Eighty Vincentian students studying abroad are among those to receive assistance as the Covid-19 pandemic continue to wreak havoc around the world.
The students are on the National Insurance Service’s student loan programme. There are 21 in Jamaica; 24 in Barbados, 25 in Trinidad, five in St Lucia, four in Taiwan; two in Grenada, two in Canada; one in the BVI and one in the USA, according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.
Dr Gonsalves said he spoke with Executive Director of the National Insurance Service (NIS) Stuart Haynes and told him that the problem is that the term is longer and therefore students are going to need additional monies, even if they are to stay on campus.
“Some of them are interested in coming home and will do their exams at home. Each will make his or her decision. So, whether they gonna stay there or whether they’re gonna come home, they need help,” he said.
Dr Gonsalves further stated: “Some feel that it is better if they stay there because they will study better. Some feel they might do better if they come home. And some of them, the psychological issue of being home is better. They will make their individual decision.”
Dr Gonsalves said “they will have to do the help across the board.”