NEW DAY FOR UTT

THE launch of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) on Monday night was described by acting Prime Minister, Joan Yuille-Williams, as the most important development for education in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking to a large Hilton Trinidad audience of government ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other dignitaries, Yuille-Williams said the intention to establish an institution of this nature, did not emerge overnight. “Several historical and other factors have been pointing us in this direction for a rather long time. The founding father of our nation, Dr Eric Williams, had envisioned establishment of such a university,” said Yuille-Williams.” The acting Prime Minister praised her leader, Patrick Manning, for his overwhelming commitment and vision for the UTT.

According to Yuille-Williams, there is a pressing need to increase tertiary level enrolment, particularly science, technology and engineering. “This is not to take away from the important contribution our various educational institutions have been making over the years.  In recent times, there has been at the University of the West Indies for example, a broadening and deepening of programmes beyond those traditionally offered,” said Yuille-Williams. She explained that the need exists for a university system with appropriate and adequate responses to the many priorities and specialised requirements of the energy and related fields, and our manufacturing and high-tech industries.”

Yuille-Williams was sure that the establishment of the UTT marked a major turning point in the development of tertiary education in Trinidad and Tobago. “The university represents intensification of the partnership between the government, private sector and the national community to take our country along the required developmental path,” she said. “While it seeks to facilitate the energy sector, it has also been conceptualised as a catalyst and change agent for diversification of the economy away from our dependence on energy, into non-oil manufactures, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and high-tech information and communications,” said Yuille-Williams.