Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has highlighted the transformative power of education, which she says “remains one of the greatest equalisers, opening doors, creating opportunity, and removing barriers once thought immovable.”
As she addressed top-performing students at the CXC Regional Awards at the Government Campus Plaza on Thursday, she highlighted the progress made in Trinidad and Tobago’s education system, recalling accomplishments during her first tenure as Prime Minister when this country achieved its highest academic performance in its history across the SEA, the CSEC, and the CAPE exams in 2014.
“Nearly three out of four students scored above 50%. Two out of three achieved more than 60% in SEA, and 94% of CAPE candidates passed their exams. I say this because we put a focus then on education, and I commit as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and of course one of the leaders in the region, that we continue to focus on education. Thousands of teachers under my watch, advanced training in ICT, pedagogy, math, science, languages, mediation and conflict resolution. Higher education was strongly supported with 9,463 scholarships awarded, and 191,707 students benefited from GATE.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed her government’s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world with the roll-out of laptops to Form One students, which she said “will continue until every single Form 1 child in the secondary school will have a laptop and the world in their hands.”
“We now operate in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, cyber security, renewable energy, cultural and creative industries, and increasing global competitiveness. In this environment, education cannot be treated as a routine social service. It must be recognised as a strategic investment in national transformation. As a former Minister of Education myself, and now twice Prime Minister, I remain firmly committed to advancing education and supporting continued regional progress. And I will tell you what I’ve been saying all these years. I repeat: Education is the only passport out of poverty. And I say secondly: Education is the key for a better quality of life.”
Acknowledging the dedication of the nation’s teachers and the government’s commitment to strengthening education, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar outlined a series of initiatives to ensure a resilient, forward-looking education system.
“We did curriculum modernisation. We strengthened tech-work training. We enhanced student support. We did continuous teacher development. We upgraded school infrastructure and climate-resilient educational planning. These initiatives form a coherent, forward-looking vision for an education system that is modern, inclusive, resilient, and fully equipped to meet the demands of the future.”
Turning to the Caribbean, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar highlighted regional progress and achievements, including an increase in students earning five or more CSEC passes, including Maths and English, and completing Secondary School.
“There’s also increasing interest in areas aligned with the future of work. More students are choosing digital learning, renewable energy, climate smart education, Information and Communication Technology and biotechnology. There is still much work ahead. Strengthening literacy, expanding equitable access to tertiary education, and improving pathways for learners must continue to remain priorities. But the direction is clear: the region is advancing. Outcomes are improving.”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar reflected on her long-standing friendship with Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the current Chair of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), praising his remarkable journey and impact.
“We once walked the same halls as students and then as young lecturers at the Mona campus in Jamaica. Even then, Professor Beckles stood apart as a scholar of very sharp intellectual purpose, an unmistakable purpose, Professor. You could already see the making of a pioneering academic, a cricketing scholar, whose influence would reach far beyond our shores. Professor’s journey began in the rural village of Rock Hall, St. Andrew, Barbados, where, like me, you walked barefoot to school. I did that too. And so we came from very modest beginnings to face the challenges before us. Through discipline, determination, Professor Beckles rose to distinguished leadership within the University of the West Indies, serving as Principal of the Cave Hill campus, and later as Vice-Chancellor of our regional university.”
The Prime Minister concluded with a message of hope and encouragement, urging students to pursue education to their full potential: “Remember this is your beginning. It is not your boundary. With education, discipline, self-belief, your future can exceed every expectation. As you go forward, stay curious in the world as it rapidly evolves. Stay courageous, because progress requires bold action. And stay grounded in who you are and where your journey began, even as you step confidently onto the global stage.”