The University of the West Indies Five Islands (UWI FIC) and the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening the capacity and capabilities of the police force.
According to a release from UWI FIC, the signing ceremony took place on August 26 at the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two institutions, focusing on improving the education, technical abilities, and leadership skills of police officers. By working together, the two entities aim to address the evolving challenges of modern policing and better serve communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
UWI FIC Principal, Professor Justin Robinson, said, “This MOU is more than just a document; it represents our commitment to fostering a safer and more informed society. By equipping our police officers with the latest knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities, we are taking significant strides towards a more effective and responsive law enforcement body.”
He also stated that the campus will welcome its first cohort of students in its Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice programme which includes several police officers from the RPFAB.
Minister of Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin said, “This partnership will provide our officers with invaluable resources and training, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern policing. We are confident that this initiative will lead to enhanced safety and security for our communities.”
The MOU will go into immediate effect with the institutions establishing a schedule and implementing several courses and workshops to enhance police training. Through the MOU, the RPFAB will be able to utilise UWI FIC courses of study for professional development using the intellectual property, an advanced technical platform and technical support of UWI to enhance and train its officers, the release said.
