Tuition-Free Tertiary Education Central to Government’s “Renaissance” Agenda

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The government says tuition-free tertiary education for citizens will play a central role in what it describes as a national “renaissance” aimed at transforming Antigua and Barbuda’s economy and workforce.

The commitment was outlined Tuesday during the 2026 Throne Speech delivered by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams at the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

The speech highlighted the rapid expansion of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and announced plans for major additional investment in the institution.

“When my Government decided upon establishing a University of the West Indies Campus in Antigua and Barbuda, there were those who scoffed at the presumptiveness of tiny Antigua and Barbuda proposing such a venture,” Sir Rodney said.

The Governor-General said critics questioned whether Antigua and Barbuda could successfully sustain a UWI campus and whether facilities originally designed for a secondary school could function as a university.

“My Government has proven the naysayers all wrong,” he said.

According to the Throne Speech, enrollment at the Five Islands campus has grown from fewer than 350 students at its launch to nearly 2,000 students within four years.

The university has also begun offering master’s degree programmes and is expected to eventually introduce PhD programmes.

“It has begun to offer master degree programs, and will eventually offer PhD programs also,” Sir Rodney said.

The speech disclosed that the government plans to spend EC$300 million on expanding the UWI Five Islands Campus and related educational infrastructure in the surrounding community.

“My Government is about to spend EC$300 million on UWI’s expansion, providing new Primary and Secondary Schools to the Five Islands community in the process,” the Governor-General said.

The administration said the expansion forms part of a wider effort to reshape the country through education and human resource development.

“UWI is at the heart of the renaissance where tertiary education will be tuition-free for citizens,” Sir Rodney said.

The Throne Speech framed education as a key component of the government’s broader agenda to build what it repeatedly described as an “economic powerhouse” and “lifestyle superpower.”

Education Minister Daryll Matthew also received praise during the address for his leadership in advancing the government’s education agenda.

“He has shown leadership, determination, strength and adherence to strong principles that result in the objectives which my Government and the UWI have set as benchmarks,” Sir Rodney said.

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