Labour Government allocates EC$1 million to assist over 200 nationals studying at the University of the West Indies

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 4TH 2009 (CUOPM) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Government allocates over EC$1 million annually in economic costs to assist nationals studying in areas of priority at the three campuses of the University of the West Indies and the University Centres in Basseterre and Charlestown.
 
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says his government is very strong believer in education and training and over 200 nationals including civil servants are getting some form of assistance from his administration to attend the regional educational institution.
 
“Education is, after all, the ultimate liberator of our people. It releases their potential. It provides knowledge and skills arming them to make a contribution to the development of their country and the advancement of themselves and their families,” said Dr. Douglas during his radio programme “Ask the Prime Minister” carried simultaneously on ZIZ Radio, Kyss FM, Sugar City Roc and Radio One on Tuesday.
 
“After 5 years with the government, civil servants become eligible for study leave at the University of the West Indies with pay.  Not only at the University of the West Indies, but any other university that they have been allowed to go. It is not always after they have completed five years of service, because we have depending on the area of training and it is in high demand by the government of this country, we may also wish to pay their salaries even though they may not have had five years of service,” Prime Minister Douglas explained.
 
He said he was proud that to reduce the financial burden on nationals, and in order to increase the chances of them meeting the requirements imposed by University of the West Indies, government was paying the economic costs of students attending that regional tertiary institution.
 
“Let us not forget that these individuals are equipping themselves, through advanced education, to face, upon their return, the many challenges that small nations like St. Kitts and Nevis face, and so my government is committed to standing by them,” said Prime Minister Douglas.