The Federal Minister of Education and Information, Hon. Nigel Carty, stated that the upcoming meeting is an enormous step forward in the political and economic integration movement within the OECS.
“The OECS Education Ministers Meeting is attempting to assist us in the integration of our people, strengthening that integration and deepening the integration movement,” Minister Carty said. “One of the broad objectives of the OECS sector strategy is to teach our young people to live together and so that they learn to tolerate and appreciate people and their diversity.”
He also noted that one of the issues at the centre of the discussions in education is the issue of “school leadership.”
“We believe that the leadership of educational institutions is one of the most critical factors affecting the success of our education system.”
He further noted that we need educational leaders who are qualified and highly motivated to deal with the challenges in education.
The meeting, scheduled to be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort from May 22 to 24, will give policy makers an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue on substantive issues regarding education development in the OECS, agree on policies and strategies to advance OECS education, secure the support and collaboration of regional agencies in advancing the education development agenda, as well as share innovative ideas and experiences that have contributed to educational development at the national level.
During the three day event, the Ministers of Education are expected to address a number of pertinent issues including Early Childhood Development, Teacher Professional Development and Post Secondary and Higher Education.
