Coordinating Council on Agricultural Health and Food Safety for Antigua and Barbuda has taken another step toward strengthening national collaboration by formalising a partnership with the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The signing ceremony took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the UWIFIC Principal’s Conference Room. Although the Campus Principal was in a meeting at the time, the document was signed on behalf of the campus by Dr. Camille Samuel/Campus Registrar.
This partnership supports implementation of priority actions outlined in Antigua and Barbuda’s Agricultural Health and Food Safety (AHFS) Policy, which was gazette last year. The MoU is intended to formalise collaboration between the Council and the University as work continues to advance key areas of the national Action Plan originally developed under the 11th EDF Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) project.
In remarks during the signing, Dr. Samuel emphasised the importance of strengthening the region’s food security and reducing dependence on imported foods. She highlighted the need to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Caribbean food and to provide students with practical opportunities in agriculture and food systems. She noted that the campus will rely on the Council’s support to help identify field stations, navigate regulatory and legislative requirements, and strengthen field extension work so students can gain meaningful hands-on experience.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, Dr. Janil Gore-Francis/Chief Plant Protection Officer underscored the importance of research, collaboration, and public engagement. She noted that the University’s research capacity will support data collection, analysis, and the development of sustainable interventions aligned with national priorities. She also highlighted the Council’s multi-sector membership, which includes representatives from fisheries, trade, customs, the Bureau of Standards, plant protection, public health, and livestock sectors, all working together to strengthen agricultural health and food safety systems.
The signing was witnessed by Mr. Jonah Ormond/Secretary Pesticides And Toxic Chemicals Control Board and Mr. Ian Horsford/Chief Fisheries Officer , who joined in recognising the significance of the partnership.
The collaboration is expected to create opportunities for joint research, student engagement, policy dialogue, and community outreach initiatives, including activities that promote local food production and consumption. Both institutions expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the shared commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural and food safety system for Antigua and Barbuda.