The 52nd Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development-Education is currently underway in Guyana, with its focus set on improving performance in Mathematics across the region, and strengthening pathways for skills development.

The two-day meeting which will see the participation of Education Ministers and senior officials from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), will also consider a Regional Sub-Framework for Micro-Credentials, aimed at making learning more flexible and responsive to the changing needs of individuals and economies.

At the meeting, Minister of Education Sonia Parag officially assumed the Chairmanship of the regional body.

In her remarks the Education Minister highlighted the importance of micro-credentials in supporting lifelong learning, re-skilling and up-skilling, while noting that a shared regional framework would help ensure that such qualifications are trusted, quality-assured and portable across the Community.

The meeting is also considering a proposed Regional Apprenticeship Framework, which seeks to strengthen the connection between education and the world of work by expanding opportunities for practical, workplace-based learning.

The Minister emphasized that education must extend beyond the acquisition of knowledge and preparation for examinations, and should equip learners to think critically, adapt to change, discover their purpose and contribute meaningfully to society.

A significant focus is also being placed on strengthening foundational learning, particularly Mathematics.

The Caribbean Development Bank presented its proposed Mathematics Enhancement Programme for Primary and Secondary Schools, developed in partnership with the University of the West Indies, which advocates a systemic approach to improving mathematics outcomes across the region.

Minister Parag welcomed the regional initiative, noting the positive impact of Guyana’s own mathematics intervention programme on national learning outcomes and emphasizing that strong foundational learning is critical to success in science, technology, technical training, financial literacy and the modern workplace.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett highlighted the growing demand for technical, vocational and digital skills across the region, and noted the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in strengthening Caribbean competitiveness, resilience and economic participation.

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