The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) will confer honorary degrees upon five distinguished nationals at the first session of its 2026 Presentation of Graduates Ceremony, to be held on November 17, 2026 at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium, National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain.

The 2026 honorary degree recipients are being recognised for their outstanding contributions to the development of Trinidad and Tobago:

• Mr. Willie Chen – in recognition of his contribution to the artistic and cultural landscape, will be posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts
• Mr. Neval Chatelal – in recognition of his contribution to music, culture and the performing arts, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts
• Mr. Anthony Emrold Phillip (Brother Valentino) – in recognition of his contribution to music, culture and the performing arts, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters
• Pundit Bhadase M. Maraj – in recognition of his contribution to cultural and spiritual development, will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
• Mr. Slinger Francisco, O.R.T.T. (The Mighty Sparrow) – in recognition of his contribution to calypso, music and the cultural life of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, will be posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters

The University is honoured to recognise these distinguished individuals, whose achievements reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, service and nation-building. Through their contributions to their respective fields and to the wider society, they have enriched Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and social landscape and continue to serve as sources of inspiration.

Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Chancellor of The University of Trinidad and Tobago, will preside over this year’s session for higher degrees and honorary doctorates.

Mr. Willie Chen

Mr. Neval Chatelal

Mr. Anthony Emrold Phillip (Brother Valentino)

Pundit Bhadase M. Maraj

Slinger Francisco, O.R.T.T. (The Mighty Sparrow)