PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson has proposed the creation of a programme that will allow students of the University of the West Indies, UWI Mona campus to defray part of the cost of their education through public service.
Information Minister, Senator Maxine Henry-Wilson said at yesterday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, that she was unable to elaborate on the proposal, which she described as "very preliminary".
"We recognise there are issues with the UWI meeting its budget and economic costs, but we are also concerned about the critical nature of tertiary education and that it remains accessible," the Information Minister stated.
She said consultations would continue on the Prime Minister's suggestion that students offer service "as a quid pro quo", perhaps bonding them to work in the public sector.
A similar programme existed at the University of Technology (UTech) where students "have to do some community service," Senator Henry-Wilson said.
UTech's Communications Officer, Hector Wheeler said at the institution it was compulsory for first-year students to do 40 hours of community service, either on campus or with other organisations such as hospitals and children's homes.
UWI students have balked at the government's recent proposal to consolidate fees for the various faculties, with the exception of Law, Engineering and Medical Sciences.
Following meetings with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rex Nettleford, and Education Minister, Burchell Whiteman, the UWI Guild of Students insisted the fees should continue to vary according to faculty and any increase in tuition should not exceed the inflation rate.
The Information Minister said the students' proposal was being considered.
"We are exploring all aspects," she said. "We want to ensure that we do not foreclose the option of persons to pursue tertiary education".
Efforts to contact the president of the UWI's Guild for a response to the Prime Minister's proposal were unsuccessful.
