Minister of Education Hon. Daryll Matthew Applauds UPP’s Belated Support for University Town Vision in Five Islands

Minister of Education Hon. Daryll Matthew Applauds UPP’s Belated Support for University Town Vision in Five Islands

St. John’s, Antigua—Minister of Education, Hon. Daryll Matthew, has expressed his pleasure that the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and its Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West, Richard Lewis, have finally embraced the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) vision of transforming Five Islands Village into a thriving university town.

“It is truly heartening to see that the UPP and MP Lewis have now conveniently bought into what the ABLP has championed for years: the development of Five Islands Village into an educational hub and a center for national and regional progress,” said Minister Matthew. “This shift demonstrates that the merits of our vision were always clear, even to our most vocal critics.”

The Minister reminded the public that this new position by the UPP comes after years of resistance and opposition to the establishment of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus in the community. The ABLP’s decision to situate the campus in Five Islands was met with protests by the UPP, which accused the government of making a misguided choice. “Let us not forget that the UPP staged a public protest against the establishment of the UWI campus in Five Islands, claiming it was the wrong location,” Minister Matthew stated.

The Education Minister also highlighted the troubling treatment of Senator Lamin Newton, who was expelled from the UPP after expressing support for the ABLP’s vision for the university. “Senator Newton recognized the transformative potential of this project and bravely chose to support it, despite the backlash from his own party. His expulsion is a stark reminder of how deeply opposed the UPP once was to this initiative,” Minister Matthew noted.

Now, with the UWI Five Islands Campus thriving and playing a pivotal role in the region’s education landscape, the ABLP’s vision is coming to life. The campus is rapidly expanding, and its development is not limited to tertiary education alone. The government is committed to creating a university town where education, commerce, and community development intersect to uplift Five Islands Village and its residents.

As part of this vision, the construction of the new Five Islands Primary School is a significant milestone. “This new school, the first phase in the larger buildout of the UWI campus, is a testament to our government’s commitment to education and community development. It is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in the future of our children,” Minister Matthew emphasized.

The ABLP’s focus on Five Islands extends beyond education. The development of a university town also includes improved amenities, expanded infrastructure, and a stronger integration of community and academic life. “We are laying the foundation for Five Islands to become a hub of innovation, growth, and opportunity—not just for Antigua and Barbuda, but for the entire region,” Minister Matthew added.

Minister Matthew concluded by welcoming the UPP’s change of heart, stating, “While it is disappointing that it took this long for the opposition to recognize the value of our vision, I am pleased that they have finally come on board. The development of Five Islands into a university town is not a partisan issue; it is a national achievement. I hope the UPP’s newfound support will translate into meaningful collaboration as we continue to build a brighter future for our people.”

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Five Islands Primary School is the latest step in realizing the ABLP’s transformative vision for Five Islands. The school will not only provide state-of-the-art facilities for the community’s children but also reinforce the government’s commitment to making Five Islands the epicenter of education and development in Antigua and Barbuda.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]