UCC to honour Dame Beverly Lindsay

The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) will confer the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, on Dame Beverly Isadore Lindsay, DBE, OD, DL, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, civic leadership, philanthropy, public health advocacy, diaspora engagement and community development.

The honorary degree will be presented at UCC’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony on July 19 at the National Arena in Kingston, where graduands, faculty, staff, families, dignitaries, special guests and thousands online will gather to celebrate academic achievement and distinguished service.

Born in St Thomas, Dame Lindsay migrated to Birmingham, England, as a teenager, carrying with her the values of honesty, service, resilience and community upliftment instilled by her mother and grandmother. She began her professional journey in nursing and midwifery before moving into community relations, voluntary service and financial services. In 1987, she founded Diamond Travel, which grew into one of Birmingham’s leading independent travel agencies and became a trusted link for Caribbean travellers and members of the Jamaican diaspora.

Over several decades, Dame Lindsay distinguished herself as a businesswoman, civic leader, mentor and champion of Jamaican and African Caribbean communities in the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond. She is a founding member and current chair of the Association of Jamaican Nationals in Birmingham, through which she has helped preserve Jamaican heritage, strengthen cultural ties and support community development across generations.

Her record of service includes landmark achievements in British civic life. She became the first Black woman to serve as president of the Rotary Club of Birmingham, the first Afro-Caribbean woman appointed deputy lieutenant of the West Midlands, and the first Afro-Caribbean woman to serve as vice lord-lieutenant of the West Midlands. Through these roles, she has advanced community cohesion, public service, cultural representation and opportunities for under-represented groups.

Dame Lindsay’s work covers education, public health, mental health awareness, philanthropy and humanitarian causes. Her contributions to Jamaica include support for the Jamaican Olympic Team during the 2012 Games, coordination of Jamaica’s 50th Independence celebrations in Birmingham and sustained engagement with Jamaica’s diaspora in the UK.

In 2008, the Government of Jamaica conferred upon her the Order of Distinction for service to Jamaica and the diaspora. In 2011, she was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2026, King Charles III appointed her a dame commander of the Order of the British Empire, one of the highest honours within the Order, for services to the West Midlands and to charity.

Professor Colin Gyles, president of the UCC, emphasised that the conferral of the doctor of humane letters recognises a life of purposeful service and a legacy rooted in enterprise, compassion and the advancement of communities.

“Dame Beverly Lindsay’s life and work represent the highest ideals of service, leadership and resilience,” said Gyles.

“Her journey from St Thomas to the United Kingdom, and her extraordinary impact across business, civic life, philanthropy and diaspora development, stand as a powerful example to our graduates. UCC is honoured to recognise her with the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.”