The Cabinet of Ministers will give favorable consideration to any proposal for scholarships from overseas institutions only after it is satisfied that the best interest of Saint Lucian students is being met.

The process of due diligence which is always applied in relation to initiatives of this nature would include among other things: background checks and research to determine specifics related to scholarship financing, areas of training and how these relate to Government training priorities and current training programmes underway, examination of screening and selection process, accommodation arrangements for students, insurance coverage, etc.

Such arrangements and considerations must be spelt out in a Memorandum of Understanding document between the Government of Saint Lucia and the training institution in question.

Government wishes to make it clear that to date none of these critical aspects have been attended to. With respect to any scholarship training initiatives, Government must at all times act in manner which gives consideration to the best interest of the participants in such programmes. This is a responsibility that Government takes very seriously as it is held ultimately liable for any short-coming or mishaps which might occur.

Government promises a comprehensive statement on this matter soon at which time the full facts pertaining to the proposed US Scholarship programme and Government’s policy with respect to the provision of support for such ventures will articulated.

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