Preparatory work is underway on the site designated for the new Five Islands Primary School, marking a significant step in a larger initiative.

This construction project represents the inaugural phase of an extensive expansion of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus.

The plan is to build the new primary school, which will subsequently facilitate the demolition of the existing structure.

This land has been earmarked for future enhancements to the UWI campus.

The ambitious project has an estimated budget of US$80 million, and financing has been secured through a loan from the Saudi Development Fund.

On Tuesday, Education Minister Daryll Matthew shared photos of the sitev to provide a glimpse into the ongoing transformation.

Since its opening five years ago, the UWI FIC has welcomed over one thousand students, and with projections indicating significant growth in enrollment in the coming years, the expansion is a timely development.

The university has been actively conducting recruitment drives throughout the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to attract prospective students from these regions.

The comprehensive expansion plan encompasses several key components, including new dormitories to accommodate international students, an administration building, state-of-the-art classrooms, lecture theatres, and a sports facility.