Antigua and Barbuda has signed a new agreement with Jersey in the Channel
Islands, but this time the focus is on education, sports and the creative arts.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Antigua and Barbuda’s
Minister Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, Daryll Matthew, and
Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development for
Jersey’s Department for the Economy.
This MoU builds on the successful 2022 agreement which initiated employment
opportunities for Antigua and Barbudan nationals in Jersey in the hospitality
sector. It expands the partnership into the creative industries, education, sports,
arts, culture and heritage.
Reflecting on the signing, Minister Matthew commented, “This Memorandum of
Understanding represents an exciting next step in our relationship with Jersey. It
creates mutually beneficial opportunities in education, the creative industries and
cultural exchanges that will enrich both our Nations. I would like to extend my
sincere thanks to Minister Morel for facilitating this meeting and for his
commitment to this partnership between our countries. As small islands, and in the
case of Antigua and Barbuda, a small island developing state, there is much we
have in common and there is a significant opportunity to share, support and learn
from each other".
Deputy Kirsten 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.”
Under the MoU, Antigua and Barbuda and Jersey will collaborate to share insights
and advance policy development and knowledge exchange initiatives in the
creative industries. In the area of education, the MoU promotes co-operation
between the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and the Jersey
International Centre of Advanced Studies including through scholarship
opportunities. This partnership will enable educators and students to engage in
knowledge-sharing and skill exchanges, with a specific focus on biodiversity and
conservation in small islands. In the areas of art, culture and sports, both countries
are committed to facilitating artist exchanges, residencies, and inter-island sports
competitions to deepen cultural connections.
This expanded MoU demonstrates a mutual dedication to broadening the scope of
the relationship, between Antigua and Barbuda and Jersey. Minister Matthew was
accompanied by High Commissioner Hill who organized the visit.
