The President of HLSCC, Dr Richard W. Georges, signs the MoU with Patlian Johnson, Director of Institutional Effectiveness at HLSCC and Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of Trade, Investment, Promotions and Consumer Affairs witnessing. Photo: Michael Jack/HLSCC

From left: Professor Frank Bezzina, ISSI Chair and Pro-Rector for International Development & Quality Assurance; Professor Alfred Vella, Rector of the University of Malta; and Professor Stefano Moncada, Director, Islands and Small States Institute. Photo: University of Malta

The University of Malta is Malta’s leading higher education institution and a hub for international academic exchange. UM maintains a particular research focus on issues affecting islands and small states, generating knowledge that informs sustainable development, cultural resilience, and policy innovation. Photo: University of Malta

Signed by Dr Richard W. Georges, President of HLSCC, and Professor Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening research, expanding educational opportunity, and generating practical solutions to the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by island communities.

For HLSCC, according to a press release, the partnership aligns with the College’s commitment to enhancing its research and development capacity by examining issues related to the Virgin Islands’ growth and development, drawing on the experiences and best practices of other small island developing states. Through this collaboration, HLSCC aims to support evidence-based decision-making, inform policy development, and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of communities across the Virgin Islands.

Under the MoU, the two institutions will collaborate on research, knowledge sharing, student exchange, capacity building, and joint development initiatives focused on the needs of small island developing states, including work in areas such as climate resilience, cultural heritage, tourism, health care, agriculture, the blue and green economy, telecommunications, fintech, technology, and logistics.

Expanding opportunities beyond VI

This MoU signing also forms part of HLSCC’s ongoing work to expand opportunities beyond the Territory. As highlighted by Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, during the Education Month 2026 press conference, the College is advancing a portfolio of international collaborations designed to increase access and create additional pathways for students, faculty, and staff. 

President Georges welcomed the agreement and emphasised its long-term significance for the Virgin Islands. “This partnership advances HLSCC’s mission to expand opportunity, build research capacity, and create global pathways for our students and faculty,” he said. “Together with the University of Malta, we will generate knowledge that serves the Virgin Islands, the wider Caribbean, and small states worldwide, translating research into policy insight and real community impact.” 

Professor Alfred J. Vella noted the importance of the partnership in addressing common challenges shared by island nations. “With a tradition of scholarship spanning over four centuries, the University of Malta is proud to partner with HLSCC to tackle shared small state challenges,” he said. “From climate resilience to economic diversification, our joint work will strengthen evidence-based decision-making and open meaningful academic and professional doors for learners and researchers across both institutions.” 

According to HLSCC, Dr Lincoln E. Bobb, Deputy Director of Trade, Investment, Promotions and Consumer Affairs, was instrumental in forging the relationship with the University of Malta and in shaping the Memorandum of Understanding. His leadership helped lay the foundation for a partnership that also underscores the important role of the Department of Trade in supporting the agreement’s implementation. Moving forward, the Department will remain a key partner in advancing the collaboration.