The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda held strategic discussions on Wednesday with Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, focusing on expanding cooperation in agriculture, scientific research, education, and the development of a regulated cannabis industry.
Professor Antoine expressed strong interest in supporting the Government’s efforts to build a science-driven cannabis sector, underscoring the university’s extensive expertise in agricultural research, plant science, and product standardization. She noted UWI’s 100-year legacy in agricultural science and highlighted opportunities for collaboration in laboratory testing, regulatory development, product research, and farmer training.
Cabinet agreed to grant UWI St. Augustine a research license to begin cannabis-related research in Antigua and Barbuda. The meeting also advanced discussions on integrating UWI into the development of the country’s new School of Agriculture and expanding agricultural accreditation, research capability, and innovation pathways.
Both sides hailed the partnership as a significant step toward strengthening food security, agricultural modernization, and scientific capacity, while creating new economic opportunities in high-value industries.
