UWI pledges $$$ for needy students

Persons wishing to enter the University of the West Indies (UWI) but who are unable to due to financial difficulty may soon find a solution to their problems thanks to collaborative efforts between UWI management and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education. Campus Principal Dr Bhoe Tewarie noted that he had held meetings with Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education Senator Danny Montano to find a formula to ensure that anyone who is qualified, but financially unable to enter the university, will be funded.

He was speaking to members of the media yesterday after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and Caribbean Money Market Brokers (CMMB) for the provision of $1 million to go towards the furthering of specific research projects in areas related to finance. Remarking that although the University had recorded its highest intake of students — 3,500 persons for the new academic year — Dr Tewarie revealed that it had actually  accepted 5,000 students. However, he said a number of factors cut this number down, specifically the decision of some to wait a year before starting university; the acquisition of jobs; lack of adequate funding and migration, among other reasons.

“We actually expected to get about 4,000,” he maintained, “and if we get this, we can handle it because our commitment is to carry the undergraduate population to 12,000 and hold it there. This would mean an intake of about 4,000 per year.” Dr Tewarie further currently revealed that the university was undergoing majour construction work to accommodate its growing student population. In particular, he stated, the Humanities building was being extended to provide significant space for offices, as well as for teaching and learning spaces. They are also about to commission a new education building which will provide facilities for lectures, seminars and video conferences.

“In addition to that,” he continued, “we are expanding the Engineering department, and we have plans on the drawing board for the construction of a six-storey building which would house only teaching spaces and labs.” “We do have plans as well for the construction of housing spaces for the very high demand of students.” He said, “over the next two years or so, we will have significant construction taking place in and around Campus to better serve  the student population and the community at large.”