Dear Editor,
The ongoing financial crisis at the University of The Bahamas (UB) is not just an institutional issue—it is a national emergency. For two consecutive semesters, students have been left in distress due to the government’s failure to disburse the Tertiary Grant Programme. Many are struggling to afford tuition and basic necessities, while Family Island students face eviction because the funds they depend on have not been delivered.
These students are not just fighting for themselves; they are the future of our nation. They are tomorrow’s teachers, nurses, engineers, and leaders. By failing to provide them with the financial support they were promised, the government is not only jeopardizing their education but also the country’s long-term development. How can we expect to build a stronger Bahamas if we refuse to invest in the very people who will one day staff our hospitals, educate our children, and contribute to our economy?
As a former UB student on private scholarship and a senator in student government, I know firsthand the importance of student advocacy. During my time, we worked tirelessly to enhance the university experience—lobbying for improved campus facilities, leisure spaces, and student engagement opportunities. What we did not have to do was run behind the government to simply fulfill its financial obligations. Students then could focus on their studies without the constant anxiety of whether the funding they were promised would arrive.
That is why I am proud of today’s UB Student Government Association for standing up and demanding answers. Their recent statement makes it clear that students are not asking for favors; they are fighting for what is rightfully theirs. The financial aid provided through the Tertiary Grant Programme is not a luxury—it is a necessity that enables students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds and the Family Islands, to access higher education.
Meanwhile, as students struggle, concerns mount about the government’s spending priorities. Allegations of extravagant travel and financial mismanagement have only fueled frustration, leading many to question whether funds intended for student aid have been diverted elsewhere. If the government is truly committed to education, why has it allowed this crisis to persist?
The time for excuses is over. The government must immediately disburse the promised funding and provide a clear, transparent plan to ensure that this never happens again. Failing to invest in young people today means paying the price tomorrow.
UB needs to be funded NOW. Education is not a privilege—it is a right. We cannot afford to let this negligence continue. Our future depends on it.
Sincerely,
Sen. The Hon. Maxine Seymour
