In a significant move to enhance higher education accessibility, the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC) and T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) have initiated formal discussions to establish streamlined academic pathways for students in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The high-level meetings held on March 11-12 brought together educational leaders to formulate strategic collaboration frameworks.
The UWI FIC delegation, led by Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson, included key administrative and academic personnel: Assistant Registrar of Admissions and Graduate Studies Jenifer Hughes, BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice programme coordinator Dr. Kamecia Blake, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences coordinator Samantha Marshall, and Marketing Manager Shavar Maloney. The TAMCC representation was headed by Principal Andrew Abraham, accompanied by Dr. Philomena Cato and Access/Professional Studies Coordinator Moricia Japal-Ledlow.
Central to the discussions was the development of structured articulation agreements that would enable TAMCC students to seamlessly transition into UWI FIC degree programmes. The proposed 2+2 pathway model would allow students to complete associate degrees at TAMCC before advancing to bachelor’s programmes at UWI FIC, with appropriate credit exemptions. Both institutions committed to negotiating a formal Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalize the partnership.
Professor Robinson emphasized the regional significance of the collaboration: ‘This partnership demonstrates our commitment to creating educational pathways for OECS students. By building institutional bridges, we’re removing barriers to advanced degrees while strengthening human capital development across the sub-region.’
Principal Abraham highlighted the local impact: ‘This initiative will equip TAMCC students with qualifications and skills necessary to drive Grenada’s development and compete effectively in the global environment. We’re ensuring our youth can access programmes that position them as contributors to national progress.’
The collaboration aligns with UWI FIC’s strategic mission to expand quality tertiary education access throughout the Eastern Caribbean while supporting the development objectives of OECS member states.