AN “innovative” three-year memorandum of understanding has been signed with Antigua and Barbuda which will provide “opportunities” within education, sport and culture for Islanders, officials say.
The Caribbean nation’s Minister of Education, Sport and Creative Industries, Daryll Matthew, travelled to Jersey to sign the agreement and discuss with Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel how the two jurisdictions could work together.
The agreement has established collaboration between the islands in four key areas – the creative industries, education and skills, sport, arts and culture – alongside a promise to seek broader co-operation opportunities in the longer-term.
This could include exchanges between Jersey’s International Centre of Advanced Studies and the University of the West Indies Five Islands to develop biodiversity and conversation skills, or exchanges between the local Children’s, Young People and Education Department and the American University of Antigua to highlight “opportunities” for Jersey’s medical students to study in Antigua.
Connections between sports teams in Jersey and Antigua and Barbuda, beginning with cricket, could also be made. A statement from the government said the two ministers from the islands would meet annually to discuss progress.
Deputy Morel said: “Our islands have formed a promising partnership in recent years and I was delighted to welcome Minister Matthew to Jersey for the second time to strengthen that bond.
“The signing of an innovative MoU will give residents in both jurisdictions exciting opportunities to develop their skill sets, while broadening their horizons.
“I look forward to engaging further with Minister Matthew and his colleagues from Antigua and Barbuda in 2025.”
Mr Matthew said the agreement created “mutually beneficial opportunities in education, the creative industries and cultural exchanges that will enrich both our nations”.
He added: “As small islands, there is much we have in common and a significant opportunity to share, support and learn from each other.”
