PM Gaston Browne announced major education reforms that will reshape Antigua and Barbuda’s future. He pledged free tuition for qualifying citizens at the UWI Five Islands Campus once expansion works finish.

He delivered the announcement during his 2026 National Budget presentation. Browne highlighted education as a key pillar of national growth. He said the government aims to remove financial barriers that limit opportunity.

The Prime Minister explained that the campus is undergoing major upgrades. Workers are adding classrooms, improving facilities, and expanding academic programmes. After these improvements conclude, eligible citizens will study at the local campus without paying tuition.

Browne said the policy expands access to tertiary education. He added that the country needs a larger and more skilled workforce. Moreover, he argued that families deserve relief from rising tuition costs.

The Prime Minister noted that the wider expansion supports national development goals. The government plans to link new programmes to emerging industries. Consequently, students will gain skills for future careers in growing sectors.

Officials expect the improvements to attract more students. They say the campus will support research, innovation, and partnerships across the region. The upgrades also aim to create a modern and dynamic learning environment.

Browne stressed the government’s commitment to fairness. He said free tuition gives talented students equal chances, regardless of income. He believes these reforms will lift families and strengthen communities.

He also pointed to long-term economic gains. A more educated population, he said, boosts productivity and improves national competitiveness. Additionally, broader access to higher education helps reduce inequality.

Budget debate begins next week. Ministers will outline eligibility rules, expansion timelines, and funding plans for the free-tuition model. They will also explain how the government intends to support students as enrolment increases.

For now, many parents and students welcome the promise. They view free tuition as a major step toward a more inclusive and opportunity-driven education system.

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