In a landmark announcement during the VC Bird Day ceremony, Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled ambitious plans to transform the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus into what he described as “easily the best in the Caribbean” through a comprehensive $200 million expansion initiative. The substantial investment, scheduled to commence next year, represents a strategic commitment to positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a regional hub for academic excellence and innovation.
Browne articulated the government’s vision for educational transformation, emphasizing that learning serves as “an engine of growth” crucial for national development. “Education stands as one of the foundational pillars of our progress, a driving force behind our expansion, and we remain dedicated to advancing every facet of our educational system,” he stated before an attentive audience.
The expansion project aims to significantly enhance access to tertiary education while strengthening the nation’s human capital capabilities. Browne emphasized the government’s determination to equip citizens with globally competitive skills, asserting, “We are committed to ensuring our citizens can stand shoulder to shoulder with any international counterparts and compete effectively with the world’s best talent.”
This substantial financial commitment forms part of a broader national agenda focused on leveraging education as a strategic tool for economic advancement, technological innovation, and social mobility. The Prime Minister reiterated his administration’s dedication to continuous heavy investment in educational infrastructure as an essential component of the country’s nation-building objectives.