Major fixes underway as UWI Debe Campus set to open

2026-03-19 - 01:44

Senior Multimedia Reporter radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt Long-standing plumbing problems at the Debe campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) are set to be permanently resolved ahead of its anticipated August opening, with officials confirming that four faculties—including law and an expanded medicine programme—will be housed at the site when it becomes operational. The Faculty of Law is expected to serve as the flagship programme, alongside faculties in medicine, agriculture, and science and technology. Speaking during a tour of the facility yesterday, UWI Campus Principal Professor Rosemarie Belle Antoine said the long-standing plumbing issues—linked to shifting ground conditions—have persisted since construction but are now expected to be resolved under government-funded upgrade works. Initial estimates to address the problem are approximately $4 million. She explained that while temporary repairs were undertaken over the years, including during the COVID-19 period when the campus was repurposed, a permanent solution is now in sight as contractors prepare to begin additional infrastructural works. The development comes as UWI intensifies efforts to open its South Campus in Debe, a project Antoine described as a “national investment” aimed at ensuring taxpayers’ money is fully utilised. She said the university has already undertaken significant internal upgrades, including installing furniture, refurbishing floors, repainting buildings, and making major investments in information technology infrastructure. “This is a better facility than the St Augustine campus. It’s more modern; it’s all smart technology,” Antoine said, noting that classrooms are equipped with advanced digital systems to support teaching and learning. While acknowledging that some areas still require work, she said the campus is close to being fully operational. “In actual fact, it can be used now, but if you want to do a proper thing... some areas still need attention,” she said, pointing specifically to the Faculty of Law building. Contractors engaged by the Government are expected to begin work soon, although Antoine noted that construction timelines remain outside the university’s direct control. Nevertheless, she said preparations are underway to facilitate the relocation of the Faculty of Law in time for the new academic year. Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Alicia Elias-Roberts, said while the faculty supports the move, essential infrastructure must be in place before students transition. “Our students will need a library because with law you need doctrinal study, and you need to have the facilities in place,” she said. She also stressed that despite the growing role of digital tools and artificial intelligence in legal education, physical learning spaces remain critical. Dr Elias-Roberts added that once completed, the Debe campus has the potential to position the Faculty of Law as a regional leader. “With all the investment that has been done here, it would become the flagship faculty in the Caribbean once it’s open and ready,” she said. The Debe campus, a multi-million-dollar project spanning approximately 100 acres, was originally designed to expand access to tertiary education in central and south Trinidad. It features academic buildings, administrative offices, student facilities, and a law faculty complex with a moot court. However, after the People’s Partnership administration led by former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar demitted office in 2015, the campus remained largely unused under the succeeding government amid concerns over structural issues, incomplete works, and maintenance costs. It was later utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic and fell into a state of disrepair. Despite these setbacks, UWI invested more than $150 million of its own funds over time to advance construction and carry out repairs. The facility’s use during the pandemic also contributed to further wear and tear. Since returning to office, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has pledged to reopen the campus for its intended purpose, with the Faculty of Law at its core.