The CARICOM Secretariat and the Ministry of Education, Guyana, are strengthening the education transformation agenda following discussions on the core drivers of educational change within CARICOM.
In February, Ms Alison Drayton, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General (Human and Social Development), and Mr Davion Leslie, Programme Manager (Human Resource Development), met with the Honourable Sonia Parag, Minister of Education, Guyana. The Minister assumed the role of Chair of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Education, on 1 October 2025; her tenure will continue until 30 September 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the CARICOM Secretariat, Minister Parag and her team to discuss the transformational imperatives for education across the Caribbean Community, review progress on regional education strategies and frameworks, identify areas requiring high-level political support and policy harmonisation, and agree on priority items for the upcoming COHSOD meeting.
ASG Drayton commended Minister Parag for Guyana’s strong commitment to strengthening access, quality, and relevance across the education system, particularly as the country undergoes rapid economic and social transformation. She also highlighted optimism about Guyana’s progress toward Universal Secondary Education in 2026.
Minister Parag reaffirmed her commitment to leveraging Guyana’s tenure as Chair of COHSOD to advocate for policy changes at the regional level, including the development of climate-relevant school infrastructure; advancement of a robust digital transformation of education and the improvement of literacy initiatives.
Editor’s note:
The Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) promotes human and social development. Specifically, Article 17 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas states the Council, which consists of Ministers designated by the Member States, will promote the development of education through the efficient organisation of educational and training facilities in the Community, including elementary and advanced vocational training and technical facilities.
Helpful links:
Caribbean Education Leaders Unite to Drive Bold Transformation across the Region
COHSOD Education Chair Advocates for Climate Change Resilient Education Sector
Regional cooperation needed to make education system more adaptable to effects of climate change says COHSOD Education Chairhttps://caricom.org/to-make-our-education-system-more-adaptable-to-the-effects-of-climate-change-regional-cooperation-is-needed-says-48-cohsod-education-chair/
