The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST) has welcomed a decision by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) to not increase tuition fees at the St Augustine campus.The ministry said in a release yesterday the decision was taken by The UWI University Council during a meeting on May 8.According to the release, the decision followed “sustained engagement and direct representation” by Government through the ministry regarding proposed tuition fee increases at the campus.Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Dr Prakash Persad had formally advised the campus administration that Government did not support an ­increase in tuition fees.“The Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Senator Professor Emeritus...Prakash Persad formally advised the Campus Administration that the GORTT does not support any increase in tuition fees and recommended that no adjustments be implemented without the expressed support of the Government,” the ministry stated.Persad welcomed the outcome and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to keeping tertiary education accessible and affordable for students and families.The ministry said the Government remained aware of the financial challenges facing many citizens and would continue measures aimed at protecting access to higher education and skills training opportunities.“Students, parents and stakeholders are therefore advised that tuition fees at the St Augustine campus will remain unchanged at this time,” the release stated.The ministry also said it would continue discussions with the university and other stakeholders to ensure decisions concerning tertiary education remained aligned with national development priorities and the interests of citizens.“MTEST remains committed to continued engagement with The UWI and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that decisions concerning tertiary education remain aligned with national development priorities and the best interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” the ministry added.