Educator and author Dr. Patricia Turnbull and Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services Dr. Domnick Frazer each have been awarded The University of the West Indies Alumni Association BVI Pelican Award for 2021.

The awards were presented to the two UWI alumni on Dec. 16 at a special ceremony hosted by The UWIAA BVI Chapter and The UWI Open Campus BVI, according to the university.

The Pelican Award — the highest honour that a UWIAA chapter can bestow on a graduate — is conferred on alumni who have excelled in their chosen fields and have had a major positive impact.

Dr. Turnbull, who matriculated at the university’s Cave Hill campus 50 years ago this year, received the award for professional excellence and contributions to education.

The published author is a founding faculty member and former principal lecturer at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Her cultural work spans more than 40 years of service, support and collaboration with government agencies, private businesses, nongovernmental organisations, schools and individual artists, UWI noted.

The doctor

Dr. Frazer, who completed his studies in medicine and surgery at the university’s Mona campus in 2005, was awarded for professional excellence and contributions to the field of medicine.

He currently serves as emergency room operations supervisor and clinical lead for the HIV Clinic in the Virgin Islands, and he was the first medical director of emergency medical services in the territory, according to The UWI.

Dr. Fraser also chairs the BVI Medical and Dental Council and serves on other committees at the BVI Health Services Authority.

Presenters

The awards were presented by Desiree Flanders-Harrigan interim president of The UWIAA BVI Chapter, and Dr. June Soomer, chair of The UWI Open Campus Council.

Dr. Soomer is currently in the VI on assignment for the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The UWIAA BVI Chapter represents UWI alumni from all the university’s five campuses, and Ms. Flanders-Harrigan said she is looking forward to connecting alumni in the territory through its activities.

Graduates are encouraged to join the association by contacting bvi@open.uwi.edu or 345-4909.