It's that time when students are in the process of returning to school. It's also that time when the government awards loans to student applicants.

When the Progressive Liberal Party took over in 2002, it had a lot of complaints about the former government's handling of the programme.

It is still trying to revamp the programme and, in the meantime, fewer students are receiving loans.

However, the mess the programme is in can be attributed to those handling it as well as those who received loans but who were not totally forthcoming with the government.

It is a reality that not all deserving applicants will receive loans from the government, but there are other other programmes, such as the Lyford Cay Scholarship Foundation and the Organization of American States, which offers scholarships and fellowships.

With so many people contemplating completing tertiary education abroad, there is more competition for loans and scholarships.

That means it is up to parents, guardians and students to save for tertiary education themselves. The earlier they start to save, the more they will have at their disposal to further their education.

It's not impossible, just difficult, as are most things worth doing.

Posted Tuesday 19 August, 2003