Dr. Peter Phillips, Dr. Nigel Clarke, and Mrs. Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe to be Conferred Honourary Doctorates by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean for Transformational Contributions to National Development
Kingston, Jamaica, June 22, 2025 — The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), Jamaica’s largest and fastest-growing private university, is proud to announce that three distinguished leaders, Dr. the Honourable Peter Phillips, OJ, MP; Dr. Nigel Clarke; and Mrs. Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, CD, JP, will be conferred honorary doctorates at its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the National Arena in Kingston.
Dr. the Honourable Peter Phillips, OJ, MP, former Minister of Finance and Planning, will be awarded the Honorary Doctor of Economics (D.Econ). Widely regarded as one of the chief architects of Jamaica’s fiscal reform, Dr. Phillips is celebrated for his leadership between 2012 and 2016, during which he negotiated a landmark IMF agreement that helped to restore international financial credibility and contributed significantly to Jamaica’s economic recovery. His legacy is marked by prudent policy-making, a commitment to inclusive development, and tireless efforts to stabilize the national economy and reduce public debt.
Beyond his role as Minister of Finance, Dr. Phillips has served as Member of Parliament for Saint Andrew East Central since 1993 and has held key ministerial portfolios including Health, Transport and Works, National Security, and Special Projects. He has also served as President of the People’s National Party and Leader of the Opposition. As a lecturer, author, and respected policymaker, Dr. Phillips has contributed significantly to shaping Jamaica’s political landscape, advancing critical conversations on governance, economic development, and social transformation.
Professor Colin Gyles, CD, President of UCC shared, “He is a visionary who remains a respected voice in Caribbean public policy and is lauded for his sterling contribution in Jamaica’s ongoing fiscal transformation. His principled leadership, strategic foresight, and commitment to economic equity embody the core values of UCC. By honouring Dr. Phillips, we recognise not only his legacy of service but also the enduring impact of sound governance and nation-building.”
Dr. Nigel Clarke, currently Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and former Minister of Finance and the Public Service (2018–2024), will receive the Honorary Doctor of Finance (D.Fin). A Rhodes Scholar and Oxford-trained economist, Dr. Clarke has emerged as one of the most influential financial strategists in the Caribbean. Under his stewardship, Jamaica's economic policy framework gained further international recognition, attracting foreign investment and setting new benchmarks for economic resilience.
During his tenure as Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Clarke spearheaded transformative national reforms, including securing central bank independence, overhauling tax policy and public sector compensation, and strengthening governance in public bodies and procurement systems. He led Jamaica’s innovative economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented groundbreaking disaster risk financing models—including the country’s historic sponsorship of a catastrophe bond—and successfully completed major privatizations and public-private partnerships.
“Dr. Clarke’s impressive track record at both national and international levels exemplifies the transformative power of purpose-driven public service. We are proud to honour him for his role in shaping a resilient economic framework that continues to inspire the region and the world”, added Professor Gyles.
M. Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, CD, JP, Founder and Chairman of Caribbean Health Management Consultants Ltd. and Manpower & Maintenance Services Limited Group, will be honoured with the Honorary Doctorate in Business & Entrepreneurship, D.B.E. (Hon.) for her exceptional and pioneering contributions to the health sector, business development, and nation-building over several decades. A renowned health-care professional, author, and entrepreneur, Mrs. Stewart-Hinchcliffe’s career spans clinical nursing, health administration, international service with CARICOM, and groundbreaking work as an entrepreneur and business leader. She has also authored significant works including Taking Care: A Manual for Medical Office Administrators, The Will to Overcome, and A Time Like No Other: The COVID-19 Pandemic, Perspectives on Jamaica’s Experience. She has championed job creation, skills training, and capacity building for thousands of Jamaicans.
Professor Colin Gyles, commenting on her award said, “We are honoured to recognize Mrs. Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, a trailblazer whose legacy has shaped Jamaica’s health and business sectors. Her commitment to excellence, her pioneering spirit, and her ability to transition seamlessly across professions exemplify the leadership and innovation UCC stands for.”
Past UCC honourees include Professor Errol Morrison, scientist and former President of the University of Technology, Jamaica; Mr. Bruce Bowen, former President and CEO of Scotiabank Jamaica; Dr. Henry Lowe, Executive Chairman of the Environmental Health Foundation; Richard Byles, Governor of the Bank of Jamaica and former CEO of Sagicor; Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, Chairman and CEO of Continental Baking Company Limited; US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke; the Honourable Dorothy Pine-McLarty, former Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica; Leighton McKnight, chartered accountant and philanthropist; the Honourable Godfrey Dyer, tourism and business titan; Professor Sandra Reid, leading Professor of Psychiatry at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad; the Honourable Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, USA; Dr. Tricia Bailey, US-based entrepreneur and the wealthiest Jamaican-born woman; Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group; the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism; Mr. Adam Stewart, Chairman and CEO of Sandals Resorts International and Executive Chairman of the ATL Group; and Dr. Patricia V. Smith, business-owner, entrepreneur, and author.
