Government Targets 30% Local Participation in Major Education Build-Out

Beyond bricks and mortar, Cabinet is positioning the expansion of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and the construction of the new Five Islands Primary School as catalysts for economic stimulation and local industry development.

During Wednesday’s update, officials revealed that up to 30 percent of the total construction value of the projects could be executed by local subcontractors — provided they meet tax, regulatory and qualification standards.

To facilitate this objective, a publicly advertised database of local contractors, suppliers and vendors is being compiled. The database will allow international firms bidding on the projects to identify and partner with qualified domestic entities.

Cabinet also discussed strategies to strengthen local industry participation through joint ventures between international contractors and capable Antiguan and Barbudan firms. The approach aims not only to retain a greater share of project expenditure within the national economy, but also to build technical capacity among local professionals.

Officials noted that exposure to large-scale infrastructure projects can enhance the competitiveness of domestic construction companies, improve project management expertise and strengthen compliance with international standards.

While procurement preparations continue — with the UWI expansion expected to go to tender in early March — oversight bodies are reviewing documentation to ensure transparency, accountability and financial prudence.

For the Five Islands Primary School, structural refinements and technical reviews are nearing completion. Once finalized, the construction phase is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks.

Cabinet reiterated its commitment to the timely and prudent execution of both projects, describing them as central to broader efforts to modernize educational facilities, stimulate economic activity and expand access to safe, modern learning environments.