Jordan: UWI education an investment

Sat, September 01, 2012 - 3:51 PM

A FORMER graduate, who has become a leader in tourism, has reminded Government that university education is an investment in the country’s future.

Colin Jordan, the immediate past president of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA), made this call at the matriculation ceremony of the University of the West Indies held at the Roy Marshall Teaching Complex, Friday evening.

“Governments must recognise that university education is not just an investment in nameless unidentified individuals, but an investment in the country’s future.

“Education is a right that a society owes to its citizens. Education is a right that society owes to itself in order to ensure its progress, its development and its sustainability,” he said.
Jordan, who delivered the matriculation address, reminded the dozens of students they should hold onto their ideals.

“I want you to have the subtle view that the ideals you develop at university, you will not allow the real world to destroy all of them.

“I am of the view that a society of individuals can only progress if we place ideals ahead of us and works towards those ideals,” he said.

Jordan, who holds a Bachelors of science in Economics and Accounts from the university, spoke of causes he as part of student government fought for, and reminded new students they had a responsibility to each other whether they were from the same country, faculty or programme.