In a groundbreaking achievement for Caribbean computing education, The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC) will become the first-ever representative from Antigua and Barbuda at the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Latin America Championship. The historic event is scheduled for March 3-8, 2026, in Chile.
Team ‘Frostbyte,’ consisting of computer science students Ajante Fraser, Silford Moore, and Akeem Richards from the School of Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SoSCAI), earned their place through two rigorous regional qualifying rounds. Their accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the young institution, which only opened its doors in 2019.
The ICPC, widely regarded as the ‘Olympics of Coding,’ presents formidable algorithmic challenges that test participants’ problem-solving abilities, computational thinking, and collaborative skills under extreme time constraints. The Latin America Championship serves as a critical semifinal stage, with successful teams advancing to the ICPC World Finals in Dubai scheduled for November 2026.
Dr. Ilenius Ildephonce, Head of SoSCAI and the team’s mentor, has been pivotal in developing the campus’s competitive programming capabilities. His leadership has transformed UWI FIC into an emerging force in regional technical education.
Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson expressed profound pride in the students’ accomplishment: ‘This historic achievement demonstrates both the exceptional talent of our students and the quality of our academic programs. At UWI FIC, we prepare students not just for competitions but for real-world success as technology professionals and entrepreneurs.’
The Antigua and Barbuda Board of Education has provided crucial support for the team’s travel to Chile, underscoring the nation’s commitment to STEM development. This investment in technological education is expected to yield long-term benefits for the country’s digital economy.
As the world’s oldest and most prestigious programming competition, the ICPC attracts tens of thousands of participants from top universities globally. UWI FIC’s qualification represents a significant step forward for Caribbean technical education on the international stage.
The university, which offers over 40 degree programs across four schools, also houses the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy, reflecting its commitment to regionally relevant scientific research and innovation.