History of Great Tayloria
October 5, 1952 marked the birth of a new phenomenon, the beginning of an era, the emergence of a spirited people who were to become a force to be reckoned with at the University of the West Indies. This phenomenon was Taylor Hall, the single most illustrious achievement of the University of the West Indies since its inception in 1948.
Taylor Hall was first occupied by 101 students, including 8 freshmen who moved from the old building of Gibraltar Hall on Gibraltar Camp road, to blocks A and B, formerly called Hall 111. These two blocks were the only two completed blocks on hall at the time, since block C was not completed until 1953. Becoming fully occupied, the hall was officially opened in 1953 and was named after Sir Thomas Weston Johns Taylor, the first principal of the University College of the West Indies. It was also in this year that our first warden, the late Sir Sidney Martin was appointed. By 1954 block D was completed and fully occupied.
The Gibraltar Hall boys brought the bell from their chapel. This bell was continuously a source of contention between Taylor Hall and Chancellor Hall. In the rivalry, Taylor lost the bell but this was soon replaced by another mascot - the cast iron ball. Taylor Hall since then has made the transition from the iron ball to the Pelican, this emblem continues to represent the will, drive, strength and the sense of fraternity, unique to the nation of Tayloria.
In 1962, blocks E. F and G, affectionately known as New Block, were completed. These blocks were initially occupied by male residents but by 1965 became home to Excellencia, Falconia and Galaxia, collectively the Queens of Tayloria. The television room and the sub wardens?? flats were constructed in 1963.
At the end of the 1964 academic year, Dr. Vernon Anderson succeeded Mr. Sidney Martin as Warden. Dr. G.K. Brown assumed this position in 1965 and was later replaced by Mervyn Morris who served as warden from 1966 to 1970; he was succeeded by Mr. Collin Campbell from 1970 to 1974. Mr. Bramwell Shepherd took over for the brief period of 1974 to 1976 with Mr. Campbell again returning to lead the hall??s administration from 1976 to 1982.
In 1982 Dr. William Beckles assumed the responsibility to lead the hall and he served until December 1985. Mr. Cedric Harper acted as Warden between January 1986 to August 1989. Dr. Dale Webber who was deputy warden from February to August 1989, succeeded Mr. Harper and served until 1992 when Mr. Peter O??Sullivan took over the reins and continues to lead Jaghi??s children with much pride, care and dignity. However as a result of Mr. O??Sullivan taking his much deserved vacation, Mr. Athol ??Punky Killa? Hamilton held the position from October 2005 and will continue to do so until October 2006.
Over the years Taylor Hall has distinguished itself from other halls of residence in all areas and has developed a culture that is envied by other less fortunate places of abode. We have proven ourselves to be the epitome of excellence in academics, sports and culture as we have developed a tradition of maintaining the most first class honours students, winning and competing assiduously for the undisputed ??Hall of Halls? title and of course earning the respect of our fellow students and gaining the reputation for hosting the best ??sessions? on campus. Taylor Hall??s culture and solid achievements are the legacy of the hard work of our predecessors who have set the stage for the remarkable performances and records which the hall holds to date. We can say unapologetically that great names have passed through our walls and our graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves as outstanding members of the region and the world at large. Our list of outstanding graduates include Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott, Professor Verene Sheperd, Dr. Willard Pinnock, Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonzalves Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Professor Edward Baugh, Professor Mervin Alleyne and Professor Stephen Vasciannie... TOP
Hall Chairman's Message
Congratulations on your matriculation to the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies! We celebrate and applaud your choice to become a part of the rich history and family of this great hall of residence, Taylor Hall. On behalf of the Taylor Hall Committee and all Taylorites, welcome! We wish for you a very enjoyable stay here and all the very best in your quest for holistic development. Throughout your time at this noble institution, be sure to keep focus on your primary purpose here: to achieve academically. However with the changing nature of our dynamic world, it has become necessary for you to become heavily involved in out-of-class learning and co-curricular activities, as these will give you a competitive advantage upon completion of you studies. You are strongly encouraged to participate in the programmes planned for you within the hall community and university. Seek to be an excellent citizen of this community, and seek to develop camaraderie and friendships. Be considerate as this is a communal living environment. We are a family; we must stick together and support each other always. The hall committee led by myself and Mr. Munroe; elected to serve you! You are encouraged to engage us, along with the Resident Advisors and the Student Services Manager, with suggestions for improvement and any problems you may encounter. As you become exposed to a universe of knowledge, remember that you have a responsibility to your community and wider society at large. The investment made in your education requires you to contribute to the development of Jamaica and by extension the Caribbean community. Welcome and enjoy. Ricardo ??Elements? Anderson TOP
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary of the site will be posted at a later date... TOP