UWI & INTERCARIBBEN AIRWAYS SIGN AN MOU

The University of West Indies (UWI) and regional airline interCaribbean Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to collaborate on a number of initiatives, including improving regional air links, development of human resources, scholarships, and other levels of aviation training.
During a brief ceremony held at the Cave Hill campus, airline’s founding chairman Lyndon Gardiner, said the new agreement which greenlights new degrees at the institution, is a big step in expanding aviation job prospects for citizens.
“There is still immense untapped potential. The MOU announces the next phase in making aviation a driving force for Caribbean development and unity. Our partnership with the University of the West Indies, a beacon of economic excellence and innovation, signals a new chapter in our commitment to not only connect our islands, culture, and people but to build bridges between education and industry.

“Our goal is to develop aviation sustainably, increasing competitiveness while nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building our region’s human capital.”
He added: “Aviation is a vital strategic industry for the sustainable development of our region, and for the industry to reach its full potential, collaboration between the private sector and academia is crucial,” Gardiner said. “The benefits of this collaboration are manyfold. UWI students will gain practical industry exposure, academic inquiry would inform evidence-based policy and planning for the sector, Caribbean transport links would be strengthened and, ultimately, this partnership will spur the growth of quality jobs and economic opportunities across the region.”

The two new degrees, which were developed in collaboration with Barbados Aircraft and Aviation Services Company (BAASEC), a state-owned enterprise in commercial aviation business development, and CAE Inc., formerly known as Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd, will be a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management with a Pilot Licence.
In addition, he chairman announced that two Manville Gardiner Memorial Scholarships, which are named after his late brother, a former air traffic controller and pilot, will be offered to postgraduate and undergraduate students pursuing courses in the aviation field.