Education Minister Carty off to Tortola for OECS Meeting

St. Kitts and Nevis Minister of Education and Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 14TH 2010 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Education, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty is attending the 21st Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Ministers of Education Meeting on Tortola.

The September 14th to 16th meeting is being held under the theme “The Roadmap for OECS Education Development: New Perspectives, New Designs.” The venue is the Treasure Isle Hotel.

Minister Carty is among seven of the nine education ministers of the OECS member states have confirmed their attendance to this meeting. These include Anguilla, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica, Montserrat and the Virgin Islands.

The meeting will provide the opportunity for policy makers to engage in constructive dialogue on substantive policy issues regarding education development in the OECS; agree on policies and strategies to advance OECS education; secure the support and collaboration of regional agencies and development partners in advancing the education development agenda; and share innovative ideas and experiences that have contributed to educational development at the national level.

BVI Minister of Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie told the Department of Information and Public Relations during a Public Eye Programme that the Virgin Islands have benefitted tremendously as an associate member of the OECS.

“We have been able to benefit from initiatives that come from the Education Reform Unit; Caribbean Examinations Council, University of the West Indies, in addition to sports initiatives and education grants,” Hon. Fahie said.

At the opening ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, Minister Fahie addressed and declared the meeting open.

Dr. James Fletcher, Director, Social and Sustainable Development Division also delivered remarks. Permanent Secretary Ms. Carolyn O´Neal chaired the ceremony.