l-r: Ag. Attorney General Vasunthera Nadarajah, Senior CrownCounsel ShereeJemmotte,
Attorney David Brandt, Mr. Praveen Kumar and Chief Minister Dr. Lowell Lewis

Chief Minister the Honourable Dr. Lowell Lewis on Thursday, July 27 signed a license agreement with a Dubai based British International University (BIU) paving the way for a new Medical School on the island.

This signing of the agreement follows a pre-May-election visit this year by former chief minister, John Osborne and Mr. Brandt to Dubai, where they reportedly visited the University’s campus in the Middle East.  On their return both men raved about the wealth that could come from having this University on Montserrat.

The University Vice President of International Affairs, Mr. Praveen Kumar signed the agreement along with the chief minister, with witnesss, the acting Attorney General Mrs. Vasunthera Nadarajah and Senior Crown Counsel, Miss Sheree Jemmotte, as well as backbencher the Honourable David Brandt who is the local legal representative for the University.

 

Following the signing ceremony Mr. Praveen Kumar said, “the BIU is planning to start its operations (latest) by January next year along with our first intake of students.”

Dr. Lewis in turn stated, “this is a license that gives permission to the BIU Ltd. an established network of educational institutions to build and operate a school in Montserrat.”

“Montserrat has existing arrangements where investors coming to Montserrat are offered packages, investment packages to encourage them to Montserrat,” he added.

Dr. Lewis further stated. “We have the opportunity to put back in Montserrat the kind of institution that can make a big difference to our economy. The government of Montserrat is committed to supporting this venture and making sure that everything is done according to procedures.”

The university having received the agreement can now apply for World Health Organization (WHO) accreditation with Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM) a body recognized by the British Government.

Mr. Brandt assured, “…the University officials while on this trip here will visit Jamaica, to speak to CAAM…On Tuesday the representative will visit to conclude the arrangements by which CAAM will supervise the University and give it accreditation. “

It is hinted that the University intends to rent space at the Montserrat Community College till land is purchased and a new campus is erected. It was explained that a location for the new campus could not be decided or looked at till the agreement was signed but a likely location seems to be at Blakes.
 
Dr. Lewis said he was glad to start the process of putting Medical Schools back on Montserrat and all documents will be made public as a sign of his efforts to make his government more transparent in all matters.