The founder and CEO of interCaribbean Airways, Lyndon Gardiner, has highlighted his airline’s partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus to offer a first-ever aviation management degree as a move to bolster the aviation industry.
Gardiner, who was the guest speaker at the UWI’s 20th Annual Student Awards Ceremony, stressed the importance of aiming to nurture future aviation leaders.
“By combining expertise, we can set new standards in aviation excellence, sustainability, and regional integration,” he told the student audience. “Our partnership with UWI underscores our shared commitment to elevating Caribbean aviation and ensuring it is equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.”
Turks and Caicos-based InterCaribbean Airways is granting annual scholarships to UWI students, as well as internship opportunities specifically for those enrolled in the specialised aviation programme.
“We’re paving the way for a future where every island, every community, and every individual is connected – not just by flights, but by shared dreams,” Gardiner said, emphasising the transformative potential of the collaboration. “The possibilities are endless when education and innovation intersect understanding aviation’s broad impact on tourism, trade, sustainability, and regional development.”
Pro-Vice Chancellor and Cave Hill Principal, Professor R Clive Landis, praised Gardiner’s generosity and the impact of corporate scholarships in fostering diversity and inclusivity.
“A university education at Cave Hill serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Your investment in their education is an investment in the future of our society,” Professor Landis told Gardiner while urging students to pay it forward and uphold the spirit of benevolence.
The new aviation degree programme, backed by Gardiner’s philanthropic support, aims to cultivate a cadre of skilled professionals equipped to navigate the changing face of the region’s aviation industry, he said.
“I commend UWI for its foresight in developing this programme,” the airline boss declared. “Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals – not just pilots, but leaders who have aspirations and are prepared for the years ahead.”
He added that this milestone reflects the power of collaboration between industry and academia.
Gardiner began his speech by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the honoured students.
“Your accomplishments give me immense pride in the next generation of leaders, professionals, and change-makers who will shape the Caribbean we want to see,” he said, acknowledging the dedication and perseverance of the students.
Recounting his own upbringing in North Caicos, Gardiner painted a vivid picture of his journey, emphasising the transformative power of aspirations, ambitions, and accomplishments.
“Opportunities were scarce… Yet, amidst those humble beginnings, I dared to dream of more,” he recounted, highlighting the critical role played by his late brother, a former pilot and mentor whose legacy lives on through the Manville Gardiner Memorial Scholarships.
Gardiner’s narrative unfolded as he described the genesis of his brainchild, interCaribbean Airways, born from a desire to connect the scattered islands of the Caribbean. Despite facing scepticism and financial challenges, the visionary’s unwavering determination propelled him forward.
“The journey of interCaribbean Airways… took relentless drive, patience, and passion,” he said, underscoring the parallels between his journey and the students’ pursuits.
Further emphasising the significance of perseverance amidst adversity, Gardiner said: “Your path ahead will also have
twists and turns… But never lose faith in your vision and ambitions.”
He also urged the students to draw strength from challenges and seek support from mentors and the community.
The interCaribbean Airways chief executive concluded with a call to action, charging his student listeners to “dream bigger, and then live those dreams through action”.
In late February, Gardiner signed a memorandum of understanding with UWI to provide scholarships for two new degrees: a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management with a Pilot Licence.
The two new academic programmes were developed in collaboration with Barbados Aircraft and Aviation Services Company (BAASEC), a state-owned enterprise in commercial aviation business development, and CAE Inc., formerly Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd, one of the world’s leading providers of airline flight training services and flight simulators. Flight training is to be completed in the United States.
(SM)
