University Of The West Indies Mourns Death Of Trinidad’s First Registered Haematologist

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, April 8, 2020 (CMC) – The University of the West Indies’ (UWI) St. Augustine Campus, in Trinidad and Tobago, is mourning the death of a former member of the Medical Sciences Faculty, Dr. Waveney Charles, who was the country’s first registered haematologist.

According to UWI, Dr. Charles established a paediatric haematology program that resulted in a decreased mortality rate, among children with Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia and Haemophilia.

She is also credited with pioneering the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, locally, as Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service; and transforming and internationalising the twin-island republic’s blood banking service.

In September 2018, Dr. Charles was presented with the Chaconia Medal (GOLD) for her contributions to the nation.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the St. Augustine Campus, Professor Brian Copeland, extended condolences, on behalf of the Campus community.

“We have lost a friend, a member of our extended family, a woman, whose life-work positively affected thousands of families. Words cannot express the thanks, we owe, for her service to the UWI and to Trinidad and Tobago,” Professor Copeland said.