Sen. The Honourable Leroy Baptiste, Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development (MLSMED) appointed members to the Board of Governors of the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies (CCLCS) yesterday May 27, 2026 at the Ministry’s Head Office.

Addressing incoming members and attendees at the appointment ceremony, Senator Baptiste shared that the College, which is commemorating its 60th anniversary this year, stands not only as a centre of academic learning, but as a platform for socio-economic transformation – supporting trade unions, co-operative societies, the informal economy, public sector workers, aspiring entrepreneurs and the working class in general. He added that as the global and regional labour landscape undergo dramatic shifts driven by digitalization, the College must continue to serve as a thought leader and training hub in this national effort – ensuring that our young people are not only employed, but truly empowered.

Chairperson of the new Board, Ms. Wendy Augustus in her address accepted her responsibility with a clear sense of purpose and with a focus on national development. Ms. Augustus is acutely familiar with the College’s operations having served in several capacities over a ten-year period at the College. She reiterated that the Board’s role must be rooted in effective governance, forward-thinking and responsive to the evolving needs of the society. She reiterated that in the face of change the Board’s task is to ensure that the College remains innovative, relevant and accessible. She is particularly interested in the College expanding opportunities for lifelong learning and building strong communities thereby ensuring workers voices are represented and respected.