The Association of
West Indian Gastroenterologists

In the 1980s, Drs. Orrin Barrow, Charlie Edwards and Rawle Edwards, distinguished physicians and gastroenterologists who were highly respected throughout the region, contemplated creating a regional specialist association. Further discussions led to the formation of the Association of West Indian Gastroenterologists (AWIG) and in 1987, its first meeting was held in conjunction with a Medical Association of Jamaica conference. This came about in large measure due to the organizational skills and influence of Dr. Barrow, who happened to be simultaneously the president of the Medical Association of Jamaica.

​

 

The inaugural meeting made AWIG one of the first subspecialty societies in the Caribbean. Its founding executives at the first meeting included Orrin Barrow, who was elected President, Rawle Edwards, Vice President and Charles Edwards. Also present at the inaugural meeting were: Courtney Bartholomew, Judith Henry, Steve Smith, Oscar Jordan, Bert Brathwaite, Heskith Vanterpool, Blossom Anglin, Michael Lee, Kildare Donaldson, Shaughan Terry and Anthony Nembhard.