The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has etched its name into the institution's sporting history, finishing fourth overall in its debut appearance at the 2026 UWI Games with three bronze medals and 44 points.
According to Antigua News Room, the regional competition concluded on May 29 at the St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, bringing together student-athletes from across the UWI system under the theme "Reunited, Reignited, Ready."
The Antigua and Barbuda-based campus secured bronze medals in men's basketball, men's football and women's volleyball, finishing ahead of the Global Campus and announcing itself as a legitimate competitive force within the university system.
Defending champions Mona Campus retained the challenge trophy, dominating multiple disciplines including cricket, table tennis, tennis and track and field. The Jamaican campus also claimed gold in women's football, women's basketball and men's volleyball, finishing atop the standings with seven gold medals, five silver and two bronze for a total of 136 points.
Host campus St. Augustine placed second with 114 points, collecting four gold, four silver and five bronze medals. The Trinidad-based campus claimed gold in swimming, men's basketball, football and hockey. Cave Hill Campus finished third with 108 points, earning three gold, five silver and four bronze medals, with the Barbados-based Blackbirds taking gold in women's netball, hockey and volleyball.
The Global Campus fielded its largest-ever UWI Games contingent but finished fifth with 22 points. Imani Edwards Taylor was named Most Valuable Player in table tennis.
The closing ceremony at the Sport and Physical Education Centre celebrated both athletic achievement and Caribbean unity. Athletes viewed highlight reels from the week-long competition before participating in a celebratory walk and medal presentation.
Addressing participants, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the St. Augustine Campus, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, urged student-athletes to carry the values of sport beyond the competition. Citing "honour, courage, fairness, reliability and discipline," she encouraged participants to "play sports, not games," emphasising that success comes only through merit, hard work and discipline.
Professor Antoine also framed the Games as a powerful expression of regional integration. "We come from different territories, campuses and cultures, we are part of one extraordinary region," she said, encouraging students to build lasting connections across the Caribbean.
Speaking on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, Mona Campus Principal Professor Densil Williams praised St. Augustine for delivering what he described as "Caribbean hospitality at its best." Williams highlighted the popular Caribbean Night celebration and a community outreach initiative at St. Mary's Home for Children as examples of holistic student development consistent with the ideals of a UWI graduate.
Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Senator Emeritus Professor Prakash Persad, drew on his background as a former school cricketer and martial arts practitioner to reflect on the broader purpose of the Games. "It is about growth, connection, and the pursuit of excellence. It is about building character, accepting losses as well as victories," he said. Persad also called for the inclusion of martial arts in future editions and urged students to embrace sport as part of their personal development.
The ceremony concluded with the official handover to the Cave Hill Campus, which will host the 2028 UWI Games. Deputy Campus Principal Professor Winston Moore accepted the ceremonial baton from St. Augustine Deputy Principal Professor Derek Chadee, marking the formal start of preparations for the next edition.
Cultural performances, music and an open-air reception brought the tournament to a close — a competition that showcased athletic achievement, regional camaraderie and the growing stature of the Five Islands Campus within the University of the West Indies.
