Prime Minister Urges UWI Student Leaders to Advance Regional Integration

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has urged student leaders across the University of the West Indies (UWI) to play an active role in advancing regional integration by fostering stronger relationships across the Caribbean and beyond.

He also encourages them to develop the skills, attitudes and mindset needed to compete effectively in an increasingly dynamic global labour market.

Dr. Holness made the call during a courtesy visit by 35 members of the UWI’s regional guild leadership to Jamaica House on Friday (September 18).

He was joined by Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Hon. Abka Fitz-Henley.

The meeting brought together representatives from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, following a request from the UWI Mona campus for Dr. Holness and Mr. Fitz-Henley to engage with the visiting regional student leaders.

During the engagement, Dr. Holness responded to questions from student leaders on a range of issues affecting Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, including affordable housing, debt management, regional integration, productivity and efficiency, and leadership at the student, regional and global levels.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister encouraged students to consider a shift from a culture of technology consumption to one of technology creation, underscoring the importance of greater investment in science, mathematics and technology.

“All of you are existing in a period of time where the rate of change of innovation, of technology has never been as fast as it is now. You are going into a world where you’re going to be required not only to know the conventional wisdom, but you are going to be required to be innovators and creators of new knowledge, new ways of doing things,” Dr. Holness stated.

“For this generation of Caribbean leaders coming through our universities… you have to be innovators. You have to become connected to the global economy. Yes, we must see ourselves as Caribbean, but we can’t see ourselves as not connected to the global ecosystem. Yes, we are small islands, but that does not stop us from being innovators,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the engagement provided a valuable opportunity for the Government to hear directly from student leaders on issues affecting students and young people across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

He noted that the discussions also covered student development, leadership, education, opportunities for young people, and other issues of national and regional importance.

Dr. Holness stressed that young people must have a voice in shaping the future of the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fitz-Henley told the guild representatives that the Government of Jamaica is committed to ongoing engagement with their respective bodies on issues affecting students and the future advancement of societies across the region.

He highlighted Dr. Holness’ willingness to engage with young people on issues affecting them, with a view to addressing concerns and finding solutions.

“The Prime Minister values our opinions and sees our contributions as important to helping to shape policy at various levels of government, including the highest level,” Mr. Fitz-Henley said.

UWI Mona Campus Guild President, Keshawn McGrath, thanked the Prime Minister and State Minister for meeting with the group and taking the time to respond to questions from the student leaders.

He said the Guild intends to pursue further engagement with the Government as student leaders seek a greater understanding of the challenges facing countries at the national, regional and international levels.