Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Ronald Jones has cleared the air on "any misconceptions which might have developed over time" with regard to those pursuing part time studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI).??

While noting that the emphasis was on getting part time students to "seek to complete their course of study", he said, "We have looked at it and examined it and we have realised that part time students can finish their degree in about five years."

He also noted that persons, who because of challenges, could not complete their studies within the stated time, would be accommodated in the UWI system. "We have also kept the door open because it is a substantial investment, that for whatever reasons there are persons who go through different challenges and therefore there would be that opportunity, in discussion between the University and the Ministry of Education, to allow a person who has had, whatever challenge, to complete their course of study.

"So, it is not a locked gate for any citizen of Barbados, who we would have already expended large sums of money on to just lock the door and say ???Well you can’t get back in!’ or ???You can’t continue!’".

The Education Minister made it clear that Government would not tolerate for wastefulness. He stressed: "If one of the challenges is wastefulness; if one of the challenges is being unfocused or if one is to believe that you can go to Cave Hill and go down by the Students’ Union and miss classes while you imbibe some stuff that the Student’s Union might have down there that is a totally different matter.

"That is not what tertiary education was set up for…it was set up for you to go to classes; you listen to your tutors; you listen to your lecturers and you submit your assignments on time."

Minister Jones’ comments followed a reception today at his Ministry for three recipients of scholarships from the Rotary Club Barbados West. The beneficiaries are all students of the UWI. They are Jamil Sealy, pursuing a degree in Pure & Applied Sciences, with a major in Information Technology; Janene Corbin, pursuing Sociology and Law and Karen Bellamy whose area of study is a degree in Psychology.??

jgill@barbados.gov.bb

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