The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) celebrated a defining moment in the nation’s educational landscape on Thursday, July 2nd, as it hosted its inaugural Commencement Ceremony, honouring more than 200 graduates who made history as the inaugural graduating class of ABCAS. The ceremony, held at the SJPC House of Restoration on Lauchland Benjamin Drive, brought together graduates, faculty, staff, government officials, industry partners and invited guests in celebration of a new chapter in tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda.
Abcas Celebrates Inaugural Graduation
The commencement ceremony marked the culmination of a significant transition in public tertiary education. The inaugural graduating class comprised students whose programmes began at the former Antigua State College (ASC), Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT), and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) before they were unified under the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. The ceremony also recognized participants who successfully completed professional short courses offered through the School of Agriculture, reflecting the College’s commitment to expanding opportunities for skills development and lifelong learning.
Graduates received associate degrees, diplomas and certificates across disciplines including business, culinary arts, education, engineering, health services, hospitality, information technology, the liberal arts, the creative industries and science.
Addressing the graduates, the Minister for Education Daryll S. Matthew, described the ceremony as the realization of a bold vision for public tertiary education. He congratulated the inaugural graduating class on their achievement, encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills in service of national development, and commended the continued progress of the School of Agriculture as an example of ABCAS’ expanding impact in preparing graduates and strengthening workforce development in Antigua and Barbuda.
The ceremony also featured an address by ABCAS President Dr. Ezra Jonah Greene, the commencement address delivered by 2026 Rhodes Scholar Resa Nelson, the presentation of associate degrees and other qualifications, the valedictory address delivered by Valedictorian Micaiah Graham, graduate of the Associate of Arts in Secondary Education (TVET) programme at the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, and the symbolic turning of the tassels.
The inaugural commencement ceremony was marked by several memorable moments, including the recognition of national cyclist Tahjé Browne, whose determination and resilience inspired those in attendance as he celebrated his graduation. The College also paid tribute to the late Culinary Arts student Brianna Clarke by reserving a seat in her honour and presenting her posthumous graduation canister to her family, ensuring her place among the historic inaugural graduating class was forever remembered.
Salutatorian Fiona Benjamin, a graduate of the Associate in Science and Mathematics (Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics) programme at the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, was also recognized for outstanding academic achievement.
Meanwhile, The Harrison Center, formerly ABICE, will be holding its graduation ceremony in September, under the auspices of ABCAS. Future graduation ceremonies will be fully integrated with the other campuses from next year.
Dr Jonah Greene, president of ABCAS explained to Observer media that once a campus is fully incorporated, they would be allowed to do their final graduation under the auspices of ABCAS.
“Harrison will be doing their final graduation on the 23rd of September … their final under the auspices of ABCAS, so as to complete the program that they were doing previously. And then come next year, they will be fully graduating with the cohort. We did the same thing with State College, with ABIIT and ABHTI. Last year they did their separate graduations. This year, they came under ABCAS.”
Dr Greene described the process being followed as a progression.
As the Class of 2026 celebrated this landmark achievement, graduates left with a distinction that no future class will share the honour of being the inaugural graduating class of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. Their accomplishments marked not only the successful completion of their studies but also the beginning of a lasting legacy for ABCAS and for tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda.
