The Upper House has passed a Bill to establish the University College of Antigua and Barbuda (CUWI) as a college of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
All 17 senators in the Upper House unanimously voted to pass the Bill without amendment on Monday.
The University College will bring together all tertiary institutions on the island including; the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI).
The campus will include a Department of undergraduate studies; a Department of Education; Department of Business; School of Nursing; School of Pharmacy; Department of Advanced Level Studies and a Department of Engineering, and Construction and Aircraft Maintenance.
The CUWI will then after become the fourth landed campus of the UWI and one day stand on its own when it eventually receives full University status.
The Bill gives the Education Minister a number of responsibilities including the power to make orders needed to fill a space at the College. Only a rejection through resolution by parliament can overturn his decision.
The minister, after consultation with the Education Advisory Board, will also be responsible for appointing an Academic Board or a Board of Trustees for the University College.
Board members will include one representative from the Union of Tertiary Educators of Antigua and Barbuda, one from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, one person from the tourism industry, another from the student body of the University; a representative of another institution of higher learning which is associated with CUWI; two persons appointed by the minister, the principal and the Director of Education or his nominee.
The Governor General will appoint these members on the advice of the Minister.
According to the Bill, the Education Minister may at any time revoke the appointment of any member of the Board of Trustees, if he considers that there are reasonable grounds to do so in the interest of the University.
He must, however, give a hearing to that person within reasonable time after he has given them a notice of their revocation.
The Bill further states that the University is exempt from paying any duties and taxes, citing that the government does not tax itself. (Antigua News Room)
