The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) has completed its first academic semester and is entering its second with renewed momentum, strengthened coordination, and a clear focus on quality and access.
Speaking at the start of the new semester, Dr. E. Jonah Greene, President of ABCAS, described the institution as being “on the right trajectory,” noting steady progress over the first 90 days as previously siloed campuses are now being aligned under a unified vision.
Dr. Greene explained that the initial months were deliberately spent observing systems and operations across the institution. With that period now complete, ABCAS is actively bringing together policies, programmes, and people to ensure the institution is on a strong and sustainable footing.
ABCAS currently serves more than 1,200 students across five campuses, including the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, Eustace Hill Campus, and the Muriel O’Mard Campus, with the Harrison Centre operating as an affiliate governed by the ABCAS Board of Trustees. Plans are also underway for the launch of the School of Agriculture, which will begin with short courses this semester before introducing a full associate degree programme in September 2026.
Principal of the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, Assata Roberts, said the previous semester went well, with administrators focused on fine-tuning policies and procedures to improve efficiency and the overall student experience. She noted that students, lecturers, and administrative staff are fully in place, and systems continue to improve daily. The Dr. Alister Francis Campus remains the largest campus, with over 450 students enrolled.
Ensuring programmes remain relevant is also a key priority. Academic leads regularly review offerings against industry and global trends, with new initiatives being explored, including collaboration with the Ministry of Health in the area of public health. ABCAS is also strengthening its quality assurance framework, with the introduction of a dedicated examinations unit.
Dr. Greene added that expanding short courses aligned with business and workforce needs remains a priority, alongside enhanced practical training. At the Muriel O’Mard Campus, efforts are underway to revitalize the training restaurant, with long-term plans to develop a mini-hotel or Airbnb-style facility to give students full practical exposure.
With government-covered tuition scheduled to begin in September 2026 for the new academic year, both leaders expressed optimism that greater access to higher education will soon be available to individuals who previously faced financial barriers.
Dr. Greene reaffirmed that work continues toward full institutional accreditation, as ABCAS builds on a dynamic first semester and moves confidently into its second academic semester.
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Is red the best uniform colour they could find? Wonder who’s idea this was and if they are trying to impress somebody?