(EMU) – St. Kitts, April 3, 2018: The singing of a document between the Organization of American States, (OAS) and St. Kitts and Nevis, specifically the Ministry of Education, was signed at the the OAS Headquarters at Fortlands, Basseterre on Thursday March 29.

This agreement signifies the spirit of genuine strategic partnership. The execution of the project, proposed by the Ministry, will be made possible through funding, provided by the OAS’ agreement. Mrs. Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, was in attendance at the brief procedure and affirmed, “St. Kitts and Nevis singed the OAS charter in 1984 and has benefitted significantly from the long and fruitful relationship.”

During a brief interview, Dr. Tricia Esdaille, Chief Education Officer elaborated, “We would look towards establishing a continuous programme of professional development for teachers. Currently here in St. Kitts and Nevis we have a system of in-service training and we’re beginning to look at how to develop it to better meet the needs of our changing society and education system.”

It was revealed that the project will mainly focus on professionalizing the teaching force, revisiting the standards for monitoring, evaluation as well as teacher appraisal. The project will ultimately look at the core of the significance of being a teacher and establishing standards.

Mr. Vincent Hodge, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education divulged that the Ministry intends to partner with a regional counterpart for assistance in this regard.

“We reached out to the Ministry of Education in Jamaica, which agreed to provide assistance with setting up a teaching council and other aspects that we would need to draw on to professionalize the teaching service.”

The brief ceremony was attended by, Mrs. Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, Mr. Vincent Hodge, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Tricia Esdaille, Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Sonia Boddie Thompson, Desk Officer for the OAS and Ms. Carol Seaton, Administrative Assistant at the OAS Headquarters.