Deputy Principal of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Professor Clive Landis (right), presenting Professor Bernard Moitt with a plaque for his contribution to the Study Abroad Programme by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
A Professor who has been bringing students from the United States to Barbados every summer since 1997 says he keeps coming primarily because he still regards the island as a safe destination.
Professor Bernard Moitt, who founded the Barbados leg of the Study Abroad Programme by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), said despite the reported increase in the crime rate, he still believes that Barbadians are “very nice, courteous and helpful” people.
“I still feel very safe here,” Professor Moitt said, while speaking on Thursday evening at a reception held at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Mount Restaurant, to recognise his commitment to the 20-year-old programme.
“I know there are some problems with crime and that’s everywhere. But, overall I still feel safe here and I have kept the programme in Barbados practically because of that. I don’t stay on [Cave Hill] Campus with them [students], my assistant stays with them while I stay at a villa on the West Coast.
“I am always in touch, back and forth. But I feel that I can leave them to go about the society without having to fear and go through sleepless nights that something could go dreadfully wrong,” the Professor of History added.
Professor Moitt reported that he has never had to deal with any serious security issues involving any of the over 300 students he has brought to the island over the years.
The Study Abroad Programme takes teaching to a new level of immersion, giving students an authentic stimulating and memorable Caribbean experience. The programme is rounded with study culture tours of Barbados, including visits to folk festivals, particularly Crop Over.
Speaking at the event, the Cave Hill Campus Deputy Principal Professor Clive Landis who thanked and praised Professor Moitt for his continued dedication to the partnership with Cave Hill, said it was clear that the VCU Study Abroad Programme is a transformation learning experience for students, tackling the most serious and lasting problems that have shaped and continue to shape the Caribbean and African diaspora populations today.
“Professor Moitt, the Cave Hill Campus is deeply honoured and thankful for your leadership, vision and sheer on the ground involvement as principal, teacher and guide for the academic and cultural experiences the students receive when they are here with us,” Professor Landis said.
Meanwhile, Professor Moitt said though the prices of items and services are high in Barbados, the programme will remain here for as long as possible.
He said there are a number of Study Abroad Programmes at VCU for the students to choose from, but despite the trip to Barbados being more expensive than the rest, he still manages to get the right numbers to come every year.
“I do spend quite a lot. The challenge is to charge a fee cost at a level that students can still come up with the funds,” the President of the Association of Caribbean Historians said. (AH)