LaRocque: Improvement of skills necessary for regional youth

The issue of preparing young persons for life in a digital age and the implications for our education systems, both in terms of teacher education and school curricula, and the improvement of skills in Science and Mathematics, are high on the priorities for Human Resource Development in our region, says Caricom Secretary General Ambassador, Irwin LaRocque.

Speaking at the signing of a revised memorandum of understanding between UNESCO-Caricom earlier this week, he identified that the challenge of attrition and under performance of males throughout our Caribbean education system was an on-going struggle, and suggested that these were among the areas in which the co-operation with development partners, like UNESCO, has proven invaluable.

According to him, the region is known and respected internationally for its many traditional as well as contemporary, cultural expressions in areas such as music, art, craft, the literary and culinary arts, fashion, festivals and theatre.

“Over the past biennium, the increased efforts by UNESCO with regard to awareness building and the importance of preservation of our intangible cultural heritage, have been of significant benefit to the Region. There are so many traditions, indigenous medicines, beliefs, stories, symbols and songs which constitute a vital part of the rich cultural heritage of our people. These make us distinct and unique,” he added.

LaRocque stated that Caricom member states therefore had a deeply vested interest in the preservation, protection and promotion of this rich cultural heritage.

“This commitment is based on the belief in the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage for our next generation, to preserve the rich knowledge and skills of our societies and ensure that these are transferred from generation to generation. This contributes to social cohesion and engenders a sense of our Caribbean identity and a sense of belonging. The Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage are critical in this process. The Caricom Secretariat will continue its efforts in encouraging Member States to become Parties to these Conventions,” he added.(JMB)