分类： education

The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) hosted a virtual meeting on Friday, July 5, with students and parents of the institutions amalgamating under the new national tertiary framework.

The session was led by Dr. Jonah Greene, Deputy Director of Education and incoming President of ABCAS.

The meeting served as an important platform for stakeholders to receive key updates on the ongoing amalgamation of ABIIT, ASC, and ABHTI into the unified institution, ABCAS.

The Harrison Centre/ABICE will join as an affiliate campus in Phase 1, while the Glanvilles School of Agriculture is expected to be brought on stream within the academic year.

Dr. Greene shared the strategic vision behind this transition, emphasizing the expanded academic offerings, increased institutional capacity, and greater student support services that will emerge from this new structure.

She highlighted the breadth of courses, diverse student population, and improved access to shared facilities including the library, science laboratories, and student support services such as academic advising and counselling.

As part of the new ABCAS framework, campuses will be organized as follows: The Muriel O’Marde Campus (formerly ABHTI) will be offering programs in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, and other related disciplines; the Eustace Hill Campus (formerly ABIIT) – specializing in Business, Innovation and Information Technology. Most existing non-business and IT programmes will continue in the short term; and Sir Alister Francis Campus (formerly ASC): Offering Teacher Education, Liberal Arts, Industrial Technology, and new programs in Creative Industries and Science & Health Services.

Dr. Greene also addressed important academic and administrative updates, including the dress code at the Eustace Hill Campus (EHC).

Full-time students (enrolled in five–six courses) must wear the ABCAS-branded polo or t-shirt with black bottoms, while part-time students (fewer than five courses) will follow a business formal or business casual dress code.

ABIIT students taking fewer than five courses, but who will be graduating are included under the full-time dress policy.

In addition, the ABCAS will adopt a 4.3 GPA grading system, aligning with that of the University of the West Indies (UWI).

There will also be a lot of importance placed on examinations and quality assurance with a centralized examinations unit to ensure greater quality assurance and standardization across campuses. Finally, academic advising will be an integral part of the new structure.

There will be dedicated academic advisors who will support students in completing their respective programmes as smoothly as possible during this transition.

Included will be a change management counselor to support students and staff manipulate the changes anticipated.

The new academic semester will begin on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Students and parents are encouraged to stay informed through the websites, social media and other media posts to include the official ABCAS website, where presentation slides from the meeting will be posted.

ABCAS remains committed to fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking academic environment that prioritizes student development, institutional excellence, and national progress.

The National Sailing Academy proudly announces the launch of the 2025 _Sea Learning Challenge_ _– Antigua and Barbuda_(SLC – AB), a transformative two-week scholarship program designed to introduce young Antiguans to the world of sailing, ocean literacy, and marine-based careers. This year, the program is opening applications to recruit eight motivated students aged 15–25 who are ready to embark on an intensive learn to sail journey both on and off the water.

The Sea Learning Challenge – Antigua and Barbuda, in partnership with the National Sailing Academy, continues to provide fully-funded opportunities for youth interested in marine science, the yachting industry, and sustainable ocean practices.

“We are excited to kick off another year of the Sea Learning Challenge,” said Alison Sly-Adams, General Manager of the National Sailing Academy. “This program is about more than learning to sail—it’s about building confidence, expanding horizons, and opening doors to careers on the sea. We’re especially proud to see returning support from the Sea Learning Challenge Foundation, making this experience possible for our young sailors.”

The SLC – AB students will participate in a rigorous training program, following the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) syllabus up to Level 3. In addition to sailing skills, participants will gain essential knowledge in marine safety, teamwork, and environmental stewardship—laying the groundwork for further advancement in yachting, marine biology, or coastal conservation.

Dr. Agnes Francis Adolphine, Officer for the Sea Learning Challenge – Antigua and Barbuda, shared her thoughts on this year’s program: “ For the third year of the scholarship programme we are especially interested in reconnecting with prior participants to understand how this scholarship has helped them in their personal development to help us adapt the programme going forward. ”

Prior student Aliyah Browne says of her participation last year, “I’m so grateful that NSA & SLC – AB took a chance on me, because of that opportunity, I discovered my passion and found my path. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

By fostering local talent and providing high-quality training, the Sea Learning Challenge – Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to empowering Antigua’s youth and promoting diversity within the maritime world.

How to Apply

Applications for the **2025** scholarship are now open. Interested candidates should be ages **16–26** and can apply through the following link: [**https://forms.gle/fxZMMVyhPwBNxcHJ6**](https://forms.gle/fxZMMVyhPwBNxcHJ6). No prior sailing experience is required and training will take place weekdays from the 11-22, August, 2025.

Join SLC – AB and NSA in celebrating the spirit of adventure, learning, and sustainable development as we embark on another exciting year of the Sea Learning Challenge – Antigua and Barbuda. Together, we can turn ripples into waves and create a brighter future for the youth of Antigua and Barbuda.

Ten tutors from the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) have completed a three weeks long training programme in the United Kingdom.

The training is part of the ABYSO Train the Trainers Programme which focuses on developing teaching capacity for orchestral instruments. The training is expected to ultimately lead to a recognised certification in music education for these tutors.

The tutors were: the Charles and Nicola Fairweather ABYSO sponsored concert master violinist Alfranique Joseph, Calynia Edwards violin, Alena Armstrong viola, Felicia Edwards and Téja Joseph cello, Nakiya de Freitas double bass, Clarita Thomas clarinet, Linica Edwards bassoon, Jeshaun Charles trombone and McKuelan Morris percussion.

The training began in Birmingham where the cohort of ABYSO musicians engaged in a varied programme of training developed by Sally Alexander MBE, Founder and Head Teacher of the Kimichi School, and conductor Keith Slade.

The musicians particpated in chamber music workshops, individual instrument tutoring and performed in a concert with the Fulltone Orchestra at Exeter Cathedral.

Alena Armstrong noted, “The programme in Birmingham included observation of students learning at the Kimichi School of Music and practicing repertoire for upcoming concerts. It was also a great opportunity to expose ourselves to repertoire we had never before seen or played, but were familiar with nevertheless. One of my most enjoyable moments, was learning how technology intertwined with music“.

The second half of the visit was spent in London in a training programme covering topics to include theories of musical learning, individual instrument sessions and visits to music schools in London with strong music programmes.

The musicians also visited the offices of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) to learn more about the ABRSM’s teaching diploma. In addition to the music education training, the musicians were also the guests of James Williams, Director of the Royal College of Music, for an introductory tour and information session about the College.

ABYSO partners, instrument repairers David Woodhead and Mark Mee Bishop, organised training workshops on brass and woodwind instrument repairs. The period also included an Evening of Music and Appreciation at the Royal Over-Seas League with members of the Kanneh-Mason family.

Alfranique Joseph stated, “My recent training in London proved to be a transformative experience in my journey as a music educator. I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge in instrumental teaching, lesson planning, and explore a variety of unique and effective teaching techniques. Observing classes and learning from other educators allowed me to reflect deeply on my own teaching practice. These experiences not only affirmed my identity as a music educator but also provided clarity on the kind of teacher I aspire to become. I am confident that what I have gained from this journey will significantly enhance my practice and development as a music teacher“.

The ABYSO extends thanks to Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to Jordan, His Excellency Sami Al-Mufleh, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Galleon Foundation for their support of this visit. Special thanks are also extended to Stringers London and the Kimichi School for lending cellos and a double bass to the ABYSO for use during the visit.

The ABYSO operates year-round, after school programmes for young people at all levels of instrumental or choral learning, from beginners to seniors. Public performances throughout the year showcase the young people’s hard work and talent, ranging from orchestral standards to musical theatre shows and intimate chamber events. Exciting international partnerships bring world class musicians, composers and conductors to work alongside the young musicians, while traineeships bring new or enhanced skills such as instrument repair to the islands.