Top 25 UG law students to pay increased fees at Hugh Wooding

By Fareeza Haniff

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The top 25 University of Guyana law graduates have received confirmation of their automatic entry into the Trinidad based Hugh Wooding Law School; however they are now being asked to pay an increased fee of 32 percent, which is estimated to be approximately G$1.6M.

It should be noted that the increase is not just for the Guyanese graduates but it has been implemented across the board.

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman told a post cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, July 15 that the automatic entry system is in place and that government is aware that the fees were adjusted.

Minister Trotman acknowledged that this increase will cause “hardship for most students, if not all.” As such, he noted that the administration is exploring other options for the students, such as scholarships and discussing the issue with some financial institutions.

“Previously scholarships were not given for law students but Cabinet is looking at all opportunities to be explored to alleviate the burden that has now come up. While government will not assume the responsibility of paying those fees, we’re going to try to work with the Hugh Wooding Law School…and perhaps speak to some financial institutions to see if some arrangements could be put in place,” Minister Trotman said.

Guyanese automatic entry into the Trinidad Law School was in limbo after Hugh Wooding had stated that once there are more UWI graduates applying to the school, they will be given preference.

At the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting held in Barbados, leaders called on the Law School to continue to make provisions for the automatic entry of the top Guyanese graduates.