Minister of Tourism, Honourable Carlos James, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to its vision of “one university graduate per household” as he addressed the graduating class of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) on Tuesday.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government, Minister James praised the strength, perseverance, and determination of the 2025 graduates, commending them for their ability to overcome multiple national crises during their academic journey — including the explosive eruption of La Soufrière in 2021, the global COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl.
“This graduating class is a symbol of national resilience and pride,” James said. “You are not just graduating, you are stepping into leadership.”
He emphasized that their success is a direct reflection of the country’s continued investment in education as a cornerstone of national development. The Minister said the Government remains committed to ensuring that every household in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has at least one university graduate.
Encouraging the graduates to make full use of the national scholarships and grants available, James urged families and communities to remain supportive of young people pursuing higher education, noting that their development is essential to the transformation and progress of the nation.
The graduation ceremony marked a major milestone for hundreds of students and served as a reminder of the power of persistence and the importance of education in rebuilding and reshaping the country in the wake of adversity.