Fostering Societal Growth: Exploring How Inclusion Drives the Development Agenda

Hopper Lecture


In 2025, Barbados enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. This came just three months after the government introduced a seven-year policy to address the needs of people with disabilities. As contemporary development faces social, economic, political and environmental challenges, any society striving to achieve its goals must vigorously promote the inclusion of all its members.

“All persons with disabilities need a space in which they can develop their full potential. That’s the legacy I want to leave.”

This distinguished lecture is sponsored by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in honour of its first president, David Hopper.

Participants joining via Zoom will receive the link and login details 24 hours before the event.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact directly the Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.  

 

Leading the session (in alphabetical order)

Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill

Kerryann Ifill is a well-known Barbadian activist who has ceaselessly promoted the rights of people with disabilities. Since losing her vision at the age of 4, the 50-year-old has gone on to become the youngest person and first woman to be appointed president of the Barbados Senate. This was after she became the first person with vision loss to complete a University of the West Indies degree (with honours), having studied at the Cave Hill Campus. She later earned an MBA and a postgraduate diploma in special education.

This distinguished lecture is sponsored by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in honour of its first president, David Hopper.

Event details

Start date Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Duration 90 min
Deadline Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 9:00 am
Registered 7
Seats available 243
Organizer Vice-Provost EDI
Audience Open to all
Language English event
Delivery mode Bimodal (in person or Zoom)
Location Via Zoom or in-person at FSS 4004