Strengthening Ties: Ireland and The UWI Five Islands discuss forging partnerships
In a visit underscoring the deepening relationship between Ireland and the Caribbean, Non-Resident Ambassador of The Republic of Ireland to Antigua and Barbuda, John Concannon, accompanied by his wife Mary and Head of Office for the Caribbean at the Consulate General of Ireland in Miami, Sharon Lennon, met with leadership at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus.
The delegation engaged in strategic discussions aimed at fostering collaboration in higher education, sustainable development, and cultural preservation, aligning with the shared goals for innovation and inclusivity held by both Ireland and The UWI.
Ambassador Concannon emphasized Ireland’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Caribbean students.
During talks with Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson and Executive Director of the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), Dr. Branson Belle, the ambassador highlighted the opportunities for UWI Five Islands graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in Ireland and Europe.
This aligns with UWI’s existing efforts to globalize its academic networks.
Professor Robinson noted the campus’s rapid growth since its 2019 establishment and stressed the importance of international collaborations to meet evolving academic needs as well as labour market demands. He noted Ireland’s technology and blue economy sectors as areas for collaboration.
Dr. Belle outlined the Centre’s work in leveraging data science to address challenges and areas where Irish expertise could prove transformative.
Ambassador Concannon proposed working with The UWI Five Islands to connect them with key Irish stakeholders and create the partnerships needed for collaboration.
The dialogue also explored synergies in tourism and heritage preservation with both parties agreeing on the potential for heritage and tourism projects.
Sharon Lennon emphasized Ireland’s interest in supporting sustainable tourism models that empower local communities, a vision echoed in UWI’s advocacy for inclusive growth.
The visit concluded with a commitment by both parties to create collaborations and partnerships. Ambassador Concannon thanked the campus for hosting the visit and stated that he looked forward to the growth from the partnerships and collaborations created.
The outcomes of this visit are poised to benefit not only The UWI Five Islands but also Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
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