Dominican students studying at the University of the West Indies (Barbados) campus say they are “stranded” and may not be able to do their Christmas exams because of the government’s failure to pay to the university, “economic fees” on their behalf.
Economic cost, which is just one aspect of the fees paid to UWI by students, is paid on behalf of the students by contributing countries.
According to reports, at present, fees for about five Dominican students have not been settled. Economic cost amounts to BBD$9,375 (about $12,668.00 EC) per student annually. However, the amount for law students is higher – BBD$14,680 (approximately $19,836.20 EC).
“Students are unable to access notes and emails which lecturers post that are sometimes not discussed in class,” one student told DNO.
The student who spoke on behalf of the group on condition of anonymity, explained that the University has put in place the necessary procedures to allow students to access copyright books, journals, articles and other such material from the library but says this material cannot be accessed freely on the internet.
“We would like to say thank you to the government for assisting us for a number of years gone by. We really did not want this situation to escalate hence the reason why we are only now speaking out. The situation is becoming out of hand. We are at university because we want to better ourselves and our country. We were told by the principal that the Dominican students perform very well at UWI. It will be sad to know that some of us may not be able to complete our degree or take a longer time to complete our degree because of this situation,” the student lamented.DNO was also informed that a letter written by a student to the authorities requesting that the fees be paid, “was lost.””She was told so by the authorities at the Ministry of Education. This matter is really serious and it is very sad that the government speaks about being there for the youth and seeing them progress educationally and give them this kind of treatment. This is not a favour they are giving the students, this is their commitment to UWI as a contributing country,” our source said.Many students have resorted to using from their loan funds to pay their school fees for this semester, along with accommodation and food, we were told. “But because of the government not paying their commitment fees they are not allowed to do exams and access notes which could mean a waste of a whole semester and a waste of money they don’t have at their disposal,” the student explained.
Attempts by DNO to contact Education Minister, Petter St. Jean, revealed that he was out of state and so could not be reached while messages left for his permanent secretary, were not answered.
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i myself would never send my child to UWI too expensive, too wicked, setting people up to fail. Is it legal for UWI to prevent students from writing exams because government has not met its commitment?
Boy I myself sending my children in other universities and I telling them DOH come back DA. That government too delinquent in all matters of principles. But time will tell. modie. mallawese, maychant time will tell
Truth Offends November 25, 2013
I hope they don’t send false money like they did the last time to our students in Cuba. Abe weh! It is not a big deal you know when one really thinks of it. The College they owe is in Barbados and is not too far from where Skerrit’s advisor stays and I bet you he got his cheque from DA already, and it should be more than what Dominica is owing. So please Mr. advisor, clear up the name of our good country that has really gotton ugly abroad over the past 13 years.
Given that the average monthly salary for a govt. minister is around $10,000 we could free up several thousands of dollars by reducing the size of the cabinet from 15 to about 8. This would realize at least $70,000 per month, enough to pay the outstanding fees for all DA students world wide. St Lucia with a population nearly double ours, only has about 8 ministers in its cabinet. Think about this a while, Skeritt is PM, minister of finance and now minister of security. What are we paying all those other folks for? The permanent secretaries and their staff do most of the work anyway. Time to reduce the size of the cabinet and consultants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My dear child of God. These students do have loans and yes they do suffer something. The problem here is the fact that the government made a promise which they should honour. The problem is with our government and their lack of respect for our students. Unfortunately they are the ones who are paying the price and not the government which is unfair. But I can’t blame Cave Hill.
If government has to pay economic cost for UWI students then they should pay for all Dominican students studying overseas including @POSITIVE DOMINICAN.
I paid my long money (a loan) to get my degree. I did not complain. There were times when I did not have money and I suffered. Did I complained no.
No one force people to go to UWI to study. Each person have a choice to which college and university they attend.
So you choose UWI pay your money. Stop that PARASITIC ATTITUDE.
It is better to be thought of as a fool but you open your mouth and verified your ignorance. Sakwais kuyon
Well, since Dominica is a CONTRIBUTING COUNTRY, and has a UWI OPEN CAMPUS, it is OBLIGED TO PAY THE ECONOMIC COST. This is not about being parasitic; it is about honouring commitments. Apparently, your university degree did nothing to improve your understanding.
Your words have added support to the adage that goes, “degree is not for everybody”. did i complained? really?
Alas papa. Mr. Minister of Education , pls do something. Mr. PM, somebody please ease those children stress. You mean that is what I have to face when I will be going to UWI?
thats the way its gonna be when you vote back labour government is still there
This did not only happen to UWI Barbados. It happened to UWI Trinidad students as well. Economic cost is a commitment made to the school not the student. they just have access to it and it is only 33% of the total fees.
Some students at the St. Augustine Campus here are in the same dilema. Some have been relieved after months of distress calls and letters, others are in limbo.
I don’t blame the Gov’t, I blame the electorate who thrives on mediocrity.
i worked out my way on my own to earn a DEGREE NO GOVERNMENT HELPED ME , I CAME FOR A POOR FAMILY so what then
Count yourself blessed and lucky. remember the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.
I wonder if all dominicans think alike, i would really like to know, i read alot of blogs about government being currupt, but tell me? is this curruption by not paying those fees? come on dominicans, we know thatyour are not country with alot of bright people but please dont make it look so obvious, at least when you bloging just pretend that you have a bit of commom sense.
It’s not just the students at UWI in Barbados. This is the same thing going on with the students in Trinidad as well.
its a matter of priorities. other OECS governments are struggling just as we are. Yet, their governments still meet the costs of their UWI students. why? priorities. education of their students and not wanting the national embarrassment of non-payment is valued more than setting up their own red clinic.
These students need to be helped, this is serious.
Didn’t the Juvenile Prime Minister say that Dominica is doing better than everyone else?
sad thing is that many dominicans are slow learners and not pro-active in thought process.
in any other island worth it’s civility they would not give governance to a Juvenile..
But it’s the today’s dominica of high class ignorance…FOOLS PARADISE!!!
The same thing is happening to state college students. It is easier for them since they are in their homeland, but they cannot access their grades and notes because government promises to pay.
wicked they wicked
We at Midwestern State have experienced this so many times….
First of all there are much more that five Dominican students attending the Cave Hill Campus of the UWI. I attended UWI from 1995 to 1998 and I paid all my economic costs for 95/96, 96/97 and the then government assisted with 50% of the costs for 97/98 and even then such payment was made late. Tuition fees were rather low but the economic cost took the bulk of my student loan.
Secondly, Government is not obligated to pay economic costs for all Dominican Students but is obligated to pay economic cost to all Students that the Government sponsor. That is Government scholarships or part scholarship.
Private students attending the UWI have always paid their economic costs under all governments. However, Governments have assisted some of these private students with economic costs on a year by year basis. Such payments are being made based on the cash flow situation at the treasury and the cash available at the point in time for the relevant ministry.
What the article does not say is whether the five students are Government sponsored or private students who are being assisted on a year by year basis.
It may just be that because of cash flow constraints and the need to prudently administer government overdraft facility such payments on behalf of the five students are late.
Having said that if the government gave the obligation to the students, I believe the treasury should treat this with urgency and make the payments.
All de rubbish you write there was just debunked by the last line of your contribution. Do you people really think? The letter from the gov’t is a promise that students use to get into the UNI…if it is cut off premature, the students are left in limbo.
Not one word from UWI,not one word from the Government yet we take the story like it’s gospel…This cancer they call party politics is killing our country…
Tere is word from those in the kitchen and as for the government we only here them when they exploiting vote buying moments.
That business model of the UWI has to change. It is obvious that Caribbean Governments are finding it hard to subscribe to that model since many of the UWI graduates do not return to their respective countries.
There is also a glut of students taking Social Sciences – everybody in Dominica wants to be a lawyer , an accountant, a manager and guess what many of the business owners with UWI graduates are fed-up with the low productivity of these graduates.
Many of these university graduates cannot open their own businesses . What a low down shame. There is hardly any innovation recorded by these UWI graduates across the region. You look at technology, look at medicine, look at our very own laws in the region.
Well for those that are not aware it even have scandal in Parliament in a twin island republic about buying and selling degrees and who taking oral exams. Yes people read all about it from our lovely UWI
As soon as that man came in power the country just started to fall…people open your eyes and stop being fooled by the road and free materials that he selling alu for…work hard and put the right person in power…
Peter St.Jean cannot be found because he is somewhere in the US (New Jersey probably) trying desperately to mobilize some diaspora votes, in order to save his skin at the upcoming general elections (after carnival 2014). This government has modeled its political economic development on that of Venezuela and like Venezuela it is destined to fail. Venezuela with all its oil resources has realized that it cannot continue to subsidize the economic well being of most of its citizens and for that; its economy is now in shambles. Skerrit thinks that he can run his Red Clinic, pay for every funeral expense and take care of every senior citizen whose family supports him, pay tuition and other college fees for hundreds of students of labourite families at Universities in the US, Cuba, Venezuela, Morocco, China, Russia, subsidize labourite market vendors and bus drivers and God knows what else, on Vat and the sale of Dominican passports. It was just a matter of time before the chickens come home to roost. This labour party government is broke and the sooner it admits that, better it will be for all of us. By the way, government is owing the UWI Seismic Research Center some $800.000(contributions again) and is clueless as to how it’s going to meet that commitment.
It is not only the students at UWI that are suffering. Other promises were also made to students at other US colleges that were not fulfilled. But, that is another matter to be discussed separately.
Its amazing How when it’s something negative about the govt How many comments Are made, but when something positive happens everybody on mute. Just saying no party affliation.
If I was DNO I would begin this article by highlighting the fact that Dominica has been placed in the top 5 worse economy in the entire world. Maybe the Laborites would use that as an excuse to say the world economy is bad and Dominica is proud to be leading the world.
Dominica has an aviege , arrogant and ignorant guy running the country wityh mentality of a Rum Kabawais owner in Vielle Case. They say he has a Degree in English. Really Really – who leave Dominica to go study English in America. what was his plans to come back and write books, speech, editor of novel enitil. Guess what Lennox Linton was an excellent editor of the news paper and doesn’t have an English degree. Only a looser would do such or may be that was his only entry route to the college. But we still waiting to see a genuine copy of the diploma. At least we all know where Karmala stand on the degree thingy.
Back to the poooming next level economy. We tend to lay the blame on Skerrit but this is really not totally fair cause there are people who should be speaking out; there are people who need to step up and out and say enough of Roosevelt Skerrit. The secrete lamenting is simply not. Our country need you at this very moment. The longer we wait the more difficult is the recovery.
I think people need to understand this matter in a clearer perspective – and not make it too much of a political circus.
Students are entitled to economic cost only when they have applied for and successfully received it. Right now, the process is flawed. And students by our own volition, come to UWI without formal and written documentation from the Ministry of Education that economic cost has been/will be paid.
Being accepted to UWI does not guarantee automatic economic payment of economic cost. That is a huge misconception! This (economic cost) is paid based on budgetary considerations and solely at the discretion of the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. However, because the system is upside down – and a decision is not always taken until way into the school year – students leave IN HOPES OF RECEIVING IT!!!
There is much that needs to be done to fix the system – and this is independent of any political regime.
Two things have happened (1) A record number of students attending UWI (2) UWI’s de-registration policy – and students will not be de-registered for non-payment of economic cost!! That is another misconception!
A lot of the students who are at risk of being de-registered rely on the Government for FULL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. In the past, the Government could pay that to UWI when it wanted – but UWI’s policy has instituted a deadline this year that was not there before.
People need to get their facts right.
automatic payment of economic cost***
The Government is very guilty of over-extending itself and wanting to help “everybody”. Because the students who are at UWI are reflective of all political parties! And when economic fees are paid or not paid – it pertains to everyone.
The Government needs to start telling people “NO”!
I believe this Socialist approach, which is supposed to help all, is not appreciated by the masses. The Government is spending millions of dollars annually on financial assistance to students all over the world. It is very unfortunate what is happening with UWI! But this is part of a much bigger picture where CARICOM has failed to protect its member States from the actions of the selfish “Big 3”!
The Government actually cleared its debt with UWI not too long ago. And this is an institution that continues to rape the students from smaller islands with exclusive and elitist policies, that safeguard their own Nationals.
Economic cost amounts to BBD$9,375 (about $12,668.00 EC) per student annually. However, the amount for law students is higher – BBD$14,680 (approximately $19,836.20 EC).
so tax payers have to meet this cost, its best these kids study in the states, that is almost half the tuition of a very good US based University.
So after this 12,000/yr the students still have to pay more…this is tough one
wat a shame and embarassement for these young people
awa wi..timke for that governement to go..trust me,it jus time..skerrit say he put money in NDFD…NDFD workers say dont worry wit skerrit,mr lyin..jah help us wi…help us jah………
Who should pay and what role should the government play in sending its citizens to UWI? Frankly, if you want to judge a government the role it plays is determine by not only how its citizens performed, but by the (govt’s) support of these students. One thing is very important here is and should be supported is the student’s willingness to complete their degrees at the university. The latest news here is that non-payment by these students could mean the end of classes, or downright expulsion from the university. Now, who do we blame here, the government, the students, or the university? Should the government pay for these student, or should the student and there parents pay for themselves? Much to think about. We are living in a time of loans, scholarships and grants. What is the problem here? Something is wrong when students are caught in the middle of the business office and there completion of there degrees are tossed around.
this is very sad and heart breaking that our situation had to reach DNO cause we need our voices to be heard. no ne knows and understands the struggke of being a student out of your country working on a very low budget. when the government doesnt pay their fees they have know idea how much at a loss we the students are because in order to access anything at school we need a validated student id cards. exams begin next week and if our fees aren’t paid we cant do the our exam. this is a MAJOR set back. ITS TIME FOR THAT MINSUTRY OF EDUCATION TO WORK!!!they sit at their desks talking all day, and when questions are thrown at them no one can answer….we jus hope that our fees can be sttled by next week
No money for Education, it is hidden for ELECTION.
No money for Education but for election we spend it by the MILLIONS.
SHAME SHAME SHAME.
I have a problem with this situation because the government should not be the ones having to pay for this people education we too like to depend on the government for hand outs. They have parents were are they if you cannot afford then do it at home. See how fast they pointing fingers. Ask Lennox where is he working? How would be do better? Please people we cannot afford to see this country run by lennox linton all of a sudden he want to visit people home pretending to be caring for the poor .
Mr P.M dont worry to much about the student at UWI.there are more pressing matters to deal with right now. please hurry up with your jombo jet from ft luaderdale to bring my family down for the canival. need to give them a hug. i miss them , i love my P.M and i will die for him. we all love you P.M and your team of fast thinking men.
“A letter written by a student to the authorities requesting that the fees be paid, ““was lost.”” Seriously? It is not impossible, but unlikely. “She was told so by the authorities at the Ministry of Education.” Really? I think LOST or NOT, the Ministry of Education is AWARE OF THE COMMITMENT.
“Attempts by DNO to contact Education Minister, Petter St. Jean, revealed that he was out of state and so could not be reached while messages left for his permanent secretary, were not answered.”
DNO, there is NO WAY that a member of Government, in ANY CAPACITY, would be incognito. I think that this is an EXCUSE on THEIR part.
OH BOY.
Five students Economic cost hasn’t been paid and that is National News?
I have empathy for the students. I visualize their concern and anxiety.
The parents should really try to take out a loan from the bank for their children, if they can afford it, even though the government will reimburse them later. Their children should not be denied and deprived of the important and urgent privilege of completing their studies and writing their exams.
Folks, my heart aches for you who are in this dilemma. If only I were fortunate to win an exorbitant sum of money in the lottery, I would pay for every one of you, the duration of your studies, at no cost. I hope and pray that you are assisted.
I hope they don’t send false money like they did the last time to our students in Cuba. Abe weh! It is not a big deal you know when one really thinks of it. The College they owe is in Barbados and is not too far from where Skerrit’s advisor stays and I bet you he got his cheque from DA already, and it should be more than what Dominica is owing. So please Mr. advisor, clear up the name of our good country that has really gotton ugly abroad over the past 13 years.
to the people suggesting that some depend too much on the government lets keep in mind that not everyone is at the same level in society. some families really cannot afford loans and the government help comes in handy. so please dont let them feel like they are doing something wrong
Is the PM awear of this? maybe not. I am sure he would do something about it. This is putting Dominica in bad books. Education is very important and should be given priority.
Alas papa. So that is how I would be if I had decided to go to UWI? Is so Skerrit encouraging people to have a university gradutate in every home? Pls Mr. PM have respect for people. To Cave HIll – punish the DA govenment not the student, this is not fair. MR. Minister of Education don’t allow those fellas from the PM office to mess with your ministry. Students is DA we from, we strong, continue to stay in faith, say your prayers and be each other’s keeper.
LABOUR!!! We here to stay…have Patience…
I do not see why Governments should be paying for economic cost at UWI. UWI so expensive already for students and yet still “Governments” have to pay for economic cost.
My dear “Big T” these parents have already sacrificed everthing possible to get a loan to send the students to UWI. Please don’t blame them in trusting our beloved PM. The problem lies within the government. Come on, you know us Dominicans, we will sacrifice everything we got to send our children to further their education.
the run around that students go through for something that is supposed to be certain is ridiculous, they feel as though they are begging for a handout and this is not the case. these students have to suffer yet certain students in that same university and many more dont.. why? because of who they know or because of positions their parents or family members hold when they aren’t academically nor financially more deserving than the rest of the students
So what does Mr. Hon. Minister of Education, has to say about this. Well, well, don’t tell me you don’t have a say in this Mr. Education Minister? Don’t tell me you allow the PM’s office and those other hopeless guys to mess with your ministry. But then again that’s the PM office we talking about and his “B–m B–m flies”, as they call them. Sorry but I can’t find a better expression. After all I was not fortunate enough to have parents to take a loan and send me to UWI.
Sorry I meant “papee”, lol. however that spells
Anyway papa, that God for DNO, for Matt in the Morning and the other journalist. Don’t know what we would do without you guys. Oh yes, even “papa”. I mean seriously. When we are afraid to open our mounths is these people who will talk for us. DNO thank you again
This is embarrassing; money dishing out all over the place, just last Saturday money was sharing like hot bread in St Joseph. This government needs to go.
All them money skerrit giving out there, it must come out somewhere and something else will loose out. What a waste of government. Vote labour sak way sort.
Papa met. So that’s the situation I would have been in if I had decided to go to UWI? And is that how Skerrit, encouraging every home to have a University grad? By stressing people out? What is this suppose to be, a lesson in stress? Please Mr. PM be a man and deal with this situation. It doesn’t have to reach the media before something is done. Or maybe it does. That seems to be the way to get things done in DA. My fellow students please, keep the faith, help each other if possible. Don’t lose hope after all this has reached DNO.
All I can say is “who feels it knows it”. I really do sympathize with you student. The government fails to pay UWI all the time. This is nothing new. The truth is the government really don’t know who to be totally honest and also to have respect for the people of the nation. To the govenment I would like to say have respect for your people. To the parents who plan to send their children to UWI – please don’t depend on the government to pay this cost on time. The stress it will cost your children is not worth it, if possible please get a loan and pay this fee. To the students “alas, be strong. Is Dominica we from we can take hardtime. We are a strong nation. Continue to pray.
To the UWI student be bold, you guys don’t have to thank the government for doing it’s job. The economic fee payment is a government obligation. The government don’t go around saying thanks to tax payers for footing the bill for the cabal to fly all over the place or for the Bajan guy to fly to China.
But then again we are doing better than the rest. I do hope sincerely that the situation is resolved however we all know that this is not the first time this happening. Students in Cuba have suffering, Students in Trinidad have been suffering.
While people like Daryly, Mervin and others are programmed to lie to the country and pretend that all is nice they insure that their salaries and expenses are paid. They past legislation to boost their pension; Hundreds of thousand go to their senior counsels to keep them happy; advisors doing nothing; Ambassador paid $14000 a month to shoot crap and claim he has a doctorate in Education.
God is not Carrette, nor Carbon, nor Irish and the wheels of justice turns slow but it turns carmeme
Barbados students are not the only one suffering… I am a student at a university in the Caribbean.. i wish to stay anonymous … because its just a few Dominicans at this university.. I am in the same position as the Barbados students.. I am tired of making phone calls to the Ministry of Education.. It seem that the people who work at the ministry dont care.. Why do the government grant scholarships and cant pay… I have just received my last warning letter stating that if government cant pay i will not be able to do exams and access the university site… The lecturers wont be able to access my account either and this will be a waste semester. Please government we are the leaders of tomorrow..step up.. Give what you budgeted for.. stop the promises and cant live up to them…
I have a letter in my hand from the Government indicating that they will assist with my UWI fees, up to now, I went up and down those steps like a beggar, up to now, left for them I would not graduate thank God I helped myself even if I sucking salt to pay the loans. I know what it is because I studied at UWI.
PEEPING TOM have you anything to say from the desk where you are paid to do nothing. You guys are all oer buying votes, setting up plans to import voters , LPO’S flying all over $6000 hear, $5000 over there and $12000 in Roseau south. The system of justice is under your control but Karma is very patient. Pluid ts que pluis twis
I am a UWI Alumni and I think in writing this article, a question should have been asked of UWI as to the nature of the commitment by the Government to UWI. Some persons suggest that parents should not depend on the Government but rather should access loans on behalf of their children. Well, this obligation by the Government to UWI is not based on which students attend, either Labour or UWP, but rather based on a commitment by the Government to contribute to ALL caribbean institutions such as UWI, CARDI, etc etc etc. So, Please government, pay up your dues owed to regional institutions including UWI.
a quote from a famous senoir council in 1999 labour election campagn strategy,, “CORRUPTION BREEDS POVERTY”……
more to come, by next year june is AUSTERITY… de country doh have money, ask the FINANCIAL SECRETARY if you think i lying
Recycle funds. That is what borrowing is all about. A COMMITMENT IS A “COMMITMENT.”
those labar supporters who have children in UWI will still receive a ticket to come and vote while their school fees are not being paid..
I wonder what level are we in Dominica. I feel for the children in that situation. Skerrit is not who you all think he is. Labourites need to get it in their head that this government don’t care about the people of Dominica. Everything they do is upside down. It just not right!!!
Papa God, How much more can we take under this Government. Can we not see that we need a change of political leadership.
These are some of the reasons why this Government is so out of timing and have no idea as to what they should be doing! Keep such things coming! Now let them scold the students for speaking out! So many by this incompetent government, its reached the ridiculous stage right now! These students need to come back home after they graduate- i hope- to make their contribution to the development to the state! This government is just tired of making such silly mistakes. Youths should come to realise that they dont care so much about them! Youths should rise up and stand against this government who is totally slighting the Youth Power! This Government is not aware of Youth Power! Youths should take note and join in the fight to vote them out! You know, labourites, freedomites, uwpites and everyone getting the pinch from this failed government…….. Soon you will hear the edcucation minister and pm coming on radio to make PR. This Government is not about performance but PR- Public relation and flash of cameras… and video cameras…… PR Government should go.,…. dont fall for their PR. To Much PR… To many incompetent and inexperience ministers in this place…. they cant run a rum shop, how does one expect them to run a country… they should go back to schoool and to the farms and learn from the people… Dont do the Youths Dat! Doh Come SO! No way we vote you all again! Disappointment!
TO EACH IT’S OWN. EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF. I was ROBBED of the OPPORTUNITY to write the SCHOLARSHIP EXAMS. I was 11 years old, in standard seven (7) took every after school class to prepare me for the exam. I was not hearing anything so I went to the Principal, Mr. Morris Joseph, from Portsmouth, he said “REGISTRATION IS OVER.” I was shocked. I asked, “what do you mean, why am I not registered?” his answer was, “I, Mr. Joseph, did not do the registration” and that I AM “STILL YOUNG AND HAD TIME”, THAT TIME NEVER CAME. That is okay because I survived.
I wish ALL the STUDENTS in this calamity well, and hope that their situation changes quickly because that EDUCATION is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. They should be prepared, though, because whether they finish or not they have to pay back their respective outstanding student loans.
The students and their parents SHOULD make sure that the Government HONOR ITS COMMITMENT. MUCH SUCCESS.
For the people who think that it is ok for our government to be corrupt then, that’s one of the results of corruption. the countries money should be going to pay these students costs and so on rather than going in ministers and their friends pockets
lie lie lie out of island is the d l p habbit to do the youth that even right in dominica they do the children the same have parent taking out there money on bank book to help there chikdren labour must go no good.
What is wrong with parents taking money out from the bank to help their children? That is their duty – come on people get a life.
it is the government’s duty as a contributing country to pay economic cost. parents are already burdened by tuition fees, amenities n guild fees, living expenses, costs of books and materials, plane tickets… the least the government could do is fulfill their obligation… you get a life and wake up
I want to know where these parents getting the money. If these parents had money they would not be sending them to UWI but for better education in the states! You only attend UWI when you broke!
I cant saw much on this matter, all I know,is I’m paying for a loan(again with so much high interest) which I took to assist my daughter who is doing medicine in Chicago.She started in All Saints in Dominica, she had gotten some help from the govt.while in DA but as she had to continue overseas, I had to find a loan. I’m assisting her the best I can
If they were able to do you think they would be waiting on ‘hand outs’. It is because of the economic status of most parents/students they find themeselves being able to pursue a degree or higher form of education promised by the Gov’t. If they could, they would not wait on Gov’t. So get a life!
Know the facts before you comment.
Actually, PARENTS and STUDENTS THEMSELVES should be RESPONSIBLE for THEIR EDUCATION. However, this particular situation is a COMMITMENT, according to the students, that was put in place to ASSIST them. I think these students and their parents should find a way to pay for these exams and BILL the GOVERNMENT for ITS COMMITMENT.
Dominica has a one time School Teacher running the
Ministry of Finance, what do you expect to happen. The Government cannot claim it doesn’t have money. Millions of dollars are spent at the Red Clinic. Millions of dollars were given
to LIAT. Millions of Dollars will be spent on a Mentoring Programme. It is alleged, Millions of Dollars are siphoned from the Treasury to the pockets of DLP supporters. From all appearances the School Teacher turned Finance Minister, according to Mr. Lennox Linton, does not have a clue what he is doing.
That Minister walks and talks as if he is God’s gift to the world. He will out come next election.
So you checking a NOVICE turn PM will do a better job eh
Skerrittttt pay up, u putting 27 million dollar state palace before education, pay up.
According to my son, “That’s not nice!” Maybe it’s time for students to try to get merit scholarships from other sources apart from the Dominica government. Sources like OAS, Commonwealth etc. because I am tired of reading these stories. Or maybe the government (if they are really strapped for cash) should only promise partial scholarships and get everything in writing to show how much they can provide. Otherwise, this is a blemish that will keep appearing on the government’s record.
U guys depend on the government too much. We believe that the government owes us something , too much 3B. We need to break out of that concept and find our own way. I did it without government and my parents are not wealthy.
Economic costs are something that every government in the English-speaking Caribbean pays to UWI for students from their country in attendance. It is not a matter of any individual student depending on the government for assistance.
I am confused as to why you think because Dominica is a contributing country that automatically means you get economic cost. I am a UWI student and as far as i am aware the University have different fee structures.
1 being a reduced fee because the government pays economic cost the student pays the balance tuition or if on scholarship the government pays the balance.
The other is that the government does not pay economic cost, the student then pays a higher tuition fee for contributing countries.
the final fee is for persons that are not from contributing countries and these fees are in USD not the campus country fees.
To add to this none of the other English speaking countries with the exception of campus countries economic cost is automatic.
Do some research before you spread untruths.
Anonymous, that is not the point. The Govt. should not have given those students and undertaking that they would cover these costs if they are not able. to do so. You don’t play with people’s education like that. Especially the P.M said that his goal was to have at least one graduate in every Dominican household. That sounds so embarrassing now. You are lucky you were able top do it on your own., not everyone can.
Shut……….up if you don’t know anything. The government told children that they will not be paying UWI fees because it is too expensive! Furthermore, UWI told students they are not billing the Government of Dominica for anything because they said that they are not paying money to the school anymore. Take a loan! All you taking loan to buy clothes, latest phone, bring all you man on trip, buying the latest rides. All you taking loan for vanity take something that can back all you up in the long run. Take a loan for all you EDUCATION. Dominicans boy, hmmm
It is one thing to give your word to do something and then go back on that word….help was asked for and help was promised to be given…the Government can say not at this time if you think they are over their budget in financial aid to students and give a later time frame. It is very hurtful especially when they are campaigning on education for the youth and housing for the less fortunate for the upcoming elections. So its not about depending on the Government its a matter of asking and being promised to receive.
If it was only UWI they owed I can understand but Monroe College that is much more affordable (in terms of tuition $7,500 per semester)and in their own currency is suffering way more than that. I’m a student at Monroe College and honestly I don’t even know if I will be able to return in January. The Government keeps promising to pay up and they are not meeting the end of their bargain….we are already meeting the other end by paying our rent, books and other living expenses in a foreign country the least they can do is pay up the tuition they PROMISED to pay….Come on Government Pay up! Do we have to wait until the schools begin denying us students entry by students who are on Government assistance…then that would be embarrassing!!
The students were given scholarships- that’s why they are the government responsibility.
Most of them were not financially able at the time.
If government did not intervene and made “empty” promises as usual, they would, find a job and save until they were able or taken out a loan.
Skerrit,take the ALBA money and pay UWI.
Do not save it to transport “your imbecile” to Dominica for election. Your are despicable.
It is so frustrating to see comments that have no understanding of the matter in hand. May I suggest that you get acquainted with the facts before making your comment. Economic contribution does not involve any particular set of students. It is a mandatory contribution that has to be made by all govts to the UWI organization irrespective of students attending.
Barbados students are not the only one suffering… I am a student at a university in the Caribbean.. i wish to stay anonymous … because its just a few Dominicans at this university.. I am in the same position as the Barbados students.. I am tired of making phone calls to the Ministry of Education.. It seem that the people who work at the ministry dont care.. Why do the government grant scholarships and cant pay… I have just received my last warning letter stating that if government cant pay i will not be able to do exams and access the university site… The lecturers wont be able to access my account either and this will be a waste semester. Please government we are the leaders of tomorrow..step up.. Give what you budgeted for.. stop the promises and cant live up to them…
It is DLP woe after DLP woe everyday. Hope something is done quickly
Please do something about it I am really feeling for these children, just picturing if it was my child in another island. At least try to make a down payment of half or negotiate with UWI or something. Don’t leave them stranded, cause that is too frustrating.
Next Level…..UWI has to wait.