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by pltm
(PLTM) - Cabinet has approved the setting up of the Territory’s first offshore institution, and with several applications, there are plans to set up more.
Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture said that the approval was made on Wednesday, June 20. He indicated that they have approved the application of the University of Science, Arts and Technology (USAT), which will be established in the BVI soon.
This was made possible following the passing of the Higher Education Licensing Act, 2015, in 2016 to allow for the establishment of offshore medical, engineering, culinary and other institutions for higher learning in the BVI.
“They are expected to start up with about 200 students. The school has forwarded a number of certificates of accreditation from several major accreditation agencies from around the world,” he told BVI Platinum News yesterday, June 21.
The Minister added, “Of course this will be a boost as well to the economy of the country through rental spaces for the school and also housing for staff and students; and of course the students and staff will use the facilities that are available in the country.”
The Minister said that there is an application fee of $5,000 that medical schools will have to pay and there is a $10,000 annual licensing fee.
“We have received several applications. We have approved one (USAT) and we will be having discussions and looking forward to approving more in the very near future,” the Minister said.
Hon. Walwyn, who had introduced the Higher Education Licensing Bill back in 2016, reiterated that it was a step in the right direction.
“This was done out of the legislation that I had set up, the Higher Education Act back in 2016, where the legal framework was put in place. Request for Proposal was sent out and so we have been able now to see the fruits of our labour without spending any money at all,” he stated.
USAT will be offering a number of programmes for post graduate levels—bachelor of medicine, surgery, doctor of medicine, bachelor, master and doctor of nursing, master of pharmacy, doctor of veterinary medicine, master and doctor of public health and bachelor, master of doctor and education.
A Higher Education Licensing Board will be governing the system.
All members of the House of Assembly, including those on the Opposition, had indicated that such a system was needed and will also bring economic activities to the BVI.
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