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From CARICOM Single Market and Economy website of Trinidad and Tobago Speeches
Remarks by H.E Jerry Narace
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Head Of The CSME Unit At The National Secondary Schools Quiz On The CARICOM Single Market And Economy
Hon. Hazel Manning: Minister of Education Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Head Of The CSME Unit At The National Secondary Schools Quiz On The CARICOM Single Market And Economy
Hon. Hazel Manning: Minister of Education
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Head Of The CSME Unit At The National Secondary Schools Quiz On The Caricom Single Market And Economy
Hon. Hazel Manning: Minister of Education
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Head Of The CSME Unit At The National Secondary Schools Quiz On The Caricom Single Market And Economy
Hon. Hazel Manning: Minister of Education Good Morning!
It should be noted that apart from this initiative, the Unit in planning its activities for the Second Phase of the National Public Education Programme has been in consultation with the Ministry of Education in the implementation of a number of projects which are intended to stimulate and invite youth interest and participation. Such projects which are currently ‘in the pipeline’ include an Essay Writing and Debating Competition. At this point I wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Ministry of Education, in particular, the staff of the Divisions of Curriculum and School Supervision for their continuous and unwavering support. Messrs. Roland Maharaj and Olsen Oliver, I say thanks! The notion of a CSME Quiz for students has had its genesis in the dual recognition that Caribbean Community issues are not new to our student population; and the greatest potential for this country’s future lies in the development of our human resource base.
In the case of the former, I have noted that since its inception, the broad topic of CARICOM has been a component of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Secondary Schools syllabus in the subjects of Social Studies and Principles of Business and the CSME comprises a unit of the topic. It is my understanding that this topic is also covered in the National Secondary School Social Studies Curriculum through the theme “Beyond the National Community.’’ Additionally, the CSME was highlighted in some measure through the theme of this year’s RBTT Young Leaders Project “Strengthening Caribbean Society – Our Vision, Our Culture, Our People.”
You would recognize that for some time now the social, economic and political landscape of the world has been undergoing rapid changes especially in the areas of trade, finance, capital, labour and technology. These changes have brought many opportunities and at the same time some challenges to small open economies such as ours here in the region. These changes have impressed on Governments, the need to broaden their economic base and pursue policies consistent with the goals of sustainable development. It is in this context that I wish to bring to the fore the role of the CSME in developing and promoting human capital. The promotion of human capital has been at the forefront of all developmental initiatives in the Region. While the CSME is typically viewed as a mechanism through which the free movement of services, trade, capital, technology and the right of establishment is facilitated, in a wider sense, it also promotes ‘inter- alia’ the development of human capital. Under the provisions contained in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, you will recognize that employment opportunities are no longer confined to the geographic boundaries of Trinidad and Tobago but extend as far as Belize in the North west and Suriname in the South. Further, given the fundamental changes in the global economy, there is need for the Caribbean to produce persons equipped to respond effectively to the challenges of a knowledge based economy and the ever increasing technological advancements. The CSME in catering to these needs makes adequate provisions in Article 63 for Human Resources Development in the Community. In keeping with this mandate, the Conference of Heads of Government in 1997 approved a Regional Human Resource Development Strategy which places emphasis on training in the context of a Single Market and Economy. The Human and Social Development framework, which is currently being developed in CARICOM through the activities of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), seeks to develop an inter – sectoral agenda. This agenda addresses issues in an integrated manner across various social sectors, including education, health, culture, labour, youth, sport, gender, and crime.
At the same time, our own national initiatives are well in keeping with these objectives. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has embarked on a number of educational and training programmes in both the Academic and Technical/Vocational fields. These programmes are currently being offered through several institutions, namely, the University of the West Indies, COSTATT, and even right here at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, the Government has also invested in programmes, which have gone beyond the traditional transmission mechanisms. Through several social sector interventions, a range of informal education and training opportunities are currently being offered. These include the Craft Skills and Artisans Programme, Geriatric Adolescent Programme, YTEPP, SHARE, Civilian Conservation Corps and Adolescent Mothers Programme to name just a few. Given these opportunities that currently exist and those that will become available as the CSME is implemented, it is imperative that our national population is made aware of the prospects in the areas of training and development. It is for this reason that a critical element to the successful implementation of the CSME is a Public Education Programme. At the national level, the approach taken has been holistic and includes a Caravan Outreach project aimed at reaching all rural and sub-urban communities throughout Trinidad and Tobago, a well-developed Advertising campaign using all forms of media, Presentations to national associations, non-governmental organizations and members of Civil Society, as well as the enhancement of the Schools’ Curriculum through CSME information material. This project today is well in keeping with this mandate. The concept of a School’s Quiz was borne out of the fact that research has proven that a quiz remains one of the most effective, reliable and engaging tools through which educational testing can be done. Based on reports received on the Preliminary Round of this Quiz, I am informed that the level of participation has been most encouraging and the results have been excellent. It is against this background that we can expect that today’s performance at the Semi- Final and Final Rounds to be of a particularly high calibre. Once again, I wish to congratulate both the Honourable Minister of Education and the Officials of the Ministry who have made a significant difference in the realization of this aspect of our Public Education Programme. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate as well, all Schools who participated thus far and to wish good luck to those who are competing today. Based on the information shared, every School would have emerged victorious. In closing, I wish to state that the Caribbean region should indeed be proud of its integration with the world community. Apart from being among the pioneers of globalization as a result of the mélange of peoples from different parts of the world, we are fortunate to have our own unique culture as well as a highly intelligent population that is much-admired and envied world-wide.
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