Carib Scope

分类： education

  • Bagga primary school launches book of stories, poems

    Bagga primary school launches book of stories, poems

    The Barrouallie Government School has achieved a significant literary milestone with the official publication of its inaugural student-authored anthology, “Little Pens, Big Dreams: Stories and Poems from the Barrouallie Government School Young Authors.” The book launch ceremony, which served as the cornerstone event initiating the school’s Literacy Week celebrations, highlighted the collective creative achievements of its budding writers.

    Presiding over the event, Minister of Education Phillip Jackson emphasized the profound cognitive benefits of writing. “Writing serves as a powerful tool for mental clarification,” Jackson stated. “The practice enables individuals to process complex thoughts, with increased writing directly correlating to enhanced self-awareness and intellectual clarity.” The Minister extended formal congratulations to the student authors, Principal Joy Davis-Haynes, and the school’s dedicated Literacy Committee.

    Adding scholarly insight, Senior Education Officer Mavis Findlay-Joseph delivered a keynote address focusing on the critical connection between writing and self-editing. She outlined a triple-benefit approach for young authors: “Reading your own work aloud facilitates error detection, strengthens cognitive processing, and validates your unique personal voice.” Findlay-Joseph further emphasized that this practice allows students to visualize their ideas more concretely, refine their linguistic expression, and ultimately build substantial confidence in their abilities.

    The anthology represents a tangible outcome of the Early Learners’ Programme, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Education’s Curriculum Development Unit to enhance literacy engagement nationwide. Featuring 38 original literary compositions, the collection showcases creative works from students across all primary grade levels, from Grade 1 through Grade 6, demonstrating remarkable depth and variety in young literary talent.

  • Sarteneja’s Only High School Still Homeless After Four Years

    Sarteneja’s Only High School Still Homeless After Four Years

    The remote community of Sarteneja Village faces an escalating educational emergency as its sole high school continues operating without a permanent facility after four years of makeshift arrangements. Sarteneja Baptist High School, serving 84 students, currently functions from a repurposed community center and temporary outdoor structures constructed from donated lumber and zinc sheeting.

    The institution’s severe resource limitations include the absence of fundamental educational facilities—no science laboratory, no computer lab, and inadequate classroom space. With merely four teachers and a principal who simultaneously serves as a full-time instructor, the academic staff operates under extreme pressure to maintain educational standards.

    Darnel Cruz, Secretary of the Sarteneja Village Council and local educator, confirmed that while land has been identified near the airstrip for potential construction, funding remains the primary obstacle to progress. The Village Council has provided the current community center space as a temporary measure, recognizing education as a community priority.

    The situation grows increasingly urgent as the village anticipates a graduating class from primary schools that will exceed the high school’s limited capacity. With the nearest alternative secondary institution located miles away in Chunox Village, Sarteneja Baptist High represents not merely an educational option but a necessity for local families seeking affordable secondary education.

    Parents express deepening concerns about deteriorating infrastructure and resource shortages, while school administration declined official commentary. The community unanimously appeals for governmental intervention and sustainable solutions to secure proper educational facilities for future generations.

  • USA : Internationalization of the UEH

    USA : Internationalization of the UEH

    In a significant stride toward educational advancement, Elms College of Massachusetts and Haiti’s State University (UEH) have formalized a groundbreaking partnership through a memorandum of understanding signed this week. The ceremony, held at Elms College’s Merci Marlène and Jacques Louis Dumay Living-Learning Community and Cultural Center, brought together President Harry Dumay and Rector Dieuseul Prédélus alongside academic leaders, faculty members, and representatives from the Kellogg Program.

    The collaboration establishes an innovative continuing education program specifically designed for the professional development of Haitian educators, with particular focus on the UEH’s École Normale Supérieure (ENS) – Haiti’s historic institution for teacher training. Leveraging Elms College’s specialized expertise through its Division of Education and Center for Equity in Urban Education, the initiative will equip Haitian teachers with contemporary pedagogical approaches tailored to current educational challenges.

    Rector Prédélus characterized the agreement as a “historic moment” that signals the beginning of a strategic collaboration aligned with an ambitious vision: transforming UEH into a modern, competitive institution committed to international academic standards while maintaining deep roots in Haitian realities. He emphasized that “academic excellence cannot be decreed; it is built daily through rigorous work, intellectual openness, and continuous improvement.”

    The partnership represents a complementary alignment of strengths – Elms College contributes its technical expertise in teacher training methodologies, while UEH provides contextual understanding of Haiti’s specific educational needs and challenges. This cooperative model aims to create a multiplier effect where enhanced trainers will subsequently contribute to sustainably elevating Haiti’s entire education system through proven teaching methods and strengthened pedagogical skills.

    This agreement marks a new phase in UEH’s internationalization efforts, initiated under the leadership of its new Executive Council, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to global educational engagement while addressing national development priorities.

  • Cobbs Cross Primary Installs Drip Irrigation System to Strengthen Agricultural Programme

    Cobbs Cross Primary Installs Drip Irrigation System to Strengthen Agricultural Programme

    Cobbs Cross Primary School has embarked on a groundbreaking environmental initiative by implementing an advanced drip irrigation system, fundamentally transforming its agricultural education program. This innovative project, developed through a strategic partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and technology provider GroTech Farms, represents a significant advancement in sustainable farming practices within educational settings.

    The irrigation infrastructure addresses critical challenges in agricultural productivity by utilizing targeted water delivery technology that channels moisture directly to plant root systems. According to IICA National Specialist Craig Thomas, this methodology effectively counteracts problems associated with irregular precipitation patterns and conventional irrigation inefficiencies. The system’s precision hydration approach not only optimizes water utilization but also creates ideal growing conditions for crops, substantially improving yield potential while minimizing resource waste.

    Principal Mae Hypolite, who personally instructs Agricultural Science classes, integrated the installation process into the curriculum as an experiential learning opportunity. Students participated directly in deploying the irrigation network, gaining practical knowledge about water conservation principles and ecological stewardship through hands-on engagement.

    The project included comprehensive technical training provided by agricultural expert Bradbury Browne, ensuring the school’s capacity to maintain and operate the system independently. Early assessments indicate the technology could reduce water consumption by approximately 70 percent compared to traditional irrigation methods. School administrators anticipate this initiative will serve as a foundation for expanded sustainability projects, including rainwater harvesting infrastructure and substantial enlargement of the educational garden space.

  • UWI hosts Nigerian Vice-Chancellor delegation

    UWI hosts Nigerian Vice-Chancellor delegation

    In a significant move toward Global South educational collaboration, twenty newly appointed Nigerian Vice-Chancellors embarked on a landmark visit to The University of the West Indies (UWI) headquarters in Jamaica from February 10-12. The delegation, representing Nigeria’s Committee of Vice-Chancellors of National Universities (CVCNU), was formally received by UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles during the Africa-Caribbean Higher Education Summit.

    The summit represented a strategic initiative by Nigerian higher education leadership to gain firsthand understanding of UWI’s operational excellence and its innovative approaches to balancing national priorities with global engagement challenges. With Nigeria operating approximately 280 universities (140 public and 140 private) and UWI ranking among the top 3.6% of global institutions according to Times Higher Education rankings, the partnership signifies a powerful alignment between two major educational forces in the Global South.

    Professor Beckles characterized the gathering as “a spiritual moment” that acknowledged the profound historical and intellectual connections between Africa and the Caribbean. He emphasized Nigeria’s substantial influence on UWI’s development, noting that the university’s evolution remains intrinsically linked to these regional bonds.

    CVCNU Secretary-General Professor Andrew Haruna addressed both the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s higher education landscape while acknowledging the longstanding contributions of Caribbean scholars to Nigerian academic development. The dialogue extended to include Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic and prominent Caribbean diaspora leader, who delivered a keynote address advocating for purpose-driven universities and emphasizing the critical importance of indigenous publishing platforms for elevating Global South research.

    The three-day summit facilitated comprehensive discussions on strategic planning, research development, curriculum standardization, global rankings optimization, resource management, and visionary leadership. The full participation of all UWI Principals and Pro Vice-Chancellors demonstrated institutional commitment to the “ONE UWI” vision, creating a dynamic environment for intellectual exchange and collaborative planning.

    Professor C. Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI’s Five Islands Campus, concluded the event with powerful remarks framing South-South collaboration as “a strategic imperative rather than a consolation prize.” He asserted that solutions for developing nations will increasingly emerge through institutions like UWI and Nigerian universities working collaboratively without “waiting for permission to lead.”

  • IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) Fellowship Opportunity

    IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) Fellowship Opportunity

    The Government of Grenada has officially opened applications for fully-funded postgraduate opportunities at the prestigious International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta for the 2026-2027 academic cycle. This initiative represents a significant investment in developing specialized legal expertise within the nation’s maritime sector.

    Prospective candidates can apply for nomination to two distinct advanced degree programs: the Master of Laws (LLM) in International Maritime Law or the Master of Humanities (M Hum.) in International Maritime Legislation. These comprehensive programs are designed to equip professionals with sophisticated understanding of maritime legal frameworks and international regulations.

    The selection process mandates that applicants must be Grenadian citizens demonstrating excellent physical and mental health, proficiency in English language, and current employment as either public officers or maritime sector professionals. This targeted eligibility ensures the fellowship benefits those directly contributing to the nation’s maritime interests.

    Successful awardees will receive an extensive fellowship package covering full tuition expenses, institute-provided accommodation, and a monthly living stipend of approximately €400 to support basic expenses during their residency in Malta. This comprehensive financial support removes barriers to advanced education for qualified professionals.

    The application window remains open until February 27, 2026, with all inquiries directed to the Human Resource Development Division within Grenada’s Ministry of Education. Prospective applicants can access detailed program information and application procedures through the institute’s official website portals for each respective program.

    This fellowship initiative underscores Grenada’s strategic commitment to strengthening its maritime governance capabilities through advanced legal education, positioning the nation to better navigate complex international maritime regulations and agreements.

  • UK intermediate education agency refunding Guyana money for troubled scholarships

    UK intermediate education agency refunding Guyana money for troubled scholarships

    The Guyana government has begun recovering US$1.5 million from UK-based intermediary International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC) following the collapse of a scholarship program with the University of Staffordshire. Public Service Minister Zulfikar Ally confirmed the reimbursement process during parliamentary questioning on Friday, February 13, 2026.

    The troubled scholarships, administered through the Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL), involved more than 1,000 students. Minister Ally stated that partial payments have already been received, with the full amount expected to be refunded by the following week. The minister acknowledged he maintained “constant engagement” with relevant parties to ensure complete restitution.

    Parliamentary proceedings revealed additional complications within the GOAL program. Minister Ally admitted that numerous students pursuing degrees through Indira Gandhi University had completed three years of study without receiving degree status updates. The ministry has sought intervention from the Indian High Commission to resolve these credentialing issues.

    Regarding student attrition, Ally revealed that less than five percent of scholarship recipients had taken leaves of absence with intention to resume studies. The minister clarified refund policies, noting that universities only return payments if students withdraw before invoice issuance; otherwise, funds are credited toward alternative students.

    The GOAL secretariat continues monitoring program graduates to track employment outcomes and program effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the Public Service Ministry has allocated GY$5.7 billion for the scholarship initiative in the 2026 national budget.

  • Standoff over Critchlow Labour College with private university’s principal

    Standoff over Critchlow Labour College with private university’s principal

    A tense property dispute at Guyana’s historic Critchlow Labour College (CLC) nearly escalated into physical violence on Thursday when an excavator arrived to demolish perimeter structures, prompting a dramatic confrontation between competing claimants.

    The incident unfolded at the Woolford Avenue, Georgetown property as Stanley Paul, Principal of the University of Excellence, Management and Business (UEMB), physically intervened to prevent demolition crews from breaching the compound’s gates and fencing. Mr. Paul asserted his rights under a 15-year commercial lease agreement signed June 4, 2025, with CLC Principal Dr. Ivor English, which grants UEMB “full, exclusive and uninhibited possession” of the premises including security control.

    CLC Board Secretary Lincoln Lewis immediately challenged the lease’s validity, stating that only he possesses authorization to execute agreements on behalf of the institution. “Nobody can sign any lease for Critchlow Labour College unless the Board has permitted me,” Lewis declared, emphasizing that the college remains an incorporated entity despite Mr. Paul’s claims that it became defunct in 2013.

    The conflict is further complicated by the property’s underlying lease from Georgetown City Council, granted in 1968 for 99 years with renewal rights. This original agreement stipulates that the land must be used exclusively for CLC purposes and prohibits assignment or subletting without municipal consent—a requirement both parties acknowledge was not sought for the UEMB arrangement.

    The physical standoff occurs against a backdrop of devastating fires that destroyed significant portions of the building in 2025, including sections housing the Guyana Trades Union Congress offices and college auditorium. Mr. Lewis reported that since the blazes, Mr. Paul had locked the gates preventing even legitimate tenants from accessing their workplaces.

    Legal proceedings initiated by UEMB on January 5, 2026, seeking validation of their lease were unexpectedly withdrawn eight days later, while Georgetown City Council had issued cease-work notices in December 2025 demanding removal of unauthorized construction. Mr. Paul countered that restoration efforts were stalled because CLC officials refused to provide necessary no-objection letters to municipal authorities.

    The confrontation highlights deeper institutional conflicts regarding property rights, contractual validity, and the preservation of educational heritage in Guyana, with both parties preparing for prolonged legal battles over this strategically significant campus.

  • New Ocean Academy Building to Begin Construction in July

    New Ocean Academy Building to Begin Construction in July

    The Belizean government has pledged to construct a brand new facility for Ocean Academy High School on Caye Caulker, following months of educational disruption caused by severe flood damage to its original campus. Area Representative Andre Perez confirmed that construction is scheduled to commence in July, marking a significant intervention by the Ministry of Education.

    Since November, students and faculty have endured an unstable learning environment, conducting classes in borrowed spaces including a former restaurant, NEMO facilities, and various community rooms. The original campus was rendered unusable due to flooding, mold proliferation, and mosquito infestations, forcing the school to implement a rotational schedule blending limited in-person sessions with online instruction.

    At a community meeting attended by parents, teachers, and village council members, Principal Noemi Zaiden emphasized the psychological impact on students craving educational stability. ‘We have been asking since mid-November to be granted permission to build on the land at the back,’ Zaiden stated, noting that only the second and third floors of their damaged facility received health department approval for limited use.

    Representative Perez acknowledged the urgency while emphasizing proper protocols: ‘It’s not just putting up a building—it has to be done the proper way. Electricity, water, bathroom facilities—these require substantial investment even for temporary structures.’

    Students like third-former Iyianni Magana highlighted the pedagogical challenges of hybrid learning: ‘Certain subjects like ICT and coding are hard to learn online. Screen sharing becomes problematic, and distractions at home undermine concentration.’

    The Ministry of Education has scheduled a decisive planning meeting for February 18th to finalize interim solutions and detail the new campus construction. Additionally, the government committed to providing free education for all 172 Ocean Academy students in the upcoming academic year, aligning with educational benefits previously extended to other Belizean communities.

    While temporary measures continue, the community acknowledges the generosity of local businesses providing space, even as they await a permanent resolution to restore educational normalcy.

  • 172 Caye Caulker Students to Get Free Tuition

    172 Caye Caulker Students to Get Free Tuition

    The island community of Caye Caulker is poised for a significant educational transformation with dual announcements of infrastructure development and financial support for students. Following the closure of Ocean Academy’s campus last year, which left the island without a physical high school, construction of a permanent educational facility is scheduled to commence by July 2026.

    Area Representative André Perez confirmed that officials from the Ministry of Education will conduct a site assessment next week to finalize development plans. To address immediate educational needs, temporary classroom structures meeting proper standards will be installed in the interim. Perez emphasized that these temporary facilities would include essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sanitation to ensure they serve both immediate and long-term purposes.

    In a parallel development, the government has confirmed comprehensive tuition coverage for 172 Caye Caulker students beginning next fiscal year. This initiative aligns the island with tuition-free arrangements already established at other public high schools across the nation. Perez highlighted that the funding, previously delayed due to budgetary constraints, has now received formal approval from Education Minister Francis Fonseca.

    The combined infrastructure and financial support measures represent a comprehensive approach to educational accessibility, potentially easing financial burdens for families and encouraging higher secondary school retention rates within the island community.