The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus is deepening its roots in Antigua and Barbuda through a growing range of community partnerships, regional outreach, and new academic offerings. According to Antigua.news, Shavar Maloney, the campus's Marketing Officer, outlined the institution's recent achievements and upcoming initiatives in an interview with state media.
Maloney said the campus recently wrapped up a busy season of community activities, including a cleanup drive that removed thousands of pounds of waste and a 300-person 5K run alongside other wellness challenges. He stressed the importance of balancing physical health with academic and professional commitments.
"We are making sure that we are working with persons so that they understand that there's more to life than just the books. There's more to life than just going to work. It's about being happy, being healthy and moving," Maloney said.
The campus has also strengthened its relationship with Five Islands Primary School and local businesses. Maloney acknowledged that those connections were difficult to establish initially, but said both the school and the wider community have since become willing partners.
"The community has embraced us now. We're working with the school, Mr. (Alden) James (Five Islands Primary School principal) and his team, the students, and they've been participating," Maloney said. "So we're like that older sibling now to the primary school and we've formally adopted them."
On the academic front, the university is actively promoting programmes in technology, healthcare, business, criminology, and education, with applications currently open. Maloney noted that interest from other Caribbean nations is growing. He pointed to a forthcoming memorandum of understanding with T.A. Marryshow Community College in Grenada as one concrete example.
"We recently went to Grenada and the Grenadian high command has bought into it…and very soon, we'll see an MOU being signed with the T.A Marryshow Community College in Grenada with a pathway for their students into that program," Maloney said, referring to the criminology programme.
The campus is also preparing to launch a new law programme developed in collaboration with the Mona Campus. The offering has already generated considerable interest across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region. Maloney said the programme is designed to prepare students for diverse legal careers beyond the courtroom, emphasising that "law doesn't mean just being a lawyer who stands up in court" and that new commercial opportunities exist within the profession.
Maloney also announced the return of 'Walk-In Wednesdays,' an initiative providing after-work support for prospective students exploring study options, submitting documents, or seeking admissions assistance. The campus is simultaneously preparing for summer orientation and celebrating approximately 200 graduates set to enter the regional workforce.
"UWI is here to serve, we're here to build, we're here to partner, we are a part of the community," Maloney said.
