Merchant said the Cabinet approved the initiative during its meeting this week, describing it as a “landmark proposal” that will significantly expand access to legal education in the Eastern Caribbean .
According to Merchant, the degree offered at Five Islands will be the Mona LLB, with Mona providing curriculum oversight, quality assurance and academic governance, while Five Islands manages delivery, faculty recruitment and student support. He called the move a “transformative step in strengthening legal capacity across the OECS” .
Merchant said the local program will sharply reduce costs for Antiguan and Barbudan students. He told the briefing that families stand to save an estimated US$105,000 compared to studying at Mona or Cave Hill, and up to US$202,500 compared to completing the degree in the United Kingdom or North America .
He added that government scholarships will go further as a result. “The annual allocation of $520,000 through the Board of Education program will now support 30 students each year, compared to 10 students when they study abroad,” Merchant said .
Merchant noted that the program’s introduction also “paves the way” for Antigua and Barbuda to establish its own law school within the next three to six years. He said Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has been working with UWI and the Norman Manley Law School on the requirements, including viability assessments and financial obligations that must be documented before approval is granted .
The Cabinet spokesman said the government views the new partnership as part of its broader commitment to developing human capital and expanding opportunities for both young people and working adults. He added that the LLB will be available full-time, part-time and online, making it accessible to a wider pool of prospective students .
