Curriculum change needed

ONE recipient of an honorary degree from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, is of the view that emphasis must be placed on reviewing our curriculum to match demands presently.

Such a view was expressed by Sir Henry Forde, as he delivered the feature address at the graduation ceremony of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, held at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Barbados.

He also called for a greater concentration to be placed on the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“I believe that if we are to move the region forward rapidly, emphasis must be placed on urgent reviewing of our curriculum to match the demands of our economic developmental requirements. In the ’40s and ’50s, the emphasis in our educational system was on the Classics. So that during that period, even our scholars, who later excelled in the Science, such as your Chancellor, Professor the Honourable Sir George Alleyne, began his studies as a scholar of the Classics.

“In the ’60s and the ’70s, the focus was on the Humanities, and so some of our brightest minds, such as your Deputy Principal, Professor Eudine Barriteau, was a Humanities scholar.”

He continued, “I share the views of the Honourable Dr. Keith Mitchell, that if we wish to compete globally, we need to encourage more of our students to concentrate on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“I note that Cave Hill has started the process by rebranding its Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences as the Faculty of Science and Technology. Let me be quick to say, however, that a concentration on Science and Technology does not mean ignoring the Humanities.”

Sir Henry received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws during Saturday morning’s ceremony. The Rt. Reverend Dr. Rufus Brome and Dr. Jennifer Obidah-Alleyne also received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws during the ceremony. (MG)