Caribbean
UWI Vice Chancellor Calls for Urgent Reform Amid Low Enrolment, Funding Cuts
May 6, 2025 – Vice Chancellor of UWI, Sir Hilary Beckles, has raised alarm over the Caribbean’s university enrolment rate, less than 15%, the lowest in the Western Hemisphere. Speaking at UWI’s 2025 Annual Council Meeting on May 2, he emphasised the need for urgent reform and noted a sharp decline in regional government funding, from 90% to 48%. Beckles also expressed optimism about renewed support under a potential Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration, citing her past investment in higher education. Sir Hilary Beckles warned that UWI’s authority to grant degrees under the British royal charter could be at risk, potentially threatening the university’s legitimacy. He signalled major changes ahead for enrolment goals, funding, and degree conferral, stressing that meaningful investment in higher education is vital for the Caribbean’s future.
