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The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) celebrated its first cohort of short course graduates on Wednesday, October 14, recognising more than 100 course completions across 11 professional and technical programmes.
The ceremony, held at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre, brought together participants from diverse occupational backgrounds, including farmers, board members, janitorial and security personnel, and established professionals. The diversity highlighted the accessibility of the College’s training programmes and their relevance to people at different stages of their careers.
The event was attended by Minister of Education, Science and Technology Daryll S. Matthew; Director of Education Clare Browne; ABCAS Board of Trustees Chairman Dr Vernon Solomon; Deputy Chair Desrie Markham; President Dr E. Jonah Greene; Vice-President Dr Na-Ajele Williams-Buffonge; other college officials, staff, graduates, families and invited guests.
The 11 courses reflected the expertise of ABCAS’s five campuses, covering business and information technology, agriculture, technical and vocational education, tourism and hospitality, and education, arts, science and industry. Subjects included crop and broiler production, plumbing repairs, electrical fundamentals, HVACR, hospitality services, board governance and insurance, bartending and mixology, dessert preparation, eyelash application, and food and beverage service.
In her welcome remarks, Dr Greene said she wanted ABCAS to become the institution individuals and organisations turn to when seeking to improve their knowledge and skills. She urged graduates to use their training to create opportunities for themselves and others, reminding them that its value extended beyond their certificates.
She concluded: “I am ABCAS. We are ABCAS.”
Dr Solomon emphasised the importance of personal choice and lifelong learning, particularly as technology continues to evolve.
“You made the choice to develop a new skill when it would have been easy to remain comfortable,” he told graduates, adding that everyone had an obligation to continue learning and growing.
He also reaffirmed the Board of Trustees’ commitment to providing students with the opportunities and support needed to succeed.
Matthew highlighted the importance of education and skills training to Antigua and Barbuda’s national development.