Statement on the passing of Mrs. Gloria Barrett-Sobers, Former University Registrar, The UWI

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Tuesday, October 13, 2026— The University of the West Indies community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Gloria Barrett-Sobers on Sunday, October 11, 2026. She served with distinction as University Registrar from 1993 to 2007 and made a lasting contribution to the institution. She was the first woman to hold the post.

In a personal tribute, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said, “As our first female University Registrar, Mrs. Barrett-Sobers walked through a hitherto unopened door with grace, rigour and vision. She built systems that helped strengthen how The UWI developed and supported its people, and her influence is still felt in our institution today. We honour her pioneering service and extend our deepest sympathy to her loved ones.”

Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Barrett-Sobers’ leadership helped shape important aspects of University life. Among her contributions were the documenting of most of the University’s administrative processes, including the different types of ceremonies convened throughout the academic year; the implementation of annual assessments for senior administrative staff; and ensuring that annual appraisals for academic staff were conducted.

Before joining The UWI, Mrs. Barrett-Sobers was a Managing Consultant with Price Waterhouse, where she specialised in Human Resource Management and Organisational Development. She brought that expertise to bear in developing and implementing a system of ongoing training for administrative staff at various levels. She was also keen on technology adoption, and under her leadership, The UWI implemented the PeopleSoft system, which remains in use today. The digital transformation programme currently underway at The UWI would certainly have met with her approval and received her support.

Her influence extended beyond The UWI. In addition to representing the University on various external boards, Mrs. Barrett-Sobers was a founding member of the Association of Caribbean Higher Education Administrators (ACHEA), which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026. Reflecting on this milestone, she expressed her conviction that the role of administrators in higher education was not merely supportive but critical, and that “administrative excellence is not peripheral; it is foundational.”

It is this commitment to excellence that those who worked alongside her in the Office of Administration remember. Yet it is not only Mrs. Barrett-Sobers’ professionalism and dedication they recall, but also her generosity of spirit, shown in her mentorship of colleagues.

Over her career, Mrs. Barrett-Sobers worked as a teacher, university lecturer and management consultant in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Haiti. That broad regional experience gave her a deep understanding of the Caribbean, which she carried into her stewardship of our regional university.

We honour Mrs. Gloria Barrett-Sobers’ life and service, and extend sincere condolences to her family and friends.

May she rest in peace.