No More College Admission Fees, Easier Access to Education 

By Val Matthias. Updated 10:28 p.m., Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday announced the removal of admission fees at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and ease the burden of secondary school fees for families.  

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of his new Cabinet, Dr.Friday declared that education must never be reduced to “mere slogans” but treated as a priority investment for the nation’s future. He emphasized that financial barriers should not prevent young Vincentians from pursuing their studies.  

“I cannot sleep well when a mother has to choose among her children who will attend school because she cannot afford to send both,” Dr. Friday said. “Fees and charges should not be an obstacle to basic education.”  

The Prime Minister underscored that abolishing college admission fees is the first step in his government’s broader plan to make education more affordable and accessible. He also promised relief for families struggling with secondary school costs, signalling a commitment to equity in learning opportunities.  

The abolition of admission fees at the Community College is expected to expand access to tertiary education, particularly for students from low-income households. By easing secondary school costs, the government ensure that financial hardship does not block pathways to higher learning.  

In other remarks, Dr Friday stressed that young people must not be “locked out of the economy” due to lack of education or employment opportunities. His government intends to link education reform with job creation and investment.

During the political campaign, the NDP consistently emphasized that education must be made more accessible and affordable, repeatedly stating that fees and charges should never be an obstacle to learning.

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