The Valley Anguilla – On Tuesday, 14th December 2021, The Ministry of Economic Development, Commerce, Information Technology and Natural Resources (MEDICT) hosted a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Maher Soudah of the American University of Anguilla (AUA).
The Honourable Premier Ellis L. Webster, MD, was joined by Acting Premier and Minister of Social Development and Education of the Anguilla Youth Parliament, Ms. Tyeisha Emmanuel, John C. Lake of ACAN and past medical student, now liaison to AUA, Ms. Hanadi Abdelhadi. Noting that a primary reason for the signing ceremony with Minster Hodge, on behalf of the Government, was to create an opportunity for members of the Anguilla Youth Parliament to gain some insight into the upcoming projects and commitments by the Government. The Minister of MEDICT, echoed, “It is the goal of this administration to ensure the youth and future leaders of this country have a voice and seat at the table as we are all guardians of the Anguilla we seek to create.”
The relationship created with AUA is of great significance to Anguilla on a whole. MEDICT expects to see an up-tick in the rental sector for both accommodations and vehicles. The added exposure that the transient student population brings, coupled with the opportunity for five Anguillians to attend the medical school annually, is a bright spot to the work and impact that Dr. Soudah and AUA bring to the table as a great corporate citizen.
Commenting on the MOU signing and the way forward, Dr. Soudah stated: “You got to have a vision and a long-term plan. You cannot only think about tomorrow and the money being invested. I am here to build a Harvard of Anguilla one day. Twenty years from now, I want to be the Harvard of the Caribbean. I would like to see more doctors and nurses coming from the island so this is how we give back to the people of Anguilla. We are starting with five full scholarships for the whole programme for those who qualify for our programme.”
Junior Acting Premier, Ms. Tyeisha Emmanuel, expressed thanks to the Ministers of Government who extended the invitation to the Junior Premier and Junior Minister of MEDICT. She went on to share: “It is indeed an honour and privilege to fill in for my colleagues. The Anguilla Youth Parliament looks forward to continued partnership with the Government that provides an avenue for us to be more civically engaged, and to amplify our voices. I look forward to seeing the the fruition of the American University of Anguilla Medical School as we extend the options of tertiary education, and the opportunities they have in store for Anguillian students”.
– Press Release
