Statement on the Passing of the Hon. Dennis Hugh Lalor O.J., LLD
The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Friday, May 15, 2026— The following statement is issued by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), in tribute to the Hon. Dennis Hugh Lalor O.J., LLD, who passed away on May 14, 2026.
The University of the West Indies community extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of the Hon. Dennis Hugh Lalor O.J., LLD honoris causa, a Jamaican titan who left this earth on May 14, 2026, to join the pantheon of heroes.
He was a gentle giant whose sharp intellect, wit and engaging personality ensured that he commanded boardrooms in Jamaica and the region. He was a model of civic responsibility and ethical leadership, and his entire career was marked by a steadfast commitment to the advancement of Jamaica and Jamaicans.
His distinguished service was not limited to the private sector. Among many other areas, he extended his energy to The UWI, serving on several management and governance committees. In the wake of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, together with then Vice-Chancellor Sir Alister McIntyre he conceived, established and championed the UWI Development and Endowment Fund at the Mona Campus with support from the private sector. This model has been extended to the other campuses and acknowledges the power of partnership between the academy and the private sector.
In Dennis’ own words, captured in the citation prepared by The UWI for the conferral of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa upon him in 1993, “If the University fails the region fails. If the region succeeds, it is because the University has succeeded.”
We remain deeply grateful that he included The UWI in his embrace. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and work. We share in their grief and celebrate a life that was lived with purpose, dignity, and service.
May his soul rest in peace.
END
About The University of the West Indies
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.
Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.
Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE’s prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.
The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.