NCUK Takes Steps to Empower British Overseas Territories
On Monday 27 March, Stuart Smith, Chief Executive Officer of NCUK, and Brad Johnson, Head of Progression, travelled to London to meet with representatives from three British Overseas Territories. The aim of these meetings was to discuss educational policy and demonstrate how NCUK could help bridge the skills gap within the territories, ultimately supporting their economic and academic development.
The three British Overseas Territories represented were the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands. Tracy Knight, UK Representative and Head of Office at Turks and Caicos Islands Government, Brandon A Sousa, Consular Officer, Bermuda and Dr Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, Representative, Cayman Islands Government Office were the respective representatives NCUK was privileged to meet throughout the day.
Stuart Smith and Brad Johnson with Tracy Knight, UK Representative and Head of Office for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government
During the meetings, Stuart Smith and Brad Johnson discussed the options available to British Overseas Nationals for furthering their education abroad, as well as the opportunities for studying higher education by staying within the territories.
Our meetings with the representatives of these British Overseas Territories marked a significant step in our commitment to empowering individuals around the world through higher education. We are excited to build an ongoing relationship that will benefit not just the overseas territories but also the wider world.
Stuart Smith, Chief Executive Officer of NCUK
Brad Johnson and Stuart Smith with Brandon A Sousa, Consular Officer for Bermuda
The discussions held were insightful and productive, with many ideas exchanged, and future actions agreed upon. The potential for collaboration between NCUK and these British Overseas Territories was genuinely exciting, and all parties left feeling optimistic about the future. Indeed, these meetings hopefully mark the beginning of an ongoing relationship between NCUK and the territories to the benefit of the citizens of the British Overseas Territories.
NCUK’s commitment to providing access to higher education is the driving force behind these meetings. The meetings with the representatives are a continuation of NCUK’s goal to open doors for individuals in various corners of the world. By providing access to higher education, NCUK strengthens the economic and social landscape of not just the British Overseas Territories but also of the world at large.
Brad Johnson and Stuart Smith with Dr Tasha Ebanks-Garcia, Representative for the Cayman Islands Government Office
In conclusion, the trip to London marked a critical milestone in NCUK’s continued effort to contribute positively to society especially in this region, building on the success of its recent opening of a new Study Centre in the British Virgin Islands, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). NCUK remains optimistic that the fruitful discussion held with representatives of these territories will lead to mutually beneficial outcomes encompassing higher education and economic development.