Professor Rex Nettleford (right) has had a long tenure in the halls of academia.In this 2004 photo, he is being presented with an honorary degree by Chancellor of the University of Technology William Morris (left) at the graduation ceremony of the university. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Professor Rex Nettleford was installed as vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in March 1999 in a ceremony marked by pomp, pageantry and musical tribute.

Witnessing the ceremony in the Assembly Hall, Mona campus, were Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke and Lady Cooke, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, members of the diplomatic corps, artistes, parliamentarians, UWI graduates, students and members of academia.

UWI Chancellor, Sir Shridath Ramphal, described the occasion as a unique one because it was the first time a graduate of the university had been elevated to this lofty position.

Musical selections were performed by the University Singers, while a medley of songs was presented by the National Dance Theatre Singers, led by Marjorie Whylie. The National Dance Theatre Company, of which the vice chancellor was the artistic director, also performed.

Largest cruise ship vessel visits

The world's largest cruise ship vessel, The Voyager of the Seas, with over 3,000 passengers made its inaugural visit to Ocho Rios, St. Ann, in November 1999.

And of the 1,300 crew members on board the ship, a little over 10 per cent were Jamaicans.