The University of the West Indies’ new Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda, crossed yet another milestone on Monday, April 6, 2020, when its Council met for the first time. In a virtual meeting setting, members of the Campus Council, chaired by Mr Aziz Hadeed, heard a report on the campus’ accomplishments since its opening in September 2019. The report which was presented by Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Stafford Griffith, highlighted many firsts for the campus and overall success in operations to establish a fully functional UWI campus to better serve the OECS.
Considered the annual business meetings of the regional University, Campus Council meetings are a fundamental aspect of accountability for The UWI, at which the Principals of each of its campuses report to their governing bodies on all activities undertaken over the last academic year to the Council membership and larger stakeholder community.
During his presentation, Professor Griffith reported that over the past seven months the campus staged its first matriculation ceremony, conducted its first end-of-semester examinations; hosted its first international seminar; installed its first student guild and president, and celebrated its first official student guild activity. He also noted that in the campus’ first year of recruitment, a total of 200 students were enrolled and that the aim is to double enrolment each year, over the next three years. Professor Griffith spoke extensively of the unwavering institutional support as well as endorsement and assistance received from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. In 2019, he also visited six OECS countries and met with members of government and education officials to determine how best their development needs could be served through the campus.
In addition, Professor Griffith gave some insight into the campus’ response to COVID-19. He indicated that a working group has been established at the campus to manage the response to the pandemic and guide on mitigating operational challenges during this period. Among these include the implementation of distance teaching until national stay-at-home advisories are removed.
Interim Campus Director of Academic Affairs, Hyram Forde was given the opportunity to speak to the preparation, administration and results of the first examinations, concluding they were a success. Interim Director of Finance and Administration, Daniella Hickling also addressed the Council members, highlighting aspects of student administration, services and support, human resources, facilities and maintenance, and information technology. A report from the first student guild President, Caleb Gardiner was also part of the meeting’s proceedings.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles congratulated Professor Griffith and the entire UWI Five Islands team for assuring successful pursuit and implementation of The UWI’s strategic plan. The Vice-Chancellor stated, “It is an historic time for education.” He added, “This is the best of times, for the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, the OECS states, the Caribbean region, and The UWI in bringing this Five Islands Campus into full operation. It is the worst of times in that we are doing this within the context of a global pandemic that is threatening to destroy all that we have created and is an existential threat to the civilisation of the Caribbean.”
Chairman of the Five Islands Campus Council, Mr Hadeed expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the role. He underscored the unique circumstances of hosting the milestone event via videoconference while the country was adhering to a 24-hour lockdown and health and safety protocols.
The proceedings of the open session of Campus Council Meetings are traditionally made available for public viewing/participation via UWItv as part of The UWI’s commitment to transparency and engagement of its stakeholders. A closed virtual meeting was held in this instance due to the conditions resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic. A recording of the proceedings will air on UWItv cable channels on Flow EVO, on Wednesday, April 15, at 4:30 pm (AST) and Friday, April 17, at 10:30 am (AST).
“Can someone please state which five islands this campus represents, or if it is “just a name” for the campus.”
Badbaje, good question, thanks for taking the lead on this.
How long ago was this planned and who were involved, engaged in this project and how did these engaged islands got into this system. We have no issues or problems with thi, we just need accountability, Transparency and engagement, before we in he islands are called upon the governments and people that we have to contribute a cost annually or quarterly to the functioning and support. That we have no issues with, but we need accountability. Again, which are the four islands and were the ones who contributed the money to construct this campus. Look beautiful though. We all associated to this campus all the best and welcome our students who will be professionals in the year to come to hep build up our Caribbean and our respective islands with decent and no corruption in our government because we pay our taxes.
Good…
“If I remember correctly, the Galley Hotel is and another are located West of the Village.”
I meant ” Galley Bay Hotel.”
The term Five island dose not mean that branch of the university of the West Indies is representing any particular five (5) islands in the Caribbean!
It is a matter of choice, and that also depends on the discipline one need to study: i.e.; in Mona Jamaica they teach medicine, in Barbados they teach theology, in St. Augustine Trinidad they teach Electronics, and I believe law!
They also integrate other educational curricular; when I emphasize curricular, that means relating to the subjects comprising a course of study in a university or college.
“The University of the West Indies’ new Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda, crossed yet another milestone on Monday, April 6, 2020, when its Council met for the first time.”
Can someone please state which five islands this campus represents, or if it is “just a name” for the campus.
The reason you read about “Five island” is because that Campus of the University of the West Indies is located near, or in the village of Five Island in Antigua!
Next to the village of Five island are two hotels, if I remember correctly, the Galley Hotel is and another are located West of the Village.
Thanks for the clarification. It really does make sense now. I would like to see the UWI open more locations throughout the islands, and that they are able to do away with more of the “distance learning” locations, although these locations do provide valuable service!
You are most welcome.
Nevertheless, it would not be in the interest of the institution to install campuses on all the islands, due to the small population.
Assuming they installed a campus in Dominica, with a population of less than fifty thousand people, that would mean every Dominican would have to attend, and that would not be economical at all.
The University of the West Indies very seldom accommodate foreign students; although the University offers several programmes covering a variety of disciplines which are eligible for “international student exchanges.”
Options include North America, Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Keep in mind that an American Student will not go to the West Indies to study knowing the degrees they obtained are not going to be accepted here.
So, your question about Ross Students; well Ross University is American, they taught the same curriculum wherever they are as if they were in the United States, and are accepted by…