Carib Scope

分类： education

  • GBSS runner up in Regional Schools Investment Competition

    GBSS runner up in Regional Schools Investment Competition

    On March 26, 2026, St. Lucia hosted the official awards ceremony to honor top-performing teams from the 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition (RSIC), an innovative educational initiative designed to introduce secondary school students across the Eastern Caribbean to the world of securities investing. To ensure broad participation and recognition, the entire event was broadcast via live virtual stream, allowing standout competitors from Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be celebrated in real time while giving students and community members across the region access to the celebration.

    Launched in October 2025 and concluding in November of the same year, the RSIC was spearheaded by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE), with collaboration from the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC) and licensed member broker-dealers. Unlike traditional academic competitions, the RSIC combines practical financial experience with academic reflection: participating student teams were evaluated on two core metrics: the final value of their simulated investment portfolios, and pre-recorded video submissions that detailed their strategic decision-making processes and key lessons learned throughout the competition.

    Four top teams walked away with major awards at the ceremony. Alite Investors, representing St. Lucia’s Choiseul Secondary School, claimed the title of Regional Champion, taking home the prestigious Sir K Dwight Venner Champion Trophy. The runner-up position went to Boys on the Hill Investment from Grenada Boys Secondary School (GBSS) in Grenada. Additional specialty awards went to N’Oct’urnal Invests of Vieux-Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (St. Lucia), which won the Most Creative Video Submission prize, and SMSS Prosperity Pioneers of St. Martin’s Secondary School (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), recognized for the Most Well-Presented Strategic Approach.

    Prizes for the winning teams and their supporting advisors reflected the initiative’s focus on encouraging long-term engagement with finance. Champion team members each received gold medals, personalized certificates of achievement, an investment gift voucher worth EC$540, and branded partner gift backpacks. The school itself took home a champion plaque and a cash prize of EC$6,500. Supporting teachers also earned recognition: each received a certificate of achievement, a gift certificate waiving broker fees for their first personal investment, a branded tote bag filled with partner gifts, and a special dedication award from the ECSRC for their commitment to student development.

    For the runner-up GBSS team, the school received a plaque and EC$3,000 cash prize. Individual student members earned silver medals, achievement certificates, EC$270 investment vouchers, and branded gift backpacks. Their teachers received comparable recognition to the champion team’s advisors, including the broker fee waiver voucher and partner gifts. Recipients of the specialty video award each took home a participation certificate and an EC$250 cash prize.

    Organizers extended congratulations to all winning teams and expressed sincere gratitude to every participating school across the region for their engagement. Launched as a developmental educational program, the RSIC continues to fulfill its core mission: giving young people across the Eastern Caribbean hands-on exposure to core investment principles and direct experience with how regional securities markets operate, building a foundation for future financial literacy and economic participation.

  • In-person meeting at Fort Young Hotel 16th April 2026 from 6pm Edinburgh Napier University

    In-person meeting at Fort Young Hotel 16th April 2026 from 6pm Edinburgh Napier University

    Prospective students and higher education seekers in the region have a new opportunity to explore study pathways at one of the United Kingdom’s dynamic modern universities, with an in-person information session scheduled for April 16 at the Fort Young Hotel. Hosted by Southpoint Education International, the event will kick off at 6:00 PM local time, and is designed to give attendees clear, first-hand insight into the diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional study programs offered by Edinburgh Napier University.

    Unlike virtual information sessions that often leave questions unanswered, this face-to-face gathering will allow prospective students to connect with education representatives directly, ask personalized questions about program curricula, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and student life on Edinburgh Napier’s campuses. Edinburgh Napier University, based in Scotland, is widely recognized for its industry-aligned programs, strong graduate employment outcomes, and inclusive campus community that welcomes hundreds of international students from across the globe each year.

    Organizers note that space for the session is limited to ensure attendees receive dedicated attention, so pre-registration is required for all those planning to attend. Interested individuals can secure their spot at the event by completing the RSVP form through Southpoint Education International’s official registration portal.

  • The King’s Foundation and ABCAS announce selected participants for UK Building Craft Programme

    The King’s Foundation and ABCAS announce selected participants for UK Building Craft Programme

    A landmark skills development initiative focused on heritage conservation and climate-resilient construction has officially kicked off in Antigua and Barbuda, with eight local participants selected to take part in the 2026 Building Craft Programme. The collaborative effort, led by The King’s Foundation—King Charles III’s charity dedicated to nature and sustainability—in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) and the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked its launch with an opening ceremony on April 8, 2026 at ABCAS’s Muriel O’Mard Campus. The event brought together key stakeholders from all partnering organizations, alongside the newly selected cohort of trainees, to kick off the innovative training initiative.

    After a rigorous competitive application and screening process that included final interviews, the eight chosen participants—Kyla Weaver, Glennoy Goodwin, Shannoy Spencer, Jesse Gilpin, Devon Thomas, Johnathan Joseph, Edmund Map, and Akeem Javin James—represent a diverse cross-section of Antigua and Barbuda’s construction and design industry. The entire training opportunity is fully funded by The King’s Foundation and its partner donors, including The King Charles III Charitable Fund, Kestrel Liner Agencies Ltd, and the Mill Reef Fund, removing financial barriers for emerging and established industry professionals looking to advance their skills. Two experienced ABCAS staff members will accompany the group for the UK-based portion of the programme: Jace Gore, Head of the Department of Industrial Technology, and Garry Southwell, CVQ Implementation Officer, who will offer ongoing academic and technical guidance throughout the training period.

    The cohort brings together a wide range of professional backgrounds, including practicing architects, civil engineers, skilled trade workers, one former ABCAS graduate, and one currently enrolled ABCAS student. This mix creates a dynamic group united by shared passion and commitment to advancing two critical priorities for Antigua and Barbuda: heritage preservation and climate-resilient building practices. Since the programme’s opening, participants have begun a week-long on-site orientation in Antigua, led by ABCAS with logistical and content support from The King’s Foundation. The orientation combines in-class foundational learning with hands-on field exposure to prepare trainees for the intensive training ahead. On April 12, the group will depart Antigua for the four-week UK-based portion of the programme, which will be hosted at The King’s Foundation dedicated training sites, starting at the charity’s headquarters at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, with additional training taking place at Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire, England.

    During their time in the UK, participants will gain immersive, hands-on experience in a range of high-value traditional building crafts and modern sustainable techniques. Key skill areas include precision carpentry, traditional masonry, lime-based building methods, heritage structure restoration, and contemporary climate-resilient construction practices. After completing the UK training segment, participants will return to Antigua and Barbuda to put their newly learned skills into practice during a local community-focused live construction project, allowing them to apply their knowledge directly to a real-world development need in their home country.

    In remarks at the opening ceremony, Dr. Na-Ajele Buffonge, Vice President of ABCAS, emphasized the long-term value of cross-sector partnerships for skills development in the region. “At ABCAS, we remain committed to developing talent through meaningful partnerships,” Buffonge said. “This programme provides participants with internationally recognised skills while supporting sustainable and heritage-focused development in Antigua and Barbuda.” Dr. Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director of Research, Impact and Learning at The King’s Foundation, echoed that enthusiasm, noting “We are delighted to welcome these talented individuals to The King’s Foundation training sites, including Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire, England, to enhance their skills in heritage building crafts and climate-resilient construction.”

    A follow-up cocktail reception for stakeholders and participants was held on April 9 at Galley Bay Resort and Spa, creating space for continued dialogue and relationship-building as the programme moves forward. Overall, the 2026 Building Craft Programme marks a major milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to build national capacity in heritage conservation and sustainable construction, aligning directly with the country’s core national development priorities while empowering local professionals with globally competitive, industry-leading skills.

  • Mexico : Excellence scholarships, call for applications

    Mexico : Excellence scholarships, call for applications

    In a collaborative announcement released through Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mexican government and El Colegio de la Frontera Norte (El COLEF), a leading Mexican higher education institution, have officially opened applications for a competitive excellence scholarship program targeted at graduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year.

    The initiative, designed to support advanced academic study at the master’s and doctoral levels, offers a diverse range of discipline-specific programs aligned with pressing global and regional challenges. At the master’s level, eligible fields of study include regional development, applied economics, cultural studies, integrated water management, public action and social development, and comprehensive environmental governance. For doctoral candidates, the program features a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences with a specialized concentration in Regional Studies.

    Admitted scholars will receive substantial financial support to facilitate their studies: all recipients are granted full exemption from tuition fees, alongside a living stipend to cover basic subsistence costs during their program of study, in line with current institutional scholarship regulations.

    Prospective applicants have access to full program details and official registration through El COLEF’s dedicated graduate admissions portal, available at https://posgrado.colef.mx/ingreso/. All application documentation must be submitted no later than the May 15, 2026 deadline. The 2026-2027 academic year is scheduled to kick off on September 1, 2026 for all successful candidates.

  • YATJA urges action to correct CSEC mathematics struggles in Jamaica

    YATJA urges action to correct CSEC mathematics struggles in Jamaica

    For decades, poor pass rates in CSEC mathematics have been a persistent barrier to tertiary education and career advancement for thousands of Jamaican secondary school students. Now, a youth-led education initiative called Your Actuary Tutor JA (YATJA) is rolling out a multi-pronged, confidence-centered intervention to reverse this trend and help more students cross the finishing line on exam day.

    Founded by Sean Gillings, a former Ardenne High School student, the program emerged directly from Gillings’ frustration with the status quo of mathematics performance across the island. “Mathematics is a non-negotiable prerequisite for nearly every professional career path in Jamaica, but it remains one of the most consistently failed subjects in national CSEC exams,” Gillings explained. When he reviewed national pass rate statistics, he said he knew action beyond the traditional classroom was necessary to move the needle on outcomes.

    Recent national data offers a glimmer of hope: 2025 CSEC mathematics results show a marked improvement, with 60% of test-takers earning a passing grade of 1-3. That figure represents a substantial jump from 2024’s 39% pass rate and 2023’s 43% pass rate, but education stakeholders and YATJA leadership agree that consistent, long-term improvement remains an uphill battle. To address this gap, YATJA has built a hybrid model that combines in-school engagement with an innovative digital learning platform, designed to tackle both knowledge gaps and the math anxiety that holds many students back.

    In recent weeks, the YATJA team has visited secondary schools across Kingston, including Mona High School and Excelsior High School, to lead interactive working sessions with students. These sessions do not just stop at reviewing formulas or exam content: organizers prioritize breaking down complex concepts into accessible chunks, sharing targeted exam-taking strategies tailored to CXC requirements, and addressing the specific topics that trigger the most test anxiety for students.

    Lori-Anne McLoud, head of the mathematics department at Mona High School, praised the initiative’s student-centered approach after YATJA’s recent visit to her campus. “It was a pleasure hosting YATJA. The session was engaging, insightful, and well-received by our students,” McLoud said, noting that external support systems that focus on building student capability play a critical role in reducing intimidation ahead of high-stakes exams.

    Gillings is backed by a dedicated team of young academics, including University of the West Indies students Arielle Johnson and Mikhai Sillpatt, who bring both subject expertise and relatable, peer-to-peer connection that resonates with the secondary school students YATJA serves. But the initiative’s impact extends far beyond in-person school visits, anchored by a progressive web-based learning platform that structures CSEC past paper practice to build mastery incrementally.

    Unlike many open-access study resources that offer full answer sets alongside past questions, YATJA made a deliberate, unconventional choice to exclude direct solutions from its platform. “The platform is built to progress upward—students master foundational competency levels before moving on to more complex material. If those base skills are not solid, sustained progress becomes nearly impossible, which is what we’re trying to fix,” Gillings explained. “We chose not to include immediate answers because when students see solutions too quickly, they stop putting in the critical work that builds long-term understanding. Real learning, and real critical thinking, happens when students work through the struggle to figure out a problem on their own.”

    Instead of providing direct answers, the platform evaluates student performance, maps individual strengths and gaps, and encourages independent problem-solving. Students who get stuck still have access to one-on-one guidance from the YATJA team when they need extra support, balancing independent practice with targeted help.

    To support students ahead of the upcoming 2026 exam cycle, YATJA is currently running a limited-time promotion that gives students full access to its structured past paper practice platform through April 15. Beyond the digital platform, the initiative also runs intensive, results-focused exam preparation bootcamps that have already demonstrated strong outcomes: over the past two and a half years, YATJA bootcamp participants have maintained an 80% CSEC mathematics pass rate, far outpacing the national average even after 2025’s improvements.

    While registration for the 2025 bootcamp cycle is now closed, students and parents are encouraged to follow YATJA’s official channels for updates on future enrollment opening dates. At its core, the initiative is built around a simple but transformative message: mathematics is not an innate talent reserved for a small subset of students, and it is not something to be feared. With structured, targeted support that builds both skill and confidence, every student has the ability to face, understand, and ultimately conquer the subject that has blocked so many career paths.

  • Choiseul Secondary students win Regional Schools Investment Competition

    Choiseul Secondary students win Regional Schools Investment Competition

    A young student team from Saint Lucia’s Choiseul Secondary School has emerged as the overall winner of the third annual Regional Schools Investment Competition, an educational initiative organized by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) designed to introduce regional youth to foundational concepts of finance and investing. Now in its third iteration, the contest challenges participating student groups from across the Eastern Caribbean to develop data-backed investment strategies that respond to realistic market conditions, blending simulated fictional company assets with real-world economic scenarios to give participants hands-on learning experience.

    At an official award ceremony held last week, the Choiseul Secondary team, competing under the name Alite Investors, was officially crowned regional champion. The six-member team includes Melanie Poyotte, Deighdra Denis, Kayleigh Zoe Flavien, Alisha Jn Baptiste, Kayann Simon and Faith Charlemagne, guided by faculty coaches Shirle Ann James and Stephanie Theophane-Charles.

    In her acceptance speech delivered at the ceremony, team member Kayann Simon expressed gratitude for the transformative learning opportunity the competition provided. “The opportunity to participate in the regional school investment competition is one that I truly appreciate,” Simon said. “We gained a better understanding of how the stock market works in terms of the factors that influence share prices.” As the winning team, Alite Investors took home an array of prizes: custom backpacks filled with branded gifts from competition partners, official participation certificates, gold medals, an EC$540 investment gift voucher, and a EC$6,500 cheque awarded to their school to support future programming.

    Claiming second place in the regional competition was the Boys on the Hill Investment team from Grenada Boys’ Secondary School, made up of students Ericson Howard, Chemarion Ross, Caleb Williams, Ché Toussaint, and Jaedyn Pierre, led by teacher coach Jocelyn Emmons. For many competitors, the contest served as a first introduction to core financial concepts that they say will shape their long-term personal financial decisions. “Before this competition, I never knew what stock trading was. I normally heard it on the media but now I have an understanding of what I should do with my money and how it can shape my future,” second-place team member Caleb Williams shared.

    Two additional special awards were presented to outstanding teams this year. Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School’s team N’Oct’urnal Invests took home the honor for most creative video submission, while St. Martin’s Secondary’s SMSS Prosperity Pioneers won recognition for the most clear, well-structured strategic investment approach.

    Looking ahead, organizers have announced that the fourth edition of the competition, scheduled to launch at the end of this year, will be renamed the Trevor E. Blake Regional Schools Investment Competition, to honor Blake’s 25 years of transformative contributions to the ECSE and the broader Eastern Caribbean securities market. Blake, who retired from his post as managing director of the Exchange on December 31, 2025, leaves a legacy of expanding financial literacy and market access across the region.

  • Lester Vaughan unveils new cosmetology lab as education reform gathers pace

    Lester Vaughan unveils new cosmetology lab as education reform gathers pace

    In a significant advancement for Barbados’s educational modernization agenda, Lester Vaughan School has inaugurated a cutting-edge cosmetology laboratory through a strategic public-private partnership. This facility positions the institution as a pioneering center for technical and creative education, directly aligning with national efforts to equip students for emerging economic opportunities.

    Education Transformation Minister Chad Blackman conducted an inaugural tour of the facility, emphasizing its role in preparing students for the rapidly expanding global beauty industry. “The global cosmetology sector currently represents a $700 billion market, with projections indicating growth to $900 billion by 2027,” Minister Blackman stated. “Our fundamental question becomes how we strategically position Barbadian students to access this substantial global marketplace.”

    The minister articulated a transformative educational philosophy that moves beyond traditional technical training. “This initiative transcends basic hairstyling instruction,” he explained. “We’re cultivating business acumen within the beauty industry and developing the comprehensive skill sets required for international market leadership—grounded in professional values, confidence, and excellence.”

    This collaboration with #1 Beauty Supply exemplifies the government’s “Partners in Education” initiative, receiving particular commendation from Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer Bradshaw. The partnership extends beyond infrastructure development, incorporating a structured internship program that will place nine students within the company’s commercial operations.

    Dr. Archer Bradshaw addressed attendees with a powerful affirmation of diverse educational pathways: “This facility embodies our conviction that excellence manifests through multiple channels. Whether students pursue engineering, medicine, or cosmetology, the Ministry believes education must validate all professional trajectories.”

    Beginning September 2024, cosmetology and barbering will be formally integrated into the school’s Arts Department curriculum, alongside established programs in music, theater, and visual arts. This structural integration represents a deliberate response to the expanding creative sector, often termed the “Orange Economy,” where artistic innovation intersects with commercial enterprise.

    The inauguration included a symbolic demonstration of student capability when Minister of Home Affairs Gregory Nicholls received professional grooming services from a student barber. This interaction visibly demonstrated the initiative’s core objective: providing tangible, confidence-building experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world application.

    Lester Vaughan School now joins ten other secondary institutions offering beauty education, distinguishing itself as one of only six nationwide providing comprehensive training in both cosmetology and barbering disciplines. As the fifth laboratory established through private sector collaboration, this project establishes a direct vocational pathway while advancing national priorities in sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and social well-being.

  • Calliaqua students place 2nd among regional environmentalists

    Calliaqua students place 2nd among regional environmentalists

    A team of fifth-grade innovators from Calliaqua Anglican Primary School has secured second place in the prestigious Macmillan Education Young Environmental Scientist Regional Competition 2025-2026 (Primary Category), bringing national pride to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The student group, operating under the dynamic moniker SVG Wildlife Warriors, comprises Vedant Shetty, Khristan Da Santos, Kareem Ashton, and Tajiri Layne.

    Their award-winning submission featured a comprehensive five-minute video presentation demonstrating both scientific rigor and creative problem-solving. The annual Macmillan Education competition provides a critical platform for Caribbean students to develop practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, with this year’s theme aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

    The young conservationists focused their research on raising awareness about endangered species native to their archipelago. Their project involved meticulous data collection and analysis on threatened wildlife including the iconic St. Vincent parrot, the elusive whistling warbler, the critically endangered Union Island Gecko, and majestic hawksbill turtles.

    Demonstrating exceptional educational innovation, the team designed an interactive board game that transforms environmental education into an engaging experience. This creative tool aims to inspire younger generations to actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts while learning about ecological preservation.

    The award was formally presented by Deborah Brearley from the United Kingdom, alongside Denise Gaymes representing Macmillan Education. Brearley commended the students’ exceptional ability to merge scientific inquiry with imaginative environmental advocacy.

    Principal Roslyn Marshall expressed profound institutional pride in the achievement, highlighting how this recognition reflects the school’s dedicated emphasis on holistic education and advanced STEM learning methodologies. The first-place honors were awarded to a competing institution from Trinidad and Tobago.

  • UWI outreach programme ends on polished note

    UWI outreach programme ends on polished note

    Students from Parkinson Memorial Secondary School concluded their transformative journey in the Global Alumni Outreach Programme with a comprehensive professional development session at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. The final module, dedicated to interview preparedness and corporate etiquette, provided crucial career skills ahead of the students’ examinations.

    The program, officially titled ‘Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges – Transforming Children’s Lives’ (PTFTC-TCL), hosted its culminating dining etiquette session at the Campus Solutions Centre on Monday. This served as an intensive review for Parkinson Upper Fifth students before their practical examination the following day.

    Aisha Estwick, Assistant Registrar of the Employee Success Division in Human Resources for UWI Global Campus, initiated the session with critical insights into job application protocols. She detailed common CV pitfalls that lead to immediate rejection, highlighting inappropriate email addresses, grammatical inaccuracies, and exaggerated skill claims as primary disqualifiers. Estwick specifically cautioned against excessive document length, noting that CVs extending to ‘ten pages’ typically fail to advance in selection processes.

    The HR expert outlined essential CV components, emphasizing that Information Technology proficiency should extend beyond basic Microsoft Office knowledge to include social media platform familiarity. Regarding cover letters, Estwick stressed the necessity of customizing each application to demonstrate clear alignment between candidate qualifications and specific job requirements.

    Drawing from her extensive experience reviewing hundreds of applications, Estwick revealed that typically only five candidates progress to the interview stage from each pool of applicants—a statistic underscoring the competitive nature of job markets.

    Students gained additional perspective through a recorded address from Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General, Rodney Williams, who advocated for developing core interpersonal competencies including communication, problem-solving, time management, and emotional intelligence as foundational career preparation.

    The practical segment, led by Campus Officer of Alumni Relations Sandra Griffith-Carrington, encompassed comprehensive business and dining etiquette training. Students underwent meticulous grooming checks (fingernails and shoes), received instruction on professional handshake techniques, and learned sophisticated napkin folding designs including the bow, rose, and candle configurations.

    Following theoretical instruction, students implemented their acquired knowledge during a practical exercise at Mount Restaurant, demonstrating full proficiency in formal dining protocols.

    Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, the PTFTC-TCL program operates across 16 secondary schools throughout Barbados with support from alumni volunteers and sponsors including the Sandals Foundation. The initiative aims to instill social graces and professional ethics—including accountability, dedication, and courtesy—as students transition toward their future careers.

    Griffith-Carrington concluded the session with enduring advice for the students: ‘Gratitude is the attitude that determines your altitude’—a principle applicable to both professional interviews and life pursuits.

  • Winston Jones High triumphs in regional NSLIP Mathematics Competition

    Winston Jones High triumphs in regional NSLIP Mathematics Competition

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Winston Jones High School has achieved remarkable academic distinction by securing top honors in Jamaica’s Regional National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP) Mathematics Competition. The institution’s mathematics team demonstrated extraordinary proficiency in numerical reasoning, analytical thinking, and complex problem-solving, earning them the championship title.

    School administrators highlighted that the victory was made possible through the concerted efforts of dedicated educators and the unwavering determination of the students. The NSLIP program, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, is designed to enhance student outcomes in fundamental academic disciplines, with mathematics being a primary focus.

    Acting Principal Shane Henry emphasized that this accomplishment underscores the resilience of the student body and the effectiveness of structured educational support systems. The competition itself serves as an avenue for students to engage with rigorous academic challenges in an environment that promotes scholarly achievement and intellectual growth.

    Winston Jones High also acknowledged the valuable participation of competing schools, noting that their involvement elevated the event’s competitive spirit and emphasized the significance of collaboration and perseverance in education. This achievement arrives at an opportune moment, providing both inspiration and validation to students as they prepare for upcoming external examinations.

    Guided by the school’s motto, ‘Prayer and Work Conquer All,’ educators reaffirm their commitment to fostering academic excellence and enabling students to realize their fullest potential.