DR CURTIS Charles is no stranger to the art of the impossible.
In fact, he has made a life out of turning the impossible into reality.
When Charles failed Common Entrance and had to resort to digging ditches as a way to make ends meet, it seemed that the script for his life had already been written.
But as a result of self-discipline and the help of many “angels” along the way, Charles did what was supposed to have been impossible.
Charles now holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Morgan State University.
He also earned several other degrees—a BA in Architecture from Howard University, a Masters in Architectural Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Masters in Predictive Analysis from Northwestern University.
And so, when he returned to the Caribbean and was tasked with others to create the School of Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SoSCAI) at The University of the West Indies’ (UWI’s) Five Islands campus in Antigua, Charles said he decided to take up the challenge.
“When I left home at the tender age of 18 I always wanted to give back. I wanted to pour all of my resources into this initiative,” Charles said.
Charles said Antigua—a small island producing four of the world’s greatest cricketers: Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Richie Richardson—was also testament to the art of the impossible.
The school is the first of its kind on any UWI campus in the region.
“The interesting thing about coming to the Caribbean is that because of my sojourn I know what is possible. The challenge of our students that we have is that they don’t know the art of the impossible. So they have never seen success in its manifestations,” he said.
The school opened in 2019.
“This was just before Covid-19, so one would have thought that our enrolment would have shrunk. But our enrolment has grown to 1,000 five years later. So, almost a 600% increase. And part of the reason that has grown is the emphasis we have had on innovative academic programme development,” he said.
Charles expressed his gratitude to the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, crediting the institution for helping him reframe what is considered impossible in the region with its Innovation Series.
“The CAF Innovation Series is designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policy experts who are at the forefront of shaping the Caribbean’s future through science, innovation and sustainability. The series will provide a space for interactive discussions to ignite innovative approaches to societal problems rooted in Caribbean development and science diplomacy. This series will explore the impact of science and innovation as catalysts for the Caribbean’s economic development and inspire young people to become the next generation of Caribbean change-makers. In the series, CAF and UWI will explore the possibilities available for the Caribbean in these areas, as well as youth and women’s involvement, public policy as enablers of innovation, and much more,” it stated.
Charles will participate in a fireside chat designed to integrate with the World of Work Programme of The University of the West Indies, which prepares final-year students to navigate and excel in the modern workplace.
Among the discussion topics are whether the region’s development can be led by science and innovation, and how exactly would we reinvigorate and accelerate innovation in the Caribbean?
“The CAF-organised series aligns with UWI’s mission to engage future leaders, tapping into their potential as innovators and change-makers for Caribbean development. Through this discussion, participants will gain valuable insights, knowledge into pioneering advancements in science, technology, and sustainable development. The lecture will explore groundbreaking strategies in space exploration, AI innovation, offering a broad spectrum of perspectives that will ignite students’ passion and critical thinking. The inaugural lecture will also serve as a platform for the launch of CAF’s first scholarship programme for the Caribbean region,” it stated.
The CAF Innovation Series starts tomorrow at the Daaga Auditorium of The UWI St Augustine Campus
Also speaking at the event are aerospace executive Dr Camille Wardrop Alleyne and chief operating officer, Trust of the Americas, Alex Figueroa.
