Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC) is on track to begin offering a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme as early as September 2026. According to Antigua.news, plans are in their final stages, with discussions between government officials and university leadership continuing as the programme moves closer to launch.
Browne made the announcement while speaking on the campaign platform in St John's Rural West — the constituency that is home to the campus. "We are happy to approve the law programme in Antigua," he said, describing the initiative as a major step forward in expanding access to higher education locally.
The Prime Minister emphasised that for decades, Antiguans and Barbudans have had to travel abroad to pursue legal studies, often at considerable financial cost. The introduction of the LLB at UWIFIC, he said, will allow students to obtain a world-class legal education without leaving the country.
"Years ago, people had to travel to North America or Europe to get a law degree. Now, you can stay right here in Antigua and pursue that qualification," Browne told supporters.
The planned programme is expected to further cement UWIFIC's reputation as a growing centre of academic excellence in the Caribbean. Since its establishment, the campus has steadily expanded its course offerings, positioning itself as a key institution in both national and regional development.
Government officials have consistently highlighted the campus' role in democratising tertiary education — giving students from all economic backgrounds the opportunity to pursue higher learning without the added burden of relocation and overseas living costs.
If launched as scheduled, the LLB programme will mark a significant new milestone for UWIFIC, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda's broader commitment to education, professional development, and investment in human capital.
