Senator Challenges Focus on Academic Qualifications in Budget Debate
Senator Pearl Quinn-Williams took to the Senate floor during the 2025 Budget debate to argue that academic degrees should not be the ultimate measure of competence in public service.
She passionately defended her own lack of a university degree, highlighting the importance of integrity and practical knowledge over formal qualifications.
“I don’t need an academic degree to serve effectively,” Quinn-Williams said. “The Lord has granted me wisdom, and I seek knowledge daily. I value a degree of integrity far more than an academic one.”
The senator’s remarks came as she applauded government efforts to expand educational access but warned that degrees alone do not guarantee societal equity or efficient governance.
“If having degrees equated to good governance, this country wouldn’t be facing so many challenges despite the numerous degree holders,” she contended.
Quinn-Williams also pushed back against what she described as excessive emphasis on academic credentials, citing examples of influential leaders who succeeded without university qualifications.
“Some of the most transformational leaders this country has known had no degrees, but they possessed love for the people and unimpeachable integrity,” she added.
Her statements sparked responses from other senators, with some expressing concern about her suggestion that certain degrees may have been obtained dishonestly.
Senate President intervened, cautioning Quinn-Williams against making unsubstantiated claims and urging her to focus on evidence-based arguments.
“Implying improper practices without facts undermines the integrity of this honorable house,” the President stated.
Quinn-Williams later withdrew the contentious remarks but maintained her position on the value of ethical leadership.
“Until we prioritize the highest degree of integrity as the most important qualification, we will continue to face issues of cacistocracy and kleptocracy,” she said.
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The cover picture says it all – After her performance today she may want to reconsider and go to school. Its not good to be so dunce
How many engineers public works have that will tell you their hands are tied!. It’s not just about degrees. How many degrees VC had?
I would like to congratulate Quinn -Williams for calling out the government.
Hear hear well done lady at last some one has the guts to call a spade a spade…
Half of her lame presentation was repeating the phrase “bovine scatology” like she was in a trance. She was soooo proud of herself and even claimed she single handedly defeated CCJ so she is the best. SMH. If you thought the Senate would make up for the UPPs second year of blowing the budget in the lower house you were very wrong!
She is correct
She a mash some a them corn
Some a them just wash them foot n come
Them bias
When Quinn-Williams could be heard repeating and embracing the dunce stance of the likes of Jamal Pringle, then you know that she really needs a much higher level of educational competemce than she currently possesses. She that is a fool, and knows not that she knows not that she is a fool, is the most pathetic fool of all.