Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC says the UWI South Campus – Penal/Debe was 75% complete when her administration left office in 2015, noting that the project was at an advanced stage at that time.
The Prime Minister commented on the progress and subsequent delays surrounding the campus, outlining its status at the end of her tenure in 2015, and developments since then.
“When I left office in 2015, this campus was 75% complete. The opening was expected to be in 2016. Of course, none of that happened. After 2015, not opened. 2019, as the young lady told us, was used as a COVID facility. The costs continue to rise from TT$499 million to TT$600 million. No students enrolled.”
Speaking during a visit to the facility on Monday ahead of its potential opening in September, the Prime Minister noted that work is now underway to bring full restoration to the campus.
“I’m told that ten major tenders have been initiated to cover the full restoration works. And that a project administration and monitoring services has been awarded, as I said, to Acuitas Carbon Facilities Management Company Limited at a really reasonable cost. And again, I thank them very much for their work and helping us realise this dream here.”
The Prime Minister said a feasibility study is being conducted into other areas to be housed at the UWI South Campus, such as a forensic science complex, a national security training facility, training in law enforcement technology, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
She also gave a timeline for the completion of repairs.
“We are proposing to try to get it done by mid-August, may the good Lord make it happen. But do not hold us to ransom if it comes the day after August, the first day in September. But we are working.”