On Tuesday 10 November 2026, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Tobago House of Assembly’s Division of Education, Skills and Innovation (DESI) have reaffirmed their commitment to placing student success at the centre of educational planning and delivery, following discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving access to quality education across Trinidad and Tobago.
The engagement focused on identifying practical ways to strengthen coordination between the Ministry and DESI, ensuring that students in both Trinidad and Tobago benefit from more responsive educational services, equitable access to learning opportunities and the education resources.
Discussions also emphasised stronger communication between Trinidad and Tobago, increased sharing of educational resources and expertise, and the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. The implementation of AI-supported textbooks was highlighted as an important development in modernising educational delivery and expanding access to interactive learning resources.
Both organisations also explored opportunities for greater collaboration in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), including professional development, assessment tools and the exchange of best practices. Administrative matters, such as student and teacher transfers, information sharing and digitisation of services, were also discussed.
To ensure that issues are addressed efficiently and translated into practical action, both entities agreed to establish subcommittees comprising relevant representatives from the MOE and DESI. These subcommittees will focus on specific areas of concern, strengthen communication, monitor progress and facilitate the timely resolution of matters affecting students, teachers and schools.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) featured prominently in the discussions, which included a tour of TVET classrooms at East Mucurapo Secondary School. The emphasis on TVET reflects the importance of exposing students to diverse educational and career pathways from an earlier stage. By strengthening access to technical and vocational programmes, the education system can better respond to students’ individual abilities and interests while equipping them with relevant skills for further education, training and the evolving demands of the workforce.
Minister of Education, Dr the Honourable Michael R. Dowlath, underscored the importance of ensuring that collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago translates into meaningful outcomes for learners by stating that, “Student success must remain at the heart of everything we do. Our responsibility is to ensure that every student, whether in Trinidad or Tobago, has access to the support, resources, technology and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. Our measure of success must be the difference we make in the lives and learning outcomes of our students.”
The Ministry recognises that sustained engagement with DESI is essential to advancing shared educational priorities and ensuring that national initiatives are responsive to the particular needs of Tobago.
Present at the engagement were Dr the Honourable Michael R. Dowlath, Minister of Education; Ms Simone Williams, Permanent Secretary; Dr Peter Smith, Chief Education Officer; and other MOE executives. Representing the Tobago delegation were Assemblyman Orlando Kerr, Secretary of DESI; Ms Ginelle Williams, Administrator; and other senior representatives.