Degrees from Atlantic and CICA International University Not Valid in Antigua and Barbuda, says Accreditation Board

1. Atlantic University School of Medicine used to be in town, in an old hotel, near Shouls Toys & Gifts.
   I guess it was all above board at that time.

   Curious if any opposition mp’s and wannabe MP’s are studying through one of the struck off schools… Ummm

2. Why not post a list of the universities that are accredited and can be utilized in Antigua and Barbuda.

3. lack of information does not become truth simply because it is loudly repeated. The recent posts appear to be part of a smear campaign designed to inflame emotions rather than present facts. If you have evidence, please provide it; if not, please stop sharing unverified accusations that harm innocent people and institutions.

4. Where did Maria Bird get her diplomas? Weren’t they from an online diploma mill institution? Asking for gaston.

5. Just Another Day: It might be the time for a Board Certification process be put in place to take persons through the rigor of exams. Board exams should test for knowledge and skill based learning. Here is the thing if the particular school is accredited by the accreditation body in the jurisdiction of the school, then that needs to be accepted as adequate. Otherwise Antigua runs the risk of having its own schools degrees not accepted by other places like the US. Schools are accredited by region, state, or specialty: it is the Board exam that matters the most. You cannot consider Liberty University as a Diploma Mill not even by a long shot. Do not assume that education online is inferior to in-person experience. Long before online study became in vogue Walden University has been perfecting online learning. Monroe University and Liberty University are also a bona fide institution fully accredited not just as a University but the schools are accredited by independent bodies too.

6. UWI FIVE ISLAND offers there courses…tell the people this. Several courses done at five islands are not accredited and had to be re fone

   ‘Strong evidence’ Harvard doesn’t meet accreditation standards, feds say | Higher Ed Dive https://www.highereddive.com/news/strong-evidence-harvard-doesnt-meet-accreditation-standards-feds-say/752617/

7. I am now clear that the Accreditation Board and the MOE have no understanding of Accreditation. Outside universities do not need your accreditation but to be reciprocated.

   Be careful Antigua students dont get stuck with their degrees by you throwing dirt on other regional and international processes.

8. The Institutions Should Sue:

   Whilst I have not yet seen the response of AIU. I would have had the opportunity to thoroughly reviewed the response of CICA INTERNATIONAL and is now reaching out to extend my legal services for FREE. On the following grounds as an International Corporate and Education Legal Council. This is now a globally watched 👀 matter.

   Misrepresentation and Procedural Irregularity
   The recent public statement issued by the Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) dated October 25, 2025, is both procedurally defective and legally questionable in its form and effect.

   The statement purports to “inform the public” that ABNAB does not recognize degrees from CICA International University & Seminary. However, CICA has never at any time applied for, requested, or pursued national accreditation under the Antigua & Barbuda framework.
   Thus, ABNAB’s notice creates a false public impression that CICA sought such recognition and was denied — an act of negligent misrepresentation and defamation by implication.

   Under administrative law principles, a government body is bound to act:

   Within its jurisdiction (ultra vires doctrine);

   With procedural fairness and natural justice; and

   Based on verified evidence and due process.

   ABNAB failed on all three counts by:

   Issuing a public statement without contacting or consulting the institution concerned;

   Ignoring 21 separate submissions (including 69 attachments) made by CICA between 2021 and 2024, each containing complete verification from City & Guilds of London Institute, Ofqual, and the Florida Department of Education;

   Making a declaratory statement of “non-recognition” without any legal hearing, investigation, or official correspondence, contrary to the norms of fair administrative procedure.

   This action constitutes a breach of procedural propriety, amounting to administrative negligence and malicious publication under the laws of Antigua & Barbuda.

   2. International Accreditation and Jurisdictional Limits
   CICA International University & Seminary operates as an internationally accredited institution, recognized and verified through:

   City & Guilds of London Institute (Centre No. 847894) – regulated by Ofqual (UK);

   Qualification Numbers 600/6106/6, 600/6107/8, 600/6108/X, and 600/6109/1, fully listed on the UK National Qualification Framework (RQF) at Levels 4–7;

   Registration in the State of Florida, USA (Document No. P13000086535), recognized under Section 1005.06(1)(f) of the Florida Statutes;

   ISO and WES verification, confirming full equivalency across international education systems.

   ABNAB’s statutory jurisdiction is limited to the recognition of local and foreign institutions seeking equivalency within Antigua & Barbuda’s national framework. It does not have the authority to invalidate, discredit, or pronounce on the legitimacy of institutions operating under foreign or international accreditation regimes.

   To disregard internationally recognized accreditation bodies such as Ofqual (UK) or the Florida Department of Education violates Article 26 of the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications, which Antigua & Barbuda is a signatory to.

   Such disregard also risks undermining reciprocal recognition, which could lead to international scrutiny and even jeopardize the recognition of degrees from Antiguan institutions abroad.

   3. Legal Grounds for Action
   CICA International University reserves the full legal right to pursue remedy on several grounds:

   Defamation and Reputational Harm The publication was made without verification and in reckless disregard for the truth, causing measurable economic and reputational damage locally and internationally.

   Negligent Misrepresentation ABNAB’s implication that CICA is “unrecognized” locally, without clarifying that CICA never sought such recognition, misleads the public and partners.

   Breach of Natural Justice and Administrative Fairness No notice, hearing, or correspondence was offered before publication, breaching the principles of audi alteram partem (hear the other side).

   Tortious Interference – By publishing false statements, ABNAB has interfered with CICA’s legitimate contracts, partnerships, and international collaborations.

   Economic Loss and Emotional Distress The publication has led to demonstrable financial and emotional harm to staff, students, and leadership.

   CICA’s legal counsel is therefore reviewing the matter with a view to seeking redress for damages and injunctive relief against further defamatory publications.

   4. The Broader Implication for Antigua & Barbuda
   Accreditation is governed by reciprocal international policy, not isolationism.
   When a national board refuses to acknowledge internationally recognized accreditations such as City & Guilds (Ofqual, UK) or Florida Department of Education, it places its own national qualifications at risk of non-recognition abroad.

   International reciprocity requires mutual respect of qualification frameworks, and ABNAB’s public dismissal of foreign accreditation systems could undermine confidence in Antigua & Barbuda’s own higher education system a precedent that is academically and diplomatically dangerous.

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