Discussions underway to transform Sailing Academy into a regional training facility

Talks are being held for the expansion of the local Sailing Academy transitioning into a regional training entity.

Chairman, Director, and Members of the National Parks Authority, along with representatives from the Sailing Academy and a prospective investor, were invited to Cabinet to discuss a proposed development.

The project was formally presented, and a review team comprising Cabinet members and the developers was established to assess the proposal and report back to Cabinet.

“In terms of the regional training academy, that was the vision of establishing the Sailing Academy in the first place. Not only to train persons in sailing here in Antigua and Barbuda but attract individuals from across the region or even internationally to learn the skill or the sport of sailing,” Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant explained.

The Sailing Academy was commended for its outstanding contribution to youth development, particularly its efforts in introducing and training over 300 students from government primary schools in the sport of sailing.

“The Cabinet views the work of the Sailing Academy as being very important as providing extracurricular activities for our young people and to develop their skills. There are a number of individuals who would have benefited significantly and who are holding senior positions and are recognized across the world or in the sailing community who have been trained right here in Antigua and Barbuda by the Sailing Academy.

“And so Cabinet views this aspect of providing good, healthy, clean activities for young people as being very vital to their development,” Merchant said.

 The Cabinet also pledged its full support for the Academy’s continued growth and development initiatives.