BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WINDSOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE is about to expand as management of the medical learning institution broke ground yesterday (May 29) to construct a new building that would add to their campus in Brighton’s Estate in Cayon.
The building will house a state-of-the-art simulation lab, a new library complex and research centre.
At the ceremony, President of Windsor University Dr, B.K Gupta expressed his delight at breaking ground for the new facility.
"I am particularly pleased that you all have accepted our invitation and joined us in this significant milestone.
"We are thankful for past and present administrators on St. Kitts and Nevis and, at large, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their support over all these years."
Dr. Gupta informed that the groundbreaking ceremony followed sharply on the construction of a building that houses their faculty.
"It was not too long ago we stepped foot in the last constructed building which is occupied by our faculty. Today we are here to turn fresh soil for a state-of-the-art resource centre, simulation lab, conference room and research centre."
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris expressed his delight at the continued expansion of Windsor University and applauded its leadership.
"I feel a sense of gratification in seeing the continuing expansion of Windsor in which we are about to witness by the way of groundbreaking.
"The continued development of Windsor University as one of the leading medical schools in the region has been a remarkable achievement. In many ways Windsor University represents success and it has become an example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and a commitment to excellence."
Dr. Harris indicated that schools such as Windsor contribute to the social economic development of St. Kitts and Nevis.
"A few years ago it was estimated that institutions such as Windsor contributed up to 12% of the GDP of St. Kitts and Nevis mainly as a result of the economic activity generated by the student and staff who reside in the Federation."
Prime Minister Harris challenged management of the university to increase the scholarships that are offered to locals.
"I am aware that Windsor has offered such scholarships in the past, and I take this opportunity to encourage Windsor to consider increasing the number of scholarships that are currently being offered to nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis."
Windsor University came to St. Kitts and Nevis in 2000 and was operating from Fortlands before moving to Bird Rock, starting with an enrolment of 12 students. The university then moved to its current location at Brighton’s Estate in 2008 and now boast a student body of well over 1000.
The sod was turned by Prime Minister Harris, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Ionie Willet-Liburd, Parliamentary Representative of the area Hon. Eugene Hamilton, Dr. Guptal and Academic Dean Dr. C. Banan.
