A successful seven-year bid by Bermuda College to gain recognition from an American accrediting body and become the "envy" of the region was loudly celebrated yesterday.

Town Crier Ed Christopher kicked off the party in the college courtyard and later read out an official proclamation about the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation.

College President Duranda Greene told invited guests — including Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith, Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons, Attorney General Michael Scott and Bermuda Democratic Alliance Leader Craig Cannonier — it had been a "long journey" to gain the NEASC status.

"This is certainly a great achievement that required a lot of time," she said, adding that she was standing on the shoulders of the faculty and staff who had put in tremendous effort and hard work.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Kim Wilson — whose portfolio includes the college — said she was extremely proud.

"The Bermuda College is the latest international learning institution to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges," she said.

"What an impressive accomplishment this is, as you have now joined such prestigious universities as Harvard, Yale and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

"In fact, you should take particular pride in this honour, because you are the first college in the Caribbean and Latin American region to be afforded this distinction. So you are now the envy of our surrounding region."

Walton Brown, chairman of the college's board of governors, said the accreditation was a "genuine milestone" and one that showed a dedication to raising standards.

Student government council president Antonio Belvedere said: "Bermuda College has been on this journey for the past seven years and I'm pleased to say that we have passed the test. As students of an accredited institution, we now have bragging rights!"

He added that he had always been proud to attend the college but now had proof that it was "the best".

Yesterday's outdoor ceremony was followed by a reception in the Student Hall, when Dr Gibbons, Mr Cannonier and Mr Scott offered congratulations, along with former Education Minister Randy Scott.

The accreditation — the seventh for an institution outside of the US — will make it easier for college students here to transfer their credits to American schools. The NEASC's Commission on Institutions of Higher Education wrote in a letter to Dr Greene that the college met the standards of accreditation and demonstrated an ability to continue to improve.

"This is a hallmark of any fine institution of higher education. During the period before and during candidacy, the Commission became aware of the very special role that Bermuda College plays in your community."