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Government dismisses UWI study as public relations stunt [Weekly Gleaner, The (Canada)](Weekly Gleaner, The (Canada) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) BARBADOS BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC: THE BARBADOS government has dismissed as a public relations stunt, a study done by the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) indicating that the regional institution contributes more direct foreign exchange to the local economy than sugar and rum exports. The UWI survey titled "The Impact of the University of the West Indies ñ Cave Hill Campus on the Economy of Barbados", noted that in 2013 the campus generated almost BDS$87 million in foreign exchange while sugar earned about BDS$16 million and rum approximately BDS$86 million. Tt makes no sense UWI going out there on a public relations campaign, to try to justify in the minds of Barbadians, the need for the Government to give them high levels of subsidies and to pay for university education for all Barbadians," said Industry and Commerce Minister Donville Inniss. Last August, Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Chris Sinckler in his 2013-14 budget presentation, said that effective 2014, Barbadian students pursuing studies at the university's three campuses will be required to pay their own tuition fees, while the government continues to fund economic costs. Sinckler said the tuition fees range from BDS$5,625 to BDS$65,000 (One Barbados dollar=US$0.50 cents) and that the new policy would reduce the transfer to UWI by an estimated BDS$42 million a year. (c) 2014 The Gleaner Company |