Concern raised over movement of students

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has expressed concern that students from campus territories are not moving across the region to study at University of the West Indies (UWI) as they did during the 1960s. {{more}}

The Prime Minister said the range and extent of movement of students from Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago is not in large proportions as occurred in the 1960s when he pursued his tertiary level education at the UWI.

Dr. Gonsalves said he is concerned the UWI is in danger of degenerating into a Jamaica campus, a Barbados campus and a Trinidad campus.

This view was expressed last Thursday, December 16th, at a press conference held at cabinet room .

“Most Jamaicans stay in Jamaica, most Barbadians stay in Barbados, most Trinidadians and Tobagonians stay in Trinidad. Those of us from the non-campus territories, we go to all three of the campuses,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

Prime Minister Gonsalves, one of the strongest advocates for regional integration, said it would be very good if a significant number of students from the campus-based territories could pursue their tertiary level education outside of their territory.

The Prime Minister said he had discussed the issue with Prime Ministers Owen Arthur of Barbados and Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago, along with Sir George Alleyne, chancellor of the UWI.

Dr. Gonsalves said that for the UWI to maintain its regional character, there has to be an interchange with persons from the different territories. He added that it is also an important factor for leadership in the region, especially in the area of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy.