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The State University of Haiti (UEH) has achieved a significant milestone in regional academia with the election of its rector, Fritz Deshommes, to the executive committee of Caribbean Universities. This strategic role positions UEH to play a greater part in fostering academic and scientific collaboration across the Caribbean.
The election took place on November 25, 2024, during the association’s general assembly at Simon Bolivar University in Barranquilla, Colombia. Deshommes’ candidacy was proposed by Dr. Francis de Lanoy, rector of the University of Curaçao, and seconded by Dr. Patricia Martinez Barrios, vice-rector of Colombia’s UNIMINUTO University. The unanimous approval by the committee members underscores the regional respect for UEH’s academic leadership.
The election coincides with the appointment of Dr. Mirian Nicado, rector of the University of Havana, as president of Caribbean Universities. She succeeds Dr. Hilary Beckles of the University of the West Indies, marking a transition celebrated for its potential to deepen academic ties within the Caribbean.
For UEH, Deshommes’ inclusion in the executive committee opens doors to new partnerships, exchange programs, and collaborative research opportunities. It affirms Haiti’s active role in addressing shared regional challenges through education and innovation.
Under the leadership of Deshommes, UEH has pursued initiatives to expand its international footprint and deepen relationships with other Caribbean institutions. This latest appointment reinforces its trajectory toward becoming a hub of academic excellence and innovation.
The recognition also highlights UEH’s dedication to fostering inclusive and impactful education in Haiti, contributing to the region’s overall academic growth. As a member of the executive committee, Deshommes will help shape the direction of Caribbean Universities and advocate for greater integration among member institutions.
Deshommes’ election is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience and potential of Haiti’s higher education sector. It signals the country’s ability to contribute meaningfully to regional discourse and offers a platform to share Haiti’s rich academic traditions and aspirations.
As Caribbean Universities continues to strengthen collaboration among its members, the inclusion of Haitian representation at its highest levels ensures that the country’s voice is both heard and valued in shaping the region’s academic future.
