The Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) has announced the discontinuation of its Aspiring Leaders Scholarship, citing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda's decision to make tuition free at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus for most degree programmes.
Launched last year, the scholarship was designed to develop the next generation of leaders in Antigua and Barbuda by covering full tuition for the entire three-year duration of undergraduate studies at UWI Five Islands Campus. Applicants between the ages of 17 and 25 were eligible to apply, provided they intended to pursue a first degree in either the School of Business and Management or the School of Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Following a competitive selection process, Tajhere Browne was chosen as the scholarship recipient. He has since distinguished himself academically, earning a place on the Honour Roll during his first semester.
With the government confirming that tuition at UWI Five Islands Campus will now be free of charge for eligible first-degree students — including those enrolled in programmes previously covered by the scholarship — ECAB says the initiative has lost its original purpose. The bank welcomed the government's move, stating its belief that education is a transformative tool that should be accessible to all.
ECAB confirmed it will continue to honour its existing commitments to Browne. The bank also noted that, for the third consecutive year, it will sponsor the Mr. and Miss Teenage Pageant as part of this year's Carnival celebrations.
Despite ending the scholarship programme, ECAB says its commitment to youth development, education, and community support remains firm, and that additional initiatives to empower young Antiguans and Barbudans are forthcoming.
