About the SRC
The Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services (SRC) is the premier trade policy training institution in the Caribbean. We train and build the capacity of young professionals and key stakeholders to effectively interact and negotiate with global, regional and national institutions. At the SRC we also provide research and outreach services for the wider Caribbean in trade, industrial and development policy matters.
In keeping with the UWI strategic plan, the mission of the SRC is to contribute to the enhanced competitiveness and sustainable development of the Caribbean region through its training, research and outreach initiatives.
Our History
The SRC was formerly known as the UWI Centre for International Services (CIS) which was established in 1999. Its mandate was to stimulate the development of the international services sector in the CARIFORUM member countries by increasing the value and volume of trade in services in the region.
The CIS allowed the University to expand and deepen its developmental role in the Caribbean. It was a multi-faceted training, research and policy advisory agency.
In the fulfillment of its mandate, the Center hosted specialised activities including short courses, workshops, conferences and newsletters, particularly in the areas of financial services, law and information technology. The CIS has authored publications on Franchising, Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, Trinidadian Export Capabilities and E-Commerce. The Secretariat of the MITP was merged with the CIS in 2006.
By 2003, following a two-week trade policy course for Caribbean government officials conducted in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS) and The World Trade Organization (WTO), it became clear that the Caribbean region needed to build capacity to effectively prepare for, and participate in, trade negotiations and to implement the changes necessary to enhance the region’s competitiveness in global trade.
From this realization was born the idea of a Masters Degree in International Trade Policy (the MITP). Following a series of consultations across the Cave Hill Campus, the MITP was approved by the Board for Graduate Studies in February 2004. The MITP Secretariat Unit was set up in the summer of 2004 and the MITP Programme began in August 2004 with 28 participants.
In 2006, the CIS and the MITP Secretariat were merged and renamed The Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services in honour of distinguished Caribbean statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal.
The SRC’s first Director was Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, followed by Dr. Keith Nurse, Mr. Neil Paul, and as of August 1, 2021, the current Director is Dr. Jan Yves Remy.
Please see below our past directors:
About Sir Shridath Ramphal
The Centre was named for the internationally renowned scholar, regionalist and international civil servant, Sir Shridath Ramphal, in recognition of his critical role in shaping the Caribbean’s trade and economic development policies during the early days of the region’s independence.
Sir Shridath is a Guyanese national who has served as the Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (1989-2003), Commonwealth Secretary General (1975-1990), Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana (1972-1975), Assistant Attorney General of the British West Indies Federation (1958-1962).