UWI chancellor blames natural disasters for high regional debt

By Michelle Nurse On Oct 12, 2015

Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir George Alleyne (Photo via Antigua Observer) — Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir George Alleyne **(Photo via Antigua Observer)**

The Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) is lamenting the Region’s massive debt to international agencies due to the effects of natural disasters.

Speaking at the seventh Annual UWI Open Campus Ceremony for the Presentation of Graduates 2015, Professor Sir George Alleyne said the Region’s debt burden, which is over $40 billion — based on a 2013 report — is due in large part to the battering it has endured due to weather systems.

“One of the features that continue to be emphasised is that this (regional debt) has not been due in any way to the fiscal profligacy on the part of the region’s governments. Much of this has been due to the impact of natural hazards and consequent disasters,” he charged.