In a groundbreaking move, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus will begin offering the Mona Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree locally in Antigua and Barbuda starting September 2026. This initiative, approved by the Cabinet this week, marks a significant milestone in expanding access to legal education across the Eastern Caribbean. Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant described the partnership between the Five Islands and Mona Campuses as a ‘landmark proposal’ that will transform legal education in the region. Under the agreement, the Mona Campus will oversee curriculum development, quality assurance, and academic governance, while the Five Islands Campus will handle program delivery, faculty recruitment, and student support. Merchant emphasized that this collaboration will significantly reduce costs for Antiguan and Barbudan students, with families saving an estimated US$105,000 compared to studying at Mona or Cave Hill, and up to US$202,500 compared to pursuing the degree in the United Kingdom or North America. Additionally, government scholarships will be more impactful, with the annual $520,000 allocation through the Board of Education program now supporting 30 students annually, up from 10 when studying abroad. Merchant also highlighted that this program lays the foundation for Antigua and Barbuda to establish its own law school within the next three to six years. Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin is currently collaborating with UWI and the Norman Manley Law School to meet the necessary requirements, including viability assessments and financial obligations, to ensure the project’s success.
UWI Five Islands to Offer Law Degrees in Partnership with the Mona Campus Come 2026
