UWI Five Islands extension plans

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The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally invited expressions of interest from qualified contractors for the expansion of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, a landmark development expected to reshape higher education in the Eastern Caribbean.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Finance through its Project Management Unit, signalling the next major step in a project backed by an US$80 million loan from the Saudi Fund for Development. Once completed, the expansion is expected to transform the Five Islands Campus into a world-class educational institution with the capacity to serve more than 5,000 students.

Officials say the project will significantly upgrade campus infrastructure, including the construction of new academic buildings, student accommodation, research facilities and other supporting amenities. The development is aimed at meeting rising regional demand for tertiary education while positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a leading hub for higher learning in the Caribbean.

Final designs for the project are currently being completed, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2026 following the tendering process. The expansion will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to ongoing teaching and campus operations.

​Contractors, suppliers and service providers with experience in large-scale building and infrastructure projects are being encouraged to register their interest by completing and submitting a Contractor Registration Form. Participation in this stage will allow firms to be considered during the international tendering process for works and services related to the project.

The Ministry of Finance has clarified that the Expression of Interest does not constitute a formal offer or legally binding agreement, but is intended to gather information on potential contractors’ capabilities ahead of procurement.

Interested parties seeking further details on the submission process are advised to contact the Project Management Unit at the Ministry of Finance via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 1-268-562-1662.

The UWI Five Islands Campus, which opened in 2019, has been central to the country’s education and development agenda. Government officials have repeatedly described its expansion as a critical investment in human capital and regional development.

Complete this form to express interest in providing works or services for the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus Expansion Project, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development: