Bridging the Gap: Understanding Why Regional University Graduates Fall Behind Global Trends

In a striking speech, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), highlighted a concerning trend: Caribbean nations are falling behind in university graduation rates compared to other regions. This educational shortfall jeopardizes economic advancement and societal progress. Despite significant budget allocations, tertiary education remains severely underfunded. Outdated methods and limited resources exacerbate challenges, leading to high dropout rates and talent migration. The urgency for strategic investment in education cannot be overstated; without reform, the Caribbean risks further marginalization in the global economy.