DESPITE the ongoing dispute between the government and the University of the West Indies (UWI) over the Penal/Debe campus, business owners and entrepreneurs in Debe and environs remain optimistic.
They believe once the campus eventually opens, it will bring a significant economic boost to the area.
Construction of the campus began around 2012 under the People’s Partnership coalition government.
It was almost complete when they demitted office in 2015, following a defeat in the general election, but was only completed in 2019.
UWI's 2014/2015 report to the Ministry of Education said the campus was 75 per cent complete then.
The 2015/2016 report said it was 80 per cent complete but "the design-build contractor was unable to complete the project."
Work was then set to resume in 2017 under a new provider.
And the 2016/2017 report said the general academic/administration building, student union building and auditorium were near 90 per cent complete, play courts were 50 per cent complete and the swimming pool, 40 per cent.
Government officials recently toured the building, describing its state as “horrific” and likening it to a dump.
But UWI has since disputed these claims and said the campus will be ready to host students from August.
UWI said it will primarily be used as a global school of medicine but that other programmes will be offered there as well.
[caption id="attachment_1157038" align="alignnone" width="828"] A section of the roadway in Diamond Village, leading to UWI's Penal/Debe campus. - Photo by Narissa Fraser[/caption]
But Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, at a press conference on May 22, slammed UWI’s administration for not opening the school in the last ten years. She further warned them, “Do not test me,” and threatened to take the campus out of UWI’s control if it does not comply with the government’s plans for the facility.
The government, since its last tenure, wanted the building to be used as a faculty of law. But law students, based at St Augustine, protested the move in 2017.
“That campus will house what the government says it will house. The administration will have no say in that. They cannot dictate to us what they want to put there.”
So as of now, it remains uncertain when the school will open and what programmes will be offered there.
Nevertheless, businesses are hopeful.
Boost in sales needed
Bakery owner Sandrina Chattergoon said she felt excited at the news that the campus will finally be opened soon. Her Papourie Road business, Eat Well Bakery, is walking distance from the university.
She recalled being just as excited ten years ago when the facility was close to completion, but her hope dwindled as each year passed.
“Most of the villagers down here are very excited. And, I guess, everybody around the area would feel the same way.
[caption id="attachment_1157033" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Bakery owner Sandrina Chattergoon at her Papourie Road, Diamond Village business rolls out some dough. - Phtoo by Innis Francis[/caption]
“It wo
