APNU Pledges Full Sponsorship for Law Students Abroad
By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News.
In recognition of the financial struggles facing many Guyanese law students pursuing studies abroad, Aubrey Norton, presidential candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), announced that if elected after the September 1st polls, his government will fully sponsor eligible students.
“As a government, any child that is qualified and gets into UWI in Trinidad, we are going to pay for the law program,” Norton declared.
The opposition leader explained that while many students complete their Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Guyana, they are unable to continue at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad due to steep financial challenges.
Norton noted that the David Granger administration restored the scholarship program in 2015, but said it was discontinued under the Ali-led government in 2020. He called this “discriminatory” and vowed to end the practice.
Law students welcomed the proposal. One student, who requested anonymity, said:
“This initiative is a relief. My father cannot carry this financial responsibility alone. It takes a huge burden off students like me.”
Another student, however, suggested that while sponsorship is welcomed, greater focus should be placed on establishing Guyana’s own law school in the long term.
Turning to broader educational reforms, Norton also promised the restoration of night schools—about 10 of which were previously established but later closed under the current government.
APNU’s manifesto further pledges a $50,000 monthly stipend for technical institute and university students, the creation of a National Youth Investment Fund for grants and low-interest loans, and expanded training in leadership, civic responsibility, family planning, and financial literacy.
The announcement drew support from Lashonda Ellis, 26, a newcomer to politics, who praised Norton’s leadership and vision for youth development.
