope to accomplish? Was it just an attention grabber? In responding, he spoke of liberation being a conscious decision and highlighted the ASB’s determination to not just accept the status quo. The ASB, as the representative and voice of the student body, recognised the necessity for change in various areas, and saw it as their responsibility to address these issues with the administration. In doing so, they inevitably challenged established norms and pushed boundaries to effect the required changes on behalf of the student body. The song, a widely recognised and loved one, was a means of prompting reflection on the concept of liberation and its attainability, parallel to the changes that the student body sought. The title—Hills and Valleys—was a perfect fit; not only would it resonate with personal struggles and triumphs, but it also wonderfully reflected the geographical context of the beloved CUC campus nestled in the hills of the Maracas Valley. This moment marked a pivotal juncture for the ASB, elevating it to a role where it was perceived as capable of effecting actual, meaningful change for the student community. In contemporary terms, we would undeniably describe the student body executive as positive disruptors!
As the Class of 1999 gathers to commemorate their silver anniversary, they not only reflect on pivotal moments such as those previously mentioned, but also fondly remember and honour their classmates who have passed on, including their esteemed Class President, Mr. Clive Smith. Though departed, their legacies endure through lasting contributions, serving as poignant reminders of life’s fragility and the enduring impact of individual actions. The class also values the opportunity to give back to their alma mater, and so, in memory of their Class President, they will gift the University the funds equivalent to the cost of a dorm room to be named in honour of their Class President, Clive Smith.
Reflecting on the last 25 years, the Class of 1999 remains committed to their foundational principles. As problem-solvers and positive disruptors, they confront challenges with resilience and creativity, hoping to inspire those who follow with a legacy of service and influence. As they celebrate this milestone, they are reminded that their journey continues, guided by faith and the assurance that God accompanies them in every endeavour. They continue to be trail blazers and even as they take in the commencement exercise, two members of the class are making history: their children are graduating 25 years later, on their parents’ silver anniversary!
Look! Watch, as this time, 25 years later, they again march proudly and joyfully out of a ‘new’ air-conditioned auditorium, as if it were 25 years earlier. They exude the same zest and passion for life. They are filled with thoughts and aspirations of continuing to make their mark, continuing to make a difference, and impacting the world in their pursuit of excellence. If you were sitting amongst them earlier, you would have heard whispered snippets of ‘…Who? Alumni Association, revive, vibrant, we should…’ There is a pervasive spirit of camaraderie, friendship and shared experiences among them. They warmly welcomed the two lone members of the Gold Class into their group, as it if had been that way all along. The ‘real’ school song has been on their lips and ringing in their heads and hearts, and as they gather to take the ‘must-have’ photos, they are overcome with memories of times past and happily burst into song! Listen…
“Our dear ‘ole CUC our hearts are loyal beating.
To thee we’ll ere be true.
And though the years be swiftly fleeting this fond pledge we’ll give to you.
That we will ever be staunch and faithful bringing tribute without a fail.
To our dear college, our dear ‘ole CUC we hail.
All hail!”
Members of the Gold (1974) and Silver (1999) Classes at USC’s 91st Graduation Commencement Exercise
Feelings of joy, pride, sentimentality and nostalgia are aroused, and in that shared moment they are invisibly bound closer together.
Looking ahead, they embrace the future with optimism and gratitude, knowing their lives are defined not just by personal successes, but by their indelible imprint on individuals, communities, and the world at large. Theirs is a narrative of faith, perseverance, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence—a story they hope will inspire and challenge us all.
Here’s to the next 25 years—a future filled with continued success, joy, impact, excellence, positive disruption, and the pursuit of new dreams. “But one thing [we] do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, [we] press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
See you in 2049 as The Gold Class of 1999, God willing! But, before then, there is talk of meeting again at the 100th anniversary of our dear ‘ole CUC (now USC).
Signed, The Class of 1999.
Back Row, L-R: Marcia Edmund-Woods, Susan Popoola, Brigid Winter, Michelle Bailey, Avion Thomas, Earleen Davidson-Bobb, Vernessa Gaines-Cuffy, Jacinthah Williams-Cunningham, Candy Springer-Blackman, Clairene McDavid, Beverly Hurdle-Brown, Lesli-Marie Arthur, Sharon Walker-Gajadhar, Ayoola Marshall, Leonie Caddle, Joyette Garraway, Nicole Ottley.
Front Row, L-R: Carey Benjamin, Leslie Hislop, Pr. Silton Browne, Colville St.Hilaire, Curtis Gosein, Makesi Alexander, Loris Scobie.
Photo Credit: ScobServices: Scob Photos
