July 21, 2016: The day's proceedings at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus began with Prime Minister Rowley and the Trinidad and Tobago delegation meeting with the leadership of the UWI Mona Campus as well as the principals of the St Augustine, Cave Hill and Open campuses, who were connected virtually.
At that meeting the effectiveness or lack thereof of CARICOM was raised by the Principal of the Mona Campus, Archibald Mc Donald, and he stressed that the leadership of CARICOM should respect the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
The issue of hassle-free movement throughout the region, and in particular to Trinidad and Tobago, again came to the fore. Prime Minister Rowley reiterated that Trinidad and Tobago continues to be committed to CARICOM and again indicated that 97% of Jamaicans who present themselves at the country's ports are allowed to enter. Dr Rowley said that the mere 3% that are denied entry would be due to them not meeting certain requirements.
Prime Minister Rowley went on to articulate that the region has accepted the standards of UWI as far as education goes and it is therefore his view that we can have one institution for the region. As such, Dr Rowley said he will propose to CARICOM heads that they use the UWI model to set standards in areas other than education.
An Induction Ceremony was also held in the Prime Minister’s Park to recognise Dr Rowley as a UWI graduate who became a head of government. The park's name is in honour of UWI graduates who are or have been heads of Government.
The delegation then had a meeting with Trinidad and Tobago students at the Mona Campus where the students raised certain concerns. The Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Programme (GATE) was one such issue raised by the students.
Prime Minister explained that the Government cannot continue to fund the program in its present form. However, he stressed that the Government is committed to maintaining GATE but adjustments must be made. He also explained that, due to the manpower shortage in the area of healthcare, medical students need not be too concerned except that wastage will be eliminated.
Following lunch Prime Minister Rowley was afforded the opportunity to address the UWI Community where he lauded the achievements of UWI and expressed his hope that the UWI model will be replicated with a view to deepening regional integration towards the betterment of all the nations in the region.
###
For more information please contact:
Office of the Prime Minister
13-15 St. Clair Avenue, St. Clair
Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 622-1625