Basseterre: St. Kitts, Thursday, January 19, 2023: The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank launched the Enhancing Learning Continuity (ELC) Project on Wednesday, January 18 at the CUNA Conference Centre.
Dr. Martin Baptiste, Chief, Social Sector Division Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) explained the role of CDB in the actualization of the ELC.
“On behalf of the Caribbean Development Bank it is a pleasure to participate in the launch of this Enhancing Learning Continuity Project. This is a project which has been made possible by special fund resources of the bank allocated by the Inter-American Development Bank under the Global Loan Program which is intended to build health, social and economic resilience in OECS member countries.”
Acknowledging the impact of the pandemic on the global society with focus on education, Dr. Baptiste elucidated the commitment of the bank in providing assistance to regional development
“In response CDB has ramped up support to our member countries to address both the pre-existing and pandemic specific deficit in the education sector that undermines equitable outcomes and the ability to safeguard learning continuity during pandemics. Against this back drop the bank is please to provide the government of St. Kitts and Nevis with the requested US 4.155 million dollars line of credit to implement what we agree is a well-designed project.”
Dr. Baptiste applauded the Ministry of Education and the steering committee of the project for the work done in ensuring the ELC project comes to fruition and pledges his institution’s continued support.
“CDB commends the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for its strategic focus on building a more inclusive and responsive education system that is well aligned with the human capital development needs of the country. We [CDB] stand ready to support the ministry as we move forward to make sure that this project is well executed and the outcomes are in fact achieved.”
Hon. Troy Liburd, Minister of Education in the Nevis Island Administration highlighted the critical role education plays in nation development and thanked CDB for their instrumental involvement in the project. Gratitude was also expressed to the educators on both islands for their role in ensuring that education during the heightened time of the pandemic didn’t suffer.
“It’s always good when education is at the forefront. I believe that education is the easiest way for any country to advance. I would like to say special thanks to the Caribbean Development Bank for coming forward and partnering with us here in St. Kitts and Nevis on this project. USD 4.5 million is not a little bit of money and it will certainly go a long way towards providing resilience in our education system,” Minister Liburd expressed.
Deputy Minister and Minister responsible for the Federal education system, Hon Dr. Geoffrey Hanley conveyed gratitude on behalf of the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis
“My government is grateful to the CDB for the provision of this well needed Line of Credit and for its significant support of the undergirding project components that aim to both recover and to build back better. I am very pleased that this project includes and extends well beyond the provision of technology goods. It is commendable that the Enhancement of Learning Continuity Project demonstrates the recognition that for the education sector, there must be systemic change, for there to be positive and sustained change. We welcome and commit to facilitating the targeted human capital development and culture change project focus, and I pledge my support of this welcomed compendium of sector strengthening initiatives.”
