PM Douglas Speaks With Students
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, Saint Kitts – Nevis
June 23, 2008 (CUOPM)
The CARICOM Community (CARICOM) is currently re-examining the scope and effectiveness of the overarching philosophy of “education for all.”
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas at the Education Symposium of the New York Conference on the Caribbean felt the discussion could not be timelier.
St. Kitts and Nevis boasts of being the first Caribbean nation to introduce free secondary since 1965.
“In New York, it is clear that you are grappling with the reality of the principle of “˜no child left behind’ especially its implications for poor black and Latino children, among whom I am sure are some descendants from the Caribbean. In the CARICOM Community as in New York, educators and researchers are quizzical about the growing trend of male underperformance or under achievement and are sensitive to the need for corrective action that may have significant social consequences,” said Dr. Douglas.
He noted that for the Caribbean Community, there is the additional issue related to the migration of skilled and highly trained professionals and the discussions on how to tackle the ‘brain drain’ or ‘brain gain’ to the mutual benefit of both societies.
“While this panel focuses on collaboration among our higher educational institutions, it is critical to note that viable tertiary systems are highly dependent on the foundations laid during pre-school and kindergarten through to the elementary and high school levels,” said Dr. Douglas.
