Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus as a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s national transformation, saying the government’s vision is for every household to have at least one university graduate within the next five to seven years.
Speaking at a political rally on Friday night, Mr Browne outlined the pivotal role of tertiary education in lifting families out of poverty, creating wealth, and preparing the nation for global competitiveness.
“We have invested over $100 million in UWI Five Islands because we believe that education is the great equaliser,” the Prime Minister said. “This is about empowering our people to compete with the best in the world.”
Since its opening in 2019, the UWI Five Islands Campus has grown in scope, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in education, business, science, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and climate resilience.
The campus forms part of a broader strategy to boost national development through access to affordable and regionally accredited tertiary education.
“We are not just talking about transformation—we are building it, degree by degree, graduate by graduate,” Mr Browne said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that building a knowledge-based economy is essential for long-term prosperity and resilience. He said his administration’s goal is to ensure that no household is left behind as the country moves towards a more diversified and service-oriented economy.
“After thousands of you have educated yourselves, are you telling me you must go to the back of the line and let incompetents lead this country?” he asked. “Of course not.”
He argued that the investment in education is a safeguard against poor leadership and a pathway to meaningful employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
To support the push for greater access, the government has introduced a number of scholarship and grant programmes, including tuition assistance and special financing arrangements for working adults.
Officials have also indicated plans to introduce new faculties and expand dormitory and research facilities at the Five Islands campus to meet rising demand.
Mr Browne described the UWI Five Islands initiative as one of his government’s most important legacies, stating that the returns on investment in education will far outweigh any other sector.
“This campus will stand for generations,” he said. “It will continue to educate, uplift, and transform the people of Antigua and Barbuda long after our time.”
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