Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has placed education reform at the forefront of regional dialogue during the OECS Council of Ministers meeting in Dominica, describing it as both urgent and foundational for the future of Caribbean youth. Representatives from across the OECS gathered September 25–26 at the State House Conference Center to confront persistent gaps in learning, especially in mathematics, and to assess the progress of the OECS Education Sector Strategy.
In his address, Skerrit emphasized that a system focused solely on preparing students for examinations must evolve. He urged ministers to pursue structural change at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), rather than add more subjects to the exam load, which he said does little to enhance learning outcomes. He framed reform as essential for equipping learners for the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
Regional reports confirm that mathematics performance remains a concern across OECS states. During the meeting, disparities were highlighted, like those between English and math outcomes, as evidence of deeper systemic issues in teaching methods and curricular design.
The conference agenda focused on aligning education systems with the goals of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) 2012–2026. Ministers and senior officials addressed priorities such as modernising the early curriculum, enhancing assessment methods, expanding access to early childhood education, and promoting inclusive and digitally resilient learning environments.
The momentum that Skerrit has infused into regional education reform may shape new policies at both national and OECS levels. For ministers now tasked with translating rhetoric into change, the question remains: will their decisions match the urgency of the challenge?
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