Ambassador: SVG should have own university

Venezuelan Ambassador Yoel Pérez Marcano is of the opinion that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will greatly benefit from having its own university.{{more}}

Mindful to point out that he was not speaking on behalf of the Venezuelan Government, Marcano stated that a university aids in the development of the country’s people. “A university is necessary to help shape the thoughts and ideas of a people!” He also pointed out that although there isn’t an immediate need for a university, it is an option that can be explored in the future.

Speaking at a meeting between Venezuelan journalists and local media personnel on Monday, March 16th, Marcano added that when university graduates return to their respective countries, they often have the task of adapting what they have learnt to the reality of their homelands – St Vincent and the Grenadines being no exception.

Marcano said that in informal talks with the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, he advised the Prime Minister that such a venture could be undertaken when the time is right, with funding from friendly governments such as those of Cuba and Venezuela.

Marcano also suggested the alternative of upgrading the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College so that along with GCE A’ Levels and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), students could also gain Bachelor’s Degrees, Diplomas and Associate Degrees, in the more pressing areas of Education, Medicine and Public Administration.

Although some may believe that a university in SVG would negatively affect the University of the West Indies, Marcano disputed this, insisting that the two would “complement” each other. (JSV)