The UWI Fete, brainchild of Professor Max Richards, then Principal of the Campus, started in 1990. It was the first public “all inclusive” Carnival Fete and the contribution for admission was $100.00. Patrons were greeted with the Welcome Drink of Brandy Alexander, socialized with colleagues, displayed their outfits, feted on the Tennis Court to the music of one band and one DJ. Later, as many as could, took refuge from the rain under the Principal's Residence. That organizing committee included such fete heavyweights as Michael Headley of “Poison” and set the tone for subsequent UWI Fetes.
Hosted annually on the 5 th Sunday before Carnival, the UWI Fete has built up many traditions, one of which is rain which, somehow, does not seem to dampen patrons' spirits. “I drank Scotch and Rain Water at the UWI Fete” boasted an American visitor on his return to the USA.
With increased patronage there was a partial migration of the Fete migrated to the northern extremity of the grounds with a resident band and D J and the feting rotated between “north” and “south”. Since then the Fete has grown from strength to strength and the northern fence of the premises was shifted some 5 metres backwards then restored after the event. The latter extra effort was finally abandoned and the fence stayed at the extended location. Eventually the Fund funded the covering of the drain east of the Office and the roadway became part of the Fete. The final extension has been the inclusion of the grounds of the office of Marketing & Communications.
