Its classrooms have seated some of the Caribbean's leading theologians for decades. The august institution, the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI), on Saturday, April 18, the college's foundation celebrated two special occasions.

First was to celebrate the foundation's 10th anniversary, and secondly, to pay tribute to Sir Howard Cooke, former governor general of Jamaica, and the foundation's first patron.

A fitting gesture for someone who has served as an outstanding nation-builder, extraordinary statesman, politician, educator and lay pastor.

Sir Howard was lauded repeatedly.

"National icon of resolute strength," Emile Spence called him, while guest speaker, P.J. Patterson, former prime minister of Jamaica, told him, "We are all greatly in your debt."

It was an evening filled with excellent entertainment from A Touch of Elegance, whose mix of Jamaican folk and contemporary music thrilled everyone. Another activity was a silent auction; the prizes included beach trips, hotel stays and an exquisite quilt.

L'Acadco dancers were a picture of concentration and agility, while two outstanding vocal performances by Karen Smith and Keisha Patterson added to the classy affair.

Among those out were MP Robert Pickersgill, Oswald and Marigold Harding, Dr Winston Davidson, Llewelyn Bailey, Michael Collins, Ecuadorian Consul Clelia Barreto de Hunter, Dominican Republic Ambassador Filomena Navarro, Nigerian High Commissioner Peter Ayodele, Rev Rohan and Raquel Forrester, as well as Morin and Verla Seymour.

(3) Hillary Phillips QC (left), catches up with Lady Cooke at the United Theological College of the West Indies Foundation's 10th anniversay celebration.
(4) Emile Spence (right), of Jamaica National Building Society, chats with Sir Howard Cooke, who was honoured by the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI), at the 10th anniversay celebration of the UTCWI Foundation at the Hilton Kingston Jamaica hotel, New Kingston, on Saturday, April 18. In background is Lady Cooke.