The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC) has taken another step toward broadening access to higher education across the Eastern Caribbean, conducting a strategic engagement visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines aimed at forging new academic partnerships and expanding student opportunities.
According to Antigua.news, Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson led a series of high-level meetings and activities designed to deepen ties with key regional stakeholders and advance the campus' broader mission of serving the Eastern Caribbean.
A centrepiece of the visit was exploratory discussions with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) on the potential establishment of a joint academic programme with UWI Five Islands. Such a collaboration could significantly widen educational pathways for Vincentian students.
Professor Robinson also met with members of the local business community as part of ongoing efforts to build stronger industry partnerships and support workforce development initiatives throughout the region.
During the visit, Robinson delivered a public lecture titled "No One is Coming to Save Us: The OECS in a Changed World," which prompted wide-ranging discussions on regional development, resilience, and the future direction of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
The delegation also included Dr. Kamecia Blake, Criminology Programme Coordinator, who joined Robinson in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock to discuss the continued growth of the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice programme. Officials noted the programme received strong ministerial support from the Deputy Prime Minister.
Stewart Haynes of the National Student Loan Company also participated in the visit, using the opportunity to highlight affordable tuition financing options available to students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The visit concluded with an open house and engagement sessions welcoming prospective students and current UWI Five Islands students already pursuing their studies through the campus.
University officials reaffirmed that the Five Islands Campus remains committed to serving governments, businesses, communities, and students across the Eastern Caribbean as it continues to expand its regional presence.
