ST. JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda — The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) marked a defining milestone in the nation's educational history on Thursday, July 2, as it hosted its inaugural Commencement Ceremony at the SJPC House of Restoration. According to Antigua News Room, more than 200 graduates were honoured as the historic first graduating class of the newly established institution.
The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, staff, government officials, industry partners and invited guests to celebrate a new era in public tertiary education. The inaugural class comprised students whose programmes originated at the former Antigua State College (ASC), the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT), and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI), before all three institutions were unified under ABCAS. The ceremony also recognised participants who completed professional short courses through the School of Agriculture, underscoring the College's commitment to skills development and lifelong learning.
Graduates received associate degrees, diplomas and certificates across a broad range of disciplines, including business, culinary arts, education, engineering, health services, hospitality, information technology, the liberal arts, the creative industries and science.
Addressing the graduates, Minister for Education the Honourable Daryll S. Matthew described the ceremony as the realisation of a bold vision for public tertiary education. He congratulated the inaugural class on their achievement and encouraged them to apply their knowledge and skills in service of national development. The Minister also commended the continued progress of the School of Agriculture as a testament to ABCAS' expanding role in workforce development.
The programme featured an address by ABCAS President Dr. Ezra Jonah Greene and a commencement address delivered by 2026 Rhodes Scholar Resa Nelson. Fiona Benjamin, a graduate of the Associate of Arts in Secondary Education (TVET) programme at the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, delivered the valedictory address. The ceremony also included the formal presentation of qualifications and the symbolic turning of the tassels.
Several moments stood out as particularly memorable. National cyclist Tahjé Browne was recognised for his determination and resilience as he celebrated his own graduation among the historic class. In a deeply moving tribute, the College reserved a seat for the late Culinary Arts student Brianna Clarke and presented her posthumous graduation canister to her family, ensuring her place in the inaugural class would be permanently honoured.
Salutatorian Micaiah Graham, a graduate of the Associate in Science and Mathematics (Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics) programme at the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, was also recognised for outstanding academic achievement.
As the Class of 2026 closed this landmark chapter, they carry with them a distinction no future class can claim: the honour of being the first ever to graduate from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. Their accomplishments mark not only the completion of their individual studies, but the beginning of a lasting legacy for ABCAS and for tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda.
