Guyana assumes CARICOM education leadership

Guyana’s Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, has assumed the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) on Education. The chairmanship was formally accepted during the opening of the 52nd COHSOD meeting held in Guyana.

Under the theme ‘Educating for Life, Purpose and Caribbean Progress,’ the meeting focuses on evolving regional education systems to meet changing global needs. Minister Parag emphasized that education must move beyond mere examination preparation to develop adaptable, critical-thinking citizens. Key priorities for the council include the implementation of a regional micro-credentialing sub-framework, an apprenticeship framework, mathematics interventions, teacher support, and enhanced parent engagement.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett highlighted the increasing demand for technical, vocational, and digital skills. She noted that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) serves as a strategic investment in regional resilience, supporting digital transformation and the transition to a green, climate-resilient economy.