Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that plans are in the final stages for the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC) to begin offering a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme as early as September 2026.

Speaking on the campaign platform in St John’s Rural West—home to the campus—Browne said discussions with university officials are ongoing, with the programme now moving closer to rollout.

“We are happy to approve the law programme in Antigua,” Browne said, noting that the initiative represents a major step forward in expanding access to higher education locally.

The Prime Minister highlighted that for decades, Antiguans and Barbudans were forced to travel overseas to pursue legal studies, often at significant financial cost. The introduction of the LLB at UWIFIC, he said, will now allow students to remain at home while obtaining a world-class legal education.

“Years ago, people had to travel to North America or Europe to get a law degree. Now, you can stay right here in Antigua and pursue that qualification,” Browne told supporters.

The planned programme is expected to further strengthen the reputation of the Five Islands Campus as a growing centre of academic excellence in the region. Since its establishment, UWIFIC has rapidly expanded its offerings, positioning itself as a critical pillar in national and regional development.

Government officials have repeatedly underscored the campus’ role in democratizing education—providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds to access tertiary-level training without the burden of relocation.

If launched as scheduled, the law degree programme will mark another milestone for UWIFIC, reinforcing its status as a flagship institution and a symbol of Antigua and Barbuda’s investment in education, professional development, and human capital.