Uwi Using – By Algernon Watts
Uwi Using Labour Party
The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has begun using the Labour Party-owned People’s Place for its new law programme, even though the final rental figure has not yet been agreed.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on Saturday that the arrangement is expected to last between 12 and 18 months while additional teaching facilities are completed at the Five Islands Campus.
He also disclosed that the amount UWI will pay for the space remains under discussion.
“We haven’t determined the amounts as yet,” Browne said.
He said an initial figure of about $6,000 a month had been discussed, but UWI officials later indicated that amount would not be enough to maintain the facility and that the rent would likely have to be increased.
The arrangement has drawn criticism because the People’s Place is owned by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, which Browne leads, while UWI is funded substantially by contributions from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne has rejected suggestions that the transaction is improper, arguing that the building operates as a commercial facility and has long been rented for weddings, conferences, graduations and other events.
He also acknowledged that the Labour Party will earn money from the arrangement.
“The Labour Party, for that matter, that is the owner of the People’s Place, will make a few dollars,” Browne said, adding that the funds would be used to maintain and improve the property.
