The conference was held under the theme “Advancing Our Agenda Amidst Global and Local Challenges.” 

Mrs. Carleen Henry-Morton, the SKTU General Secretary explained that “this annual event seeks to disseminate information to executive members and school stewards based on the progress of the union and the education system and also to provide a forum for the executive members to charter the course of the union for the year ahead.” 

Meanwhile, in the words of the union President Mr. Ron Dublin-Collins, “The year 2011 brings with it many opportunities for the advancement of teachers in the areas of training and career advancement, all of which the union promises to embrace in order to raise the overall standard of the teaching fraternity.” 

According to a release from the SKTU, the 2011 action plan for the advancement of teachers and quality education includes the continuing efforts to advocate for the establishment of a Teachers’ Career Path which will provide opportunities for the upward mobility of teachers.  The construction of the union headquarters and training center, the reintroduction of the Status of Women’s Committee, the implementation of the Primary School Excellence Awards Program and the Collective Bargaining Agreement which will allow the union to work in collaboratively with the Ministry of Education with respect to decision making, policy development and the overall improvement of the educational system. 

President Collins further articulated that 2011 is a year of celebration for teachers in St. Kitts as well as teachers throughout the Caribbean Region. “The St. Kitts Teachers’ Union celebrates 20 years of representation to its members and on a regional level the Caribbean Union of Teachers celebrates its 75th anniversary.” 

“The union looks forward to participating in the upcoming World Teachers’ Congress which is scheduled to be held July 2011 in Africa,” the release further stated.