Minister Karim opens COSTAATT Campus in Sangre Grande

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance” said Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim, recalling a profound quote by Dr. Derek Bok at the formal opening of the College of Science Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) in Sangre Grande on Wednesday 4th September. This was his response to questions about the amount of money invested in education in Trinidad and Tobago.Karim stated that for the first time ever in the history of the country, tertiary education has been brought to Sangre Grande, which according to the Human Atlas since 2008, has had the lowest rate of enrollment for Secondary and Tertiary education in the country. With the introduction of the Sangre Grande COSTAATT Campus, this will change. The new campus is also linked to the El Dorado Nurses Facility, where graduates of COSTAATT can further their training if necessary.

It was also revealed that subsequent to the 2013/2014 budget, COSTAATT will begin construction of a new main campus, on 30 acres of land in Chaguanas. The Minister also noted that Tobago will not be left behind and will experience the integrated campus of the University of the West Indies, the University of Trinidad and Tobago and COSTAATT.

Karim declared that his aim is to increase the participation rate in tertiary education to 60%. He stated that his aim is to not only focus on the participation rate, but also the graduation rate and finally the employment rate. “This is the only way we will reduce crime and criminality.” he stated, “By moving from education into employment.”

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For further information please contact:

Communications Unit
Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training
Tel:623-9922 ext. 306