PRESS RELEASE

UWI Five Islands Guild President Lobbies Jamaican Government for New Honorary Consul in Antigua and Barbuda

FIVE ISLANDS CAMPUS, Antigua and Barbuda

UWI Five Islands Campus Guild President Jake Taylor has called on the Government of Jamaica to appoint a new Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda following the departure of the previous officeholder approximately two years ago.

The matter was raised during a courtesy call by members of the Inter-Campus Guild Council (ICGC) to Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness. The engagement formed part of the first leg of the ICGC for the academic year 2026/2027, hosted by The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus Guild of Students, in Jamaica.

During the engagement, Taylor asked:

“Prime Minister, is the Government considering the appointment of a new Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Antigua and Barbuda, given that the previous officeholder departed approximately two years ago? This office provided valuable support to Jamaicans living within the twin-island state, including assistance with document preparation, access to scholarships and advocacy, particularly in labour and immigration matters.”

Prime Minister Holness admitted that he was unaware that the position of Honorary Consul in Antigua and Barbuda was vacant. He nevertheless assured Taylor that Jamaicans residing in the twin-island state had not been forgotten and continued to receive support through the Jamaican High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago. However, he acknowledged Taylor’s concerns about the accessibility of those services for persons living in Antigua and Barbuda.

The discussions were further advanced when Prime Minister Holness instructed Taylor to meet with Senator the Honourable Abka Fitz-Henley, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, to discuss the matter further.

During that meeting, Minister Fitz-Henley advised that his office would contact the Jamaican High Commission to obtain an update and support efforts towards the timely appointment of a new Honorary Consul.

Taylor emphasized that restoring a local consular presence is particularly important for increasing awareness of and access to educational opportunities available to Jamaicans living abroad.

“Access to scholarships can transform the lives of Jamaicans living in Antigua and Barbuda, but these opportunities are only meaningful when people know about them and can receive the guidance necessary to apply. A locally based Honorary Consul can help bridge that information gap and ensure that our young people and working professionals are not excluded from opportunities simply because of where they reside.”

Taylor welcomed the Government’s response and expressed his intention to continue following the matter until meaningful progress is achieved.

The UWI Five Islands Campus Guild of Students remains committed to advocating for the interests of all students while engaging on matters affecting members of the wider community.

About the Guild Council

The Guild Council is the student government of The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. Comprising elected student leaders across academic, welfare, publications, events, sports, international, and other portfolios, the Council serves as the official representative voice of the student body.

The Guild Council advocates for student interests, represents student concerns within the University, and promotes the rights, welfare, and development of students. Through its programmes, committees, and initiatives, the Council remains committed to meaningful student engagement, leadership development, and building a stronger campus community under the guiding principle, “Together We Can Make It Happen.”

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