Who We Are
Our Vision & Mission
Our Vision
A Premier Training Institution
To be a premier training institution through which vulnerable youth, men, and women are holistically empowered to improve their living standards.
Our Mission
Empowering Through Skills
To facilitate the development of life skills for vulnerable youth, men, and women through agriculture, entrepreneurship, technical and vocational skills, and business development training and job services.
The Center is celebrating thirty-seven years of existence serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda, in November 2026, under the theme: 37 years of Empowerment, Growing Skills, Strengthening Communities, Securing our Food Future.
The GARD Center is located on the historic Gilbert’s Estate in Antigua and Barbuda in the Eastern Caribbean. The property is owned and managed by the Trust of the MCCA.
The MCCA contributed 5 acres ofland for the demonstration farm, anoffice and classroom at the Gilbert Estate.
The Ministry of Agriculture offered their technicians, tutors, equipment for land preparation and APUA assisted with utilities.
The Canada Training Awards Project(CTAP) provided the funds forconsultant fees, project managersalary, tutor fees, equipment andtraining materials.
The initial agricultural training course started with oneclassroom, one desk, afile cabinet and fivetrainees at the GilbertEcumenical Center.We currently occupy the former ABS Radio station at Mercers Creek, a generous donation from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Through the years the Center has been the winner of several prestigious awards, locally, regionally and internationally.
Our Leadership
Welcome to the GARD Center
For more than three decades, the GARD Center has been committed to empowering the people of Antigua & Barbuda through vocational, technical, agricultural, entrepreneurial, and life-skills training.
Our mission is to provide individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities needed to build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Whether you are seeking to learn a new skill, start a business, enhance your employability, or explore new opportunities, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.
I invite you to explore our programmes, connect with us on social media, and become part of a community dedicated to growth, empowerment, and lifelong learning. Together, we can build a stronger future for Antigua & Barbuda.
Warm regards,
June Jackson Executive Director, GARD Center
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Our Partners
Our Partners
The partners who make our work possible
The GARD Center's programmes are supported by governments, international agencies, churches, and businesses. Here are a few of them.
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GEF Small Grants Program (UNDP)
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Organization of American States
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European Union
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UN Food and Agriculture Organization
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CARDI
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CIBC Caribbean
Our Story
A Social Investment in People Since 1989
What began as a small pilot project to bring young people back to farming has grown into one of Antigua & Barbuda's most trusted training centres. Here's how the journey unfolded.
1989
The Beginning
The GARD Center started as a two-year pilot project, a partnership between the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA/CTAP), and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda. Its goal was to train young people in practical agriculture and show that farming could be a worthy, viable career.
1993
Becoming a Full Training Centre
After the pilot's success, the Center became a permanent training and rural development institution, offering agricultural and enterprise training to young people between the ages of 16 and 30.
1996
Reaching More of the Community
The Center began training unemployed and low-income women, focusing on life skills and entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on making the most of local natural resources.
Today
Still Changing Lives
More than three decades on, the GARD Center continues to equip the youth and women of Antigua & Barbuda with the skills, confidence, and support they need to build a better future, remaining true to its founding purpose: a social investment in people.
Awards & Recognition
Honoured for Our Impact
Over the years, the GARD Center and its leadership have been recognised at home and across the region for their work with youth, women, and rural communities.
1999
Inter-American Award
International recognition for advancing the participation of women in rural development across the region.
2013
Order of Merit (GOM)
Antigua & Barbuda's national honour, awarded to Executive Director Roberta Williams for her work in youth and community development.
2014
Lifetime Service Award
Presented by the Department of Youth Affairs for the training and development of the nation's youth since 1989.
2016
Female Social Entrepreneur Award
From the Global Innovation Partnership and CoESL, recognising creativity in helping people build sustainable livelihoods.
