The University of the West Indies (UWI) is a public university system established to serve the higher education needs of the residents of 18 English-speaking countries and territories in the Caribbean. The aim of the university is to help “unlock the potential for economic and cultural growth” in the West Indies, thus allowing improved regional autonomy. In keeping with the University’s overall mission to unlock the potential of the region, the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work sets itself the following objectives: To develop a research, policy and service-oriented culture of high academic quality based on solid theoretical and empirical foundations. This will be achieved through: defining relevant areas of research, policy and service on which we will be focused; to train students in social and behavioural analysis, research and problem solving skills, applied social work and community intervention skills; to encourage the active engagement of its staff, students, graduates (alumni) and associated professionals with societal issues.