Since the new immigration policy was promulgated on January 14, 2017, the Saint Lucia passport program has been highly sought after, becoming an ideal passport program for many investors. Furthermore, the government of Saint Lucia has pledged to carry out education reform in 2017.
The government of Saint Lucia has committed to providing inclusive and equitable quality education. This was outlined by Her Excellency Governor-General Dame Pearlette Louisy in the Throne Speech on April 25.
According to the Office of the Governor-General, the government of Saint Lucia views education as an investment in human capital. In this regard, she stated that the government intends to adopt several initiatives aimed at educating its citizens.
One such initiative will place greater emphasis on early childhood education. Another initiative is the Democracy Education Program, which focuses on developing soft skills and national pride. This curriculum will be introduced to primary and secondary school programs at the start of the 2017 academic year. The third is the establishment of the First Generation Initiative, which provides a pathway for at least one child from low-income families to access higher education.
Her Excellency Dame Pearlette said: "The government also intends to expand educational opportunities by placing greater emphasis on e-learning. We will ensure that ICT centers and facilities are available to all communities for education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We further propose to introduce technology integration and innovation into the curriculum to prepare students for a technology-driven world."
"Through the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC), some of our citizens have already acquired skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities. The government commends the efforts of the NSDC and will continue to promote its programs with the support of the private sector. In addition, we are enhancing technical vocational education and training by awarding the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) to artisans, tradespeople, and technicians, thereby increasing their competitiveness in the local and regional job markets."
The enactment of the Accreditation Bill and the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions Bill is another measure by the government to improve the quality of education.
"Saint Lucia continues to attract medical and offshore educational institutions. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the programs offered by these institutions meet quality standards and are internationally recognized," Dame Pearlette continued. "The Accreditation Bill provides for the processes and mechanisms for the accreditation of study programs offered by higher education institutions and the awards they grant."