CABINET NOTES: **Education Sector Readiness and Expansion of Tertiary Education**
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and the Director of the newly established **Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS)** were invited to Cabinet to provide an update on ongoing teacher negotiations and the readiness of schools and tertiary institutions for the opening of the new academic year on **Monday, 8th September**.
Cabinet was informed that **discussions with the Teachers Union are progressing smoothly** , and teachers are actively preparing for the reopening of schools. The Director of ABCAS further reported that **all tertiary institutions operating under its umbrella are ready for the start of the school year**.
In addition, it was confirmed that the **School of Agriculture** , located at the former Glanvilles Primary School, will soon begin offering **short courses to farm attendants and farmers** in areas such as **animal husbandry and agro-processing**. Looking further ahead, the institution is expected to launch **Associate Degree programmes** beginning in **September 2026** , expanding opportunities for advanced studies in agriculture and related fields.
To support this expansion, Cabinet also approved the creation of several key positions for the new campus, including:
- **Campus Principal**
- **Lecturers**
- **Farm Supervisors**
- **Heads of Department** in **Crop Production, Livestock Production, and Agro-Processing**
This initiative reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening education at all levels and ensuring that both students and teachers are well-supported in the delivery of high-quality academic and vocational training.
