The Ministry of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries and the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission (London) proudly announce the successful completion of the 2025 LEAP (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Action Programme) for a second year. LEAP awarded scholarships to four young women and an adult educator from Antigua and Barbuda to participate in their world-renowned female leadership programme in Jersey, Channel Islands in July 2025. LEAP creates opportunities for young women to develop and sharpen their leadership and entrepreneurial skills while embracing their role as global citizens.
The Antiguan and Barbudan LEAP cohort comprised 14-year-old Alleah Alfred from the St. Anthony’s Secondary School, 14-year-old Gabrielle Tuckett of the Antigua Girls’ High School, 16-year-old Janica Adams, a recent graduate of the Antigua Girls’ High School and 18-year-old Miya Joseph, a recent graduate of the Antigua State College. They were accompanied by Dr E. Jonah Grene, Deputy Director of Education, who served as a mentor on the LEAP Programme for a second consecutive year.
Miya Joseph, whose team led the winning pitch for The Money Mindset, a financial literacy website for children aged 8–14 said: “LEAP changed how I see leadership. It is about purpose, not position. We wanted to make money skills fun and accessible and we did.” Miya’s project received investor interest and a €500 funding offer, with follow-up discussions underway.
Alleah Alfred, creator of the marine education game SeaStudy, shared: “LEAP showed me that just being real and using my voice is enough. Being from Antigua doesn’t make me small, it makes me unique.”
Janica Adams noted: “LEAP helped me understand how culture and collaboration build stronger leadership. I’m aiming higher now, especially around sustainability and education.”
Gabrielle Tuckett reflected: “LEAP helped me find confidence in global spaces. I’m leaving more grounded and committed to serving my community.”
Alison Morgan, CEO of the Jersey College for Girls (JCG) Foundation, which hosts the LEAP programme commented: “Carl Howarth, Director of the JCG Foundation, and I were delighted to welcome four students from Antigua and Barbuda to Jersey for LEAP 2025. They showed such enthusiasm for the programme and were a credit to their country, participating fully and developing excellent business ideas. We were treated to calypso singing, and two of them even joined an international opera singer on stage for a trio performance. It was also a privilege to welcome Dr. Greene, who provided invaluable mentorship, and High Commissioner Hill, who delivered an inspirational graduation speech and presented certificates to all 52 participants. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Antigua and Barbuda in the future.”
Dr. E. Jonah Greene remarked, “They were challenged to think globally, not just as Antiguans, but as changemakers solving real-world problems. They learned that business can be a tool for good”.
Speaking of the growing relationship between Jersey and Antigua and Barbuda, Minister Matthew reflected on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between our two countries noting: “We are seeing the long-term benefits of our international partnerships. The LEAP programme is more than just an exchange—it is a gateway for our young people to build confidence, leadership skills, and a global mindset. These young women represented Antigua and Barbuda with distinction, and I am proud of their accomplishments. I commend Miya Jospeh or her winning pitch and look forward to seeing LEAP 2026 and beyond”.
Following 12 days of immersive training and networking in Jersey, the delegates returned to London and continued their development through a series of inspiring engagements. Highlights included a leadership session facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Programme, a guided “Hidden Caribbean and African Tour” at the Victoria & Albert Museum, a reflectivementorship dinner hosted by High Commissioner Hill and supporting the Antigua and Barbuda cricket team at the African Caribbean Cricket Festival in Leicester.