UPP Introduces New Education Program

The United Progressive Party (UPP) continues to show its commitment to provide citizens with the opportunity to get a tertiary education with Friday’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the government and the Grambling State University in Louisiana, USA.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer together with Associate Vice President and Executive Director for the Center for International Affairs Programmes at the University, Dr. Mahmoud Lamadine, signed the document which paves the way for Antiguans and Barbudans to pursue studies at this esteemed university. While on island Dr. Lamadine held discussions with the Minister of Education, Bertrand Joseph, and our Chief Education Officer, Jacintha Pringle.

Under the agreement, the tertiary institution will provide five full scholarships and a partial fifty scholarships to qualified individuals. “Today’s signing is indicative of the UPP’s commitment to ensure that the country’s youth are afforded the opportunity to advance themselves in a first class university,” said Prime Minister Spencer.

Minister of Education, Bertrand Joseph, noted, “Never before has such emphasis been placed on providing quality education across all spectrums.” Joseph believes that tertiary education is paramount, especially with the impending Caricom Single Market Economy and, also, in response to globalization. The UPP feels compelled to assist the youth to prepare for these changes and also, continue to make Antigua a competitive, viable economy.

Presently there are over 1,000 Antiguan and Barbudan students pursuing post-secondary education in different institutions around the world. This education will give them a wide range of skills that will continue to benefit the country. They are living as foreign students in countries and cultures that are vastly different to our own such as China, India and Egypt, to name a few.

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