Educator supports potential agriculture school in Bethesda, stresses historical preservation

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By Robert Andre Emmanuel

[email protected]

An agricultural educator in the Ministry of Education has voiced support for government plans to establish a School of Agriculture at the historic Bethesda school site, while emphasizing the need to preserve the location’s rich heritage.

The government announced plans last year to develop an agricultural studies facility under the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continued Education (ABICE) at the site of what was one of the first purpose-built institutions to educate Black people in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Since then, the spotlight on the topic resurfaced after St Peter by-election candidate, George Wehner, suggested that a school of agriculture be built in Pares—as part of the University of the West Indies.

The original Bethesda school, which was established on May 29, 1813 and operated continuously until its closure in 2015, was so significant that the village itself was later named after it.

Andrea Edwards, a veteran Agricultural Science educator, sees the proposal as an opportunity to address a critical gap in the nation’s educational system.

Currently, students interested in agricultural studies can only pursue that subject up to the CSEC level locally, forcing many to seek higher education opportunities abroad.

While supporting the proposed initiative, Edwards also acknowledged the importance of maintaining the site’s historical significance and the need for careful consideration in its development.

“The historical nature of the school is something that we need to preserve,” Edwards said. “I am one to believe that the Bethesda name, the Bethesda School of Agriculture, should also have a part of that history in the new, if it happens, established school.”

The recommended site encompasses approximately 910 acres of prime agricultural land, which Edwards believes could effectively support both practical training and academic studies.

She envisions the institution offering various levels of agricultural education, from practical skills to tertiary education, potentially becoming a regional center.

“We have a number of students who leave school every year who are interested in the field of agriculture, agricultural enterprises, entrepreneurship – there’re so many areas,” Edwards explained.

“The school, if and when it takes off, should be able to help broaden Agricultural Science in Antigua and Barbuda from practical skills right up to a tertiary level and beyond.”

Edwards emphasized that modern agricultural education extends far beyond traditional farming concepts.

“People need to stop thinking of agriculture in one dimension; it’s multifaceted,” she stated. “You’ll be surprised at some areas that people study and come out with a [bachelor’s degree] in agriculture and they never ever see the soil.”

The educator suggested that the institution could potentially partner with the University of the West Indies, creating new opportunities for local students while preserving and building upon Bethesda’s educational legacy.

“We are looking at creating an avenue in Antigua where we can associate, attach ourselves to the University of the West Indies, so we can be a part of that history of Bethesda and the future of Bethesda,” she said.

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