Lennox Honychurch to receive UWI honourary doctorate

Dr. Lennox Honychurch

Dominican historian Dr. Lennox Honychurch has said that he is “indeed very honoured” that the University of the West Indies has chosen to bestow an honourary doctorate upon him.

Dr. Honychurch is among 20 Caribbean icons who will receive honourary doctorates from the institution’s 2012 round of graduation ceremonies which begin in October and continue through November.

“I am indeed very honoured to have been recognized by UWI for the accumulation of my work over the years in history, archaeology, anthropology and community education. I understand that this is not just for my work in Dominica but for academic involvement across the region which is not very much known about in Dominica,” Honychurch told Dominica News Online.

In a release, UWI said that Dr. Honychurch is being recognized for having, “made significant contributions in the fields of Caribbean culture and history since 1981 and has published several books on Caribbean culture and history.  He was the recipient of the Anthony Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence in 2011 and in 1987 Dominica’s second highest award, the Sisserou Medal for Meritorious Service to Dominica.”

The release further states that Honychurch has served on several boards, “including as the President of the Dominica Conservation Association, Press Secretary to the Government of Dominica, Chairman of the Dominica National Cultural Council and as Director of Historic Restoration of Fort Shirley National Park in Dominica. Dr. Honychurch has served the UWI through numerous distinguished lectures and presentations on the campuses. He has also served the UWI Dominica Site in the capacity of Advisor.”

“I am particularly touched by the fact that the honourary degree is a doctorate in law, which I understand is related to work I did in my books explaining constitutional and political change in Dominica and the region particularly during the independence period,” Dr. Honychurch said.

He said his work continues at the Cabrits where he is trying to restore Fort Shirley as a centre for ecology and heritage studies as well as a visitor site.

Last year, Dominica’s Cultural Advisor, Dr. Alwin Bully received his honorary doctorate during the UWI Open Campus graduation ceremony in Antigua.

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49 Comments

  1. believer
    October 31, 2012

    Great recognition for an outstanding Dominican.

    So proud of you Lennox.

  2. Margaret
    August 4, 2012

    Congratulations on your achievements. You deserve every bit of it, son of the soil. Proud of you.

  3. Bill
    July 31, 2012

    Congratulations man… a degree well deserved :wink:

  4. Justice and Truth
    July 31, 2012

    Lennox, Dr. Honeychurch, a faithful, dedicated son of Dominica who never gave up on DA. So far, I have one of your books. Hopefully more in the future.
    You have been through a lot. You have studied hard, learned a lot and achieved much. You deserve this citation.
    My congratulations to you. As long as God gives you life, health and strength I have no doubt that you will continue to persevere in your beliefs. actions, progress and doing your utmost for Dominica and its history. You have enlightened us about our history.
    On one of my visits to DA I visited the Cabrits. You have done much work there. On my next visit, I expect that there will be more due to your expertise, concern and hard work.
    God bless you Lennox. You are an inspiration and model for specifically the youth of Dominica.

  5. TW
    July 31, 2012

    Congrats doc
    You’re a good man regardless of what others may say

    • Justice and Truth
      July 31, 2012

      @ TW

      …And what do they say? Critical as always without substance?

  6. DANZIGER
    July 31, 2012

    Congrats lenny we love u real Dominican man down to earth thanks for the histry u gave us thanks.

  7. nits
    July 31, 2012

    Very well deserved award.. Congratulations Mr.Honeychurch…

  8. nature Girl
    July 31, 2012

    Brilliant, very, very well deserved. Lennox Honychurch truly has devoted all of his life so far :-P to Dominica.

  9. Donald F. Royer
    July 31, 2012

    Well deserved ! It takes a lot of perseverance hard work and a lot of patience to accomplish all this.But above all I always knew Lennox as being a happy person all the time and a true optimist. One again congrats!!

  10. britbob
    July 31, 2012

    To quote a horrible americanism …. “You DA MAN!!!” .. Importantly , I think an apprentice for you would be a good way for the Government to invest some money… Your work needs to continue when you can no longer do it (or are less inclined to do this essential but woefully thankless task). A research assistant of some kind perhaps.?

  11. Grandbay
    July 31, 2012

    We need more political news happenings

    • Not a herd follower
      July 31, 2012

      hahahaha!

  12. Rastafari
    July 31, 2012

    Very well deserved, congrats!!!

  13. Marcus Hill
    July 31, 2012

    From http://www.lennoxnonychurch.com

    Lennox Edward Honychurch

    Resume & Biography

    Lennox Edward Honychurch, D. Phil., M Phil.
    Date of birth: 27 December 1952.
    Place of birth: Portsmouth, Dominica, Windward Islands, Caribbean.

    Education

    St. Hugh’s College, University of Oxford,
    Doctor of Philosophy Degree (D Phil) in Anthropology
    Master of Philosophy degree (M Phil) in Anthropology and Museum Ethnography.
    Awarded a distinction and the St.Hugh’s College Examination Prize 1995.

    The Lodge School, St. John, Barbados.
    The St. Mary’s Academy, Roseau , Dominica.
    The Convent Prep School, Roseau, Dominica.

    Theses

    Thesis for M Phil:
    First People, Last Canoes: Tracing Ethnohistory Through Material Culture.

    DPhil in Anthropology, St.Hughs:
    Carib to Creole – A History of Contact and Culture Exchange.

    Book Publications

    Featuring:
    The Dominica Story – A History of the Island. Published 1975, 1984, 1995: Macmillan U. K.

    List of all book publications

    Sample Lectures and Publications

    A sample of lectures can be found here.

    Current positions held

    Staff Tutor, University of the West Indies, School of Continuing Studies.
    Curator: The Dominica Museum, Bayfront, Roseau.
    Member of the Dominica Public Service Commission.
    Trustee of The Old Roseau Market Trust.
    Member, Advisory Board of The Dominica University Centre, Extra Mural Department of the University of the West Indies.
    Member of the Advisory Committee to the Carib Council, Carib Territory Dominica.

    Biography
    Publications
    Positions Held
    Activities
    Contact Me

    Past positions held

    Member of The House of Assembly of The Commonwealth of Dominica, 1975 -1979.
    President, The Dominica Conservation Association, 1974 – 1976.
    Chairman of the Board, Dominica Broadcasting Service, 1980 – 1981.
    Press Secretary to The Government of Dominica, 1980 – 1981.
    Member of the Dominica Tourist Board, 1980 – 1983.
    Member and Chairman, Dominica National Cultural Council, 1988 – 1993.
    Visiting lecturer in Dominican history, geography and culture to local
    schools from 1974.
    Director of Historic Restoration, Cabrits National Park, 1982 – 1992.
    Board Member, Museum Association of the Caribbean, 1992 -1994.

    Historic Preservation

    Directed the restoration of Fort Shirley at the Cabrits National Park Dominica.
    Designed layout of interpretation centre of Betty’s Hope Plantation, Antigua.
    Advised on restoration and layout of visitor site at Fort Frederick, St.Georges, Grenada for Canadian funded SPIF project.
    Designed restoration programme for Fort Charlotte, Kingstown St. Vincent.

    Lecturer, Tour Leader

    Lecturer and tour leader with wide Caribbean experience in areas of history, indigenous people, folklore, politics, geography and nature.

    Other Activities

    Environmental conservation, Painter, Designer and builder of Carnival costumes, Historic building research and restoration, broadcasting, amateur drama.

  14. ROSEAU VALLEY
    July 31, 2012

    Congratulations Sir. Well deserved. You have done a lot but you remind me of the inspiring words of Martin Luther King.
    (1)In the end, we will remember not the words (and conduct) of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
    (2) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that should really matter.
    (3) Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

    • Dominican
      July 31, 2012

      This comment displays deliberate “conscientious stupidity” to seek to bring dirty partisan politics into what for us Dominica is such a ortyhwhile recognition or accolade. It will not detract form Dr. Honeychurch’s achievements and contributions to Dominica. People will speak when they feel they have to. Not necessarily when others want them to say that which others want them to say and how it should be said. Between 1995 and January 2000, those who are today calling for others to speak out in tghe manner they want them to speak were really death to and dumb to developments in Dominica.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        July 31, 2012

        Oh Dominican! Please accept my deepest apology. I am, however, disappointed that you have identified dirty partisan politics in my clean and patriotic congratulatory statement. This was not my intention at all but I shall excuse you. I understand that we are in a politically charged environment and sometimes our own “conscientious biases” could cause us to interpret the simplest statement, action or reaction of others as stupidity. In that regard, we tend to be less tolerant to an opposing view. Finally, I agree with you that people should speak when they feel like. However, when one has put himself out as an expert on matters of national interest, he/she has an obligation to speak honestly not only when he wants but when the situation demands that he speaks. He must do so fearlessly, boldly, conscientiously and with all his integrity otherwise it is he who is dabbling in dirty, corrupt, partisan politics.

  15. A. Etienne
    July 31, 2012

    Congratulations to you Dr Honychurch.you deserve this accolade – You have put every effort into your work. All your books are very well illustrated. Once again “CONGRATULATIONS”

  16. Ray
    July 31, 2012

    Great. Congratulations. Such is the power of excellence…

  17. Anoushah Alie
    July 31, 2012

    Congratulations Dr. Honychurch! I visit your webiste frequently for factual accounts of my Dominican culture. Thank you for your contributions.

  18. Lisa L Lewis
    July 31, 2012

    Congratulations. My daughter was very happy to have read this.

  19. July 31, 2012

    Way to go Dr. Honychurch. Taught me at SMA. Also learned some drama from you when you helped our group. You are the man, always willing to help. Congratulations.

  20. July 31, 2012

    Way to go Mr. Honychurch! Good, Good, and Good again, for you!

    However I notice that you look so much like your father in that picture–I hope that you have given thanks to God for Life in this world through your dear father, and of course, your mother too.

    Also I hope that there are many young men in Dominica who look at you as a model for every good thing that you have initiated in our Dominica.

    It is imperative that we understand, one of those days you will be too tired to do the job. Please take the privilege now, to prime up the young men who are coming after you. And to God be the glory.

  21. July 30, 2012

    just want to add my congrats to you lennox,work with you in many diffrent projects and always respect you dedication to your work.
    good luck and god bless.

  22. Pondera
    July 30, 2012

    Congratualations Dr Honeychurch. I that ia why UWI is our first choice of University in the Caribbean. UWI monitors the social landscape of the region and recognizes those who are deserving. Dominica is proud of Dr Honeychurch.

  23. roma frederick
    July 30, 2012

    well done proud of you keep doing what you do best

  24. Michael Norris
    July 30, 2012

    Not a Doctorate in letters but a doctorate in law?Anyway, congratulations, Doc. You have laboured in the vineyard for many years. You never asked for pay in return for your labours. You see you are now reaping the fruits of your labour. Do good, good will come to you. Congrats to you once again and also to your mom.

    • Justice and Truth
      July 31, 2012

      @ Michael Norris

      Where he is concerned, letters and law go together. One is not devoid of the other. Both are recognized as one.

  25. GWADA
    July 30, 2012

    congratulations and thank you for my students because you use to welcome them so warmfully, you really deserve that honour

  26. Great
    July 30, 2012

    CONGRATS!!!!!!

  27. willis dew
    July 30, 2012

    CONGRATULATIONS SIR

  28. Big-Bannan
    July 30, 2012

    It is truly an Honor.

  29. Anonymous
    July 30, 2012

    Getting your flowers while alive!!! Congrats

  30. Mavis
    July 30, 2012

    I have admired your work, and have several of your books on my bookshelf, including: DOMINICA Isle of Adventure, and The Dominica Story. Congratulations, Mr. Honychurch!!

    • reading between the
      July 30, 2012

      On ur bookshelf since you bought them for decorations or after reading them? lol
      I’d love to ask you a few questions on the D/ca story etc.
      Are U game Mavis?

  31. LaRocque, Magdalene
    July 30, 2012

    It is said that a prophet never gets honor in his own country; however, since the Caribbean islands is so small I can say this is not applicable because you are a “Caribbean Man”, by way of Dominica. Congratulations are in order. I am filled with pride and overjoyed that you are receiving this prestigious award. The little that I know about you, you are not one looking for accolades or a man of grandueur, nonetheless it is always nice to give one their flowers while they can smell it and not wait when they are lying stone cold in their grave to bring them. So be encouraged and accept this well deserved as a testament of the giant of a man that you are and know that many of us are tremendously proud of you. Even those of us who do not always agree with you are proud of your achievements and your numerous contributions to Dominica, the region and the world. God bless you and continue your good work so the unborn generations can have a record of their ancestry and the contributions they made to civilized society. Thanks is not enough for your great work. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Much prayer is being said for your health and strength. We love you Dr. Honeychurch.

  32. G Nibbs
    July 30, 2012

    Congratulations,well deserved you are a dominican icon.Isalute you.Iwas wondering if your name had be submitted for recommendation as our next President. God,s blessings.

  33. Dominican
    July 30, 2012

    Doc you deserve every bit of accolade you recieve. You have laboured very hard often times without pay to keep us informed and aware of our history. For years you have crisscorssed this country of ours reahing out to us and sharing information about our history. A few weeks ago I heard Angelo together with a retired Education Officer attempting, in a veiled way too, to put you down simply because you are not black. How sad, particularly for the retired Educationist. he ought to know better

    One more note. Doc. I see it is UWI that is honoring you. Interestingly. It was UWI’s representative writing in a local papaer some time ago who said “there are degrees and there are degrees”. You are not known to be on that side of the fence castingating in every way Dominica’s devlopment program. That is why the UWI’s goodly doctor said ” there are degrees and there are degrees”.

    Accept it anyway but “beware of Greeks when they come bearing gifts”. Congrats

  34. rOCKY rACOON
    July 30, 2012

    Great News Lennox! You make us proud. You are a treasured Dominican Icon. Thank you for all your research and making them available to everyone. I am happy for the UWI recognition.

  35. Original Eagle-Eye
    July 30, 2012

    congratulations

  36. budman
    July 30, 2012

    congrats good sir

  37. The Bush Doctor
    July 30, 2012

    Congratulations, Lennox. Long coming but not too late.

  38. grell
    July 30, 2012

    congrats sir keeping our history and culture alive.

  39. Sensible Dominican
    July 30, 2012

    Congratulations Dr Honychurch

  40. a00r
    July 30, 2012

    Congrats well deserved.

  41. TRUTH
    July 30, 2012

    Congratulation Doc. I remembered when I needed help for my son for a history project you assisted me without fair or favour. Thank you for your work in Dominica and in the region. I left school some moons ago and I studied your history books and did history as a subject, and passed I must add. You make us as Dominicans very proud. We love and appreciate you.

    • :D
      July 30, 2012

      Congrats

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