Browne Confirms Free University Education Expansion, Cites Role in National Development
ST. Gaston Browne has confirmed that his administration will expand access to free university education, describing the move as a critical investment in the country’s long-term development.
Speaking on his weekly radio programme, Browne said the government is moving ahead with plans to provide tuition-free tertiary education, particularly at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, beginning this year.
He said the decision followed consultations with financial officials and reflects the government’s commitment to building human capital.
Browne argued that increasing access to higher education will help equip young people with the skills needed to drive economic growth and reduce inequality.
He described tertiary education as a key pillar of national development, linking it to improved productivity, innovation and workforce readiness.
The prime minister said the policy forms part of a broader strategy to expand opportunities for citizens and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in a changing global economy.
The expansion of free university education had previously been tied to the continued development of the Five Islands campus, but Browne indicated the government is now prepared to move forward with implementation.
The announcement comes as education and cost-of-living issues remain central to the campaign ahead of the April 30 general election, with both major political parties outlining proposals aimed at easing financial pressures on families.
Browne said the initiative is intended to ensure that more Antiguans and Barbudans can pursue higher education without the burden of tuition costs, positioning it as an investment in the country’s future workforce.
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As the time runs out, we must take heed of this blitz the ABLP is pushing. This blitz shouldn’t even be necessary—if they had been doing their jobs from the start, we wouldn’t need this rushed, intense effort now. When they rely on a blitz, it’s a sign of fear—big bulletin boards all over the streets of Antigua, splashed with their message. They’re trying to outspend, not outdo. This isn’t about more ads—it’s about doing the work. The roads should already be repaired; the water should already be flowing. And we should be able to get our visas, go about our lives, but instead, the CIP program has left us compromised. It didn’t help the little man—it just funneled money into their own circle, while we saw nothing. And don’t even get me started on the boat sale, with its enormous kickbacks. Let this be a wake-up call. Don’t fall for the mirage. This blitz is a desperate move—selfish, short-sighted—and if they really cared about the country, they would have performed from day one, giving the people a fair chance to choose. Instead, they called this election early—two and a half years ahead—showing their desperation, their self-interest. So, don’t be fooled—this is about them, not us. Let the people decide, and don’t drink the Kool-Aid. The blitz should never have been needed—because the job should have been done from the beginning.
@ Pinoccio Brown well said.
17 nil and desperation too. If they had anticipated 10-7, six on Antigua and one on Barbuda, we would be getting jewelry, cars, boats and houses; everything except water. We probably have the most Reverse Osmosis Plants per capita, on the planet but the least amount of water. That alone should prevent them from winning a single seat.
As far as I know there is a criteria that one has to meet to get into university which includes passing maths and english. Question for you PM what percentage of our students fits this criteria? Or will the criteria be thrown out the windows?
The problem in education has to be fixed at the lower levels so that our students can easily transition to tertiary education.
Nothing in life is free some things has to be earned.
Who’s that Guy shaking the hand of Nero? It looks very much like the one who called him Lanny Bozo and said that he was one of Bo Boy’s Boy. Didn’t he also say that he was MOONING People in Villa during an Election period? They are really birds of a feather.
What world are you living in? This is what politics and Politricks is all about. The ruling party as government, will always, and continue to use this play book, since presently they know all power, resources, and wealth, lies in their hands. Having the government of which you speak of, doing all that’s needed to be done before calling an election, why would we then need Opposition party since nothing will be there to oppose?Opposition party in this country, holds nothing and have no cards.Yes! They may make promises, but promises that are unrealistic, which MP like Shugy Simon now finding out, since not one of his promises got off the ground, he now blames everyone and everything, and even crying bout the $2000, a month he is getting. This man went into politics, knowing fully well his party is not in government, so if your own
pocket is not deep, your political agendas may fail, but on a positive, and uplifting note he claimed he had huge investors lined up, guess what! he lied, and now bitching like a little girl. As an elected member of parliament he is now, for the rest of his life bless with all the rewards and fringe benefits awarded to an MP.
Gaston obsession with public office is called empleomania, he haven’t a clue that upp would make UWI free instantly instead a waiting for September, all things will be sort out by UPP like the USA visa travel restriction and water and roads.
Gaston learn to relax and realize power is like ice in the sun 🌞 and it will eventually leave you.
Makes no sense
Now children have yet another entitlement
This younggeneration is not being asked to perform
@Pinocchio Brown well said.
At this stage the nation of Antigua stands to gain nothing from this election. It is just a chaotic mess. It’s a waste of resources. Unplanned, spending not budget for. Millions spent on infrastructure that is going to come to a halt come May 1st , 2026 . The day after election. Just like was done in the by-elections in St.Mary’s, St.Peters and recently in St.Phillip.
This snap election will again run up further debts to local contractors , most of whom will take years to get their money. Not a cent is being paid to those that are owed. It’s all election spending. So the only people that can benefit are the politicians. Antigua elections are transactional. The worst part is that the electorate is being paid with his own money. The investments that are being made, with politicians posing and posting photos and videos or work done by using taxpayers money. I can bet all these materials used to build these huge billboards are from our tax dollars. Take for example the program with the giving out of building materials. This was supposed to be for the refurbishing of homes owned by the poor and vulnerable. With the election rush , there materials are now used for transactional purposes.
Worst yet I am not too sure that the opposition are any different. They all seems to be singing from the same song book. One side is giving away thousands, walking around with big rolls. The other poorer, without their hands on the government purse is giving out hundreds. As the former UPP candidate for St.Paul’s put it beggy beggy politics.
All I am calling for is constitutional Reform- yes Ralph and company you have been crying for constitutional reforms and we have not paid you any heed. I believe the fruits are now low hanging and the support is there from both opposition parties, independents voters and a large percentage of APLP supporters. Areas like swearing allegiance to the king can be achieved immediately. Next a fixed date to the general election. I don’t mind that the ruling party has the authority to call the exact date. However, it must not be before four and a half years. We also need campaign finance reform. We need to know where the money is coming from that is used to fund these campaigns. We also need to broaden the scope in who can take part in the electoral process. We should not be ruling out civil servants- have to resign and loose their years of service to serve our country at a higher level. We should now rule out the clergy- men and women with high moral values and principles. We should not rule out Antiguans with dual citizenship. These area areas that need to bd addressed before a next election. If that the more thing change the more they will remain the same. In fact it will almost become impossible for an opposition to win an election. Regardless of the ruling administration performance if we do not have serious reforms. It is not enough for elections observers to come in a few days and declare we had a free and fair election. They are miss representing the democratic electoral process.
WORLD BOSS!!!! PEOPLES ESPECIALLY THE YOUTHS LETS GRAB THIS PRIVILEGE AND UPGRADE OURSELVES….
What is UPP position on paying CLICO/BAICO policyholders in ANTIGUA, who have been in the lurch for over 17 YEARS now with nobody addressing the situation and only waiting on empty promises from GASTON BROWNE, also unpaid obligations to teachers, contractors, vendors, overtime due to workers , contract workers, landlords, also LIAT(1974) LTD workers SEVERANCE. Say something LOVELL and then we will come out in numbers and VOTE and give you a chance. NOTE: For your guidance, MOTTLEY borrowed money and raised the DEBT CEILING by issusing GOVERNMENT BONDS to meet the obligation and pay over 30000 CLICO POLICYHOLDERS also the LIAT WORKERS in BARBADOS 100% of their SEVERANCE and WON the GENERAL ELECTIONS LANDSLIDE VICTORY by telling the people on the political platform “GIMME THE VOTE AND WATCH MUH”.HOME DRUMS BEAT FIRST, I WILL PAY YOU your money if ELECTED to office. Promise made promise kept (FACT CHECK) NOTE: ALMOST EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN ANTIGUA ARE VICTIMS OF THE CLICO/BAICO DEBACLE.
The BALL is in your court UPP PRINGLE for a CHANCE. GASTON BROWNE says ABLP will match or implement any “sensible” opposition promises during campaign.
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) leader Gaston Browne says his administration will not be out-promised on the campaign trail and has signalled a willingness to adopt workable proposals from political opponents.
Gaston Browne dismissed the prospect of rival parties gaining an advantage through campaign pledges, stating, “No opposition going to out-promise my government.”
He added that his administration remains open to implementing ideas put forward by others once they are practical and beneficial.
UPP PRINGLE past issues must be addressed before future empty promises are made. No political party has mentioned or campaigned how they will make retribution to these past issues namely CLICO/BAICO policyholders also unpaid obligations to teachers, contractors, vendors, overtime due to workers , contract workers, landlords, also LIAT (1974) LTD workers SEVERANCE , these issues are sensible, practical and beneficary. Say something LOVELL and then we will come out in numbers and VOTE and give you a CHANCE.
Everyone want their own INDEPENDENCE .Give us the money that belongs to us what is the use of TAX FREE BARRELS,FREE TURKEY AND HAM, when we can’t be masters of our individual FINANCES.That is how DICTATORS operate by bringing you to your knees for your own money and have you living hand to mouth similar to what PAPA DOC ,BABY DOC, and past presidents of HAITI did to the people of HAITI a CARICOM member state by enslaving and oppressing it’s people such injustice created Jimmy Chérizier, nicknamed “Barbecue,” is a Haitian gang leader and former policeman who heads the G9 Family and Allies, a powerful federation of gangs in Port-au-Prince.
@ Gastorn
10 REASONS WHY I WILL VOTE AGAINST ABLP IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS
1. THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT RESTORE OUR VISAS UNDER ABLP. A NEW GOVRNMENT WOULD BE MORE LIKELY TO GET A REPRIEVE; EVEN AS A GOODWILL GESTURE.
2. WE WILL GET TO SEE THE FULL SCALE OF GIVE-AWAYS AND UNBALANCED QUID PRO QUOs THIS GOVERNMENT HAS FORCED US INTO.
3. WE WILL GET TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT “NYAMCO” AND ALL THE OTHER SCHEMES COOKED UP BY ABLP AND THEIR HECHMEN TO CREAM OFF OUR MONEY.
4. WE WILL FINALLY HAVE A GOVERNMENT THAT WILL HAVE TO LISTEN TO US IN A MEANINGFUL WAY AND NOT HEAR, “OH, THAT IS WHY WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT”
5. THE SCOURGE OF SELF-ENRICHMENT WILL BE REMOVED FOR GOOD. MORE EMPOWERMENT FOR YOU AND ME AS IT SHOULD BE.
6. STOP THE THINKING OF ANY FUTURE GOVERNEMNT THAT TO WIN, YOU JUST GIVE AWAY EVERYTHING AT OUR EXPENSE. Btw IF THEY WIN, THEY WILL INCREASES TAXES TO RECOUP THOSE FUNDS.
7. THE ALFA NARGO SCANDAL WILL BE LESS OF A BURDEN AROUND OUR NECKS BUT NOT GASTON, AS IT SHOULD BE.
8. IT WILL BE WONDERFUL TO SEE ALL THOSE WHO JUMP THE UPP SHIP START SCAMPERING HITHER, THITHER AND YON.
9. THEY ARE JUST WAITING TO INCREASE THE PRICE OF GAS.
10. WE WILL FINALLY GET RID OF THIS “CHECK YOU MINISTER” CURSE AND THE SYSTEMS OF GOVERNANCE WILL BE RESTORED.
FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND CHILDREN’S CHILDREN, STOP THEM!
But Gaston still get on his radio station and bragged that his son will be off to Miami to go university, an that five island UWI according to Gaston is for poor a$$ people who can’t do no better but choose substandard university.
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