The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) joins the nation in mourning the passing of Willi Chen.

On July 21, 2026 the Honorary Awards Committee of UTT, took a decision to bestow an Honorary Doctorate, in the category of 'Doctor of Fine Arts' to Willi Chen. It will be conferred posthumously at UTT's graduation in November 2026. Wilfred Chen, his brother, has agreed to accept this award on his brother's behalf on November 17, 2026 at the graduation. Here is a short narrative of Willi Chen's life.

Willi Chen, stands among Trinidad and Tobago's most distinguished cultural and artistic figures. He has profoundly enriched the nation's literary, artistic, and cultural landscape through more than seven decades of exceptional achievements. As an internationally acclaimed writer, sculptor, visual artist, playwright, stage designer, entrepreneur, and cultural leader, Chen embodies a rare breadth of excellence that has cultivated the identity of Trinidad and Tobago.

He has earned national and international recognition through his literary works including poetry, plays, novels and short stories for their authentic illustration of Trinidad and Tobago's multicultural society. Chen's writing has preserved the voice and lived experiences of generations of Trinbagonians, thereby making a lasting contribution to Caribbean literature and scholarship.

As a visual artist and sculptor, Willi Chen has created iconic public works, most notably the monumental 'Solar Marinorama' displayed at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. It stands as one of the country's most outstanding public artworks. His contributions to national theatre, includes his writing of more than twenty plays and his design of over forty-five stage productions. These productions have added enormously to Trinidad and Tobago's performing arts.

Beyond his creative achievements, Chen has devoted decades of service to national cultural institutions, including the Writers' Union of Trinidad and Tobago, the Naparima Bowl, and the San Fernando Arts Council. Through his mentorship, public lectures, workshops, adjudication, and community outreach, he has inspired and nurtured generations of artists and writers.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has conferred upon him the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) and the Chaconia Medal (Silver), reflecting his enduring impact on the cultural development of Trinidad and Tobago.

The life of Willi Chen personifies the qualities that The University of Trinidad and Tobago treasures: pursuit of excellence, creativity, innovation, and public service. His remarkable integration of artistic achievement with entrepreneurship, community leadership, and national development created a legacy that transcends disciplines and generations. The conferment of an Honorary Award by UTT constitutes a fitting tribute to an individual whose work embodies the values at the heart of its mission. His contribution is an indispensable part of the nation's cultural heritage. He has left an enduring legacy that remains as an inspiration to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

The University extends its deepest condolences to Mr Chen's family, friends, colleagues and the wider cultural community.