ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Antigua & Barbuda’s Education Minister Dr Jacqui Quinn-Leandro will be leading the country’s efforts at the 22nd Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Ministers of Education meeting in St Kitts to be held under the theme “Contributing to a Deeper, Stronger and Economic Union.”
The occasion 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; as well as share innovative ideas and experiences that have contributed to educational development at the national level.
The education ministers will also be discussing OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS), designed by the Caribbean Development Bank.
Speaking on OBSERVER Radio’s Voice of the People yesterday, Dr Quinn-Leandro said the concept paper is a very detailed document.
“We are looking at a very comprehensive document that will inform education systems from 2012-2021,” she said.
“We are looking at it as more or less the way forward in terms of how we approach education throughout the OECS and particular emphasis is being placed on universal secondary education and early childhood education.”
The education minister said greater emphasis would also be placed on beefing up local resources to ensure that certain aspects of the concept paper are realised, especially in the area of teacher education training.
The OECS ministers of education meeting is held annually and is rotated among the OECS member countries.
The meeting will be held from May 22 to 24 at the St Kitts Marriott Resort.
(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)
