Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 04, 2023 (CABINET SECRETARIAT): Under the leadership of Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, the Cabinet Ministers convened on Monday, October 2nd, 2023 and made essential decisions to enhance the well-being of our people.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration places high importance on enhancing the accessibility, affordability, and quality of early childhood care and education. This emphasis is rooted in undeniable evidence indicating that quality early childhood programmes offer substantial benefits to children, families, communities, and the economy. Notably, children from disadvantaged backgrounds stand to gain the most. Consequently, the Cabinet has given its seal of approval to the Early Childhood Care and Education Policy and Minimum Operating Standards. This guiding document will direct the efforts of the Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood Development Unit, the supervisory team, personnel in the public early childhood sector, and private owners of early childhood facilities.
The Cabinet also approved the formulation of regulations that will provide more detailed guidance on the registration and licensing of Early Childhood Care and Education facilities. Additionally, there will be the formation of a National Early Childhood Council. This Council aims to steer the sector, drawing from regional guidelines and legislation to determine its establishment and operational procedures.
Further aligning with the Government’s commitment to fostering healthy and conducive learning environments, the Cabinet has greenlit projects to acquire new school furniture and undertake bathroom renovations in several of the island’s most affected schools.
The Cabinet members commended the exemplary efforts of the Independence 40 Committee in successfully orchestrating the activities marking our nation’s fortieth Independence Anniversary. Notably, co-chairs Ms. Viera Galloway and Dr. Marcus L Natta earned special accolades for their leadership and coordination of a diverse range of commemorative events. The Honourable Prime Minister highlighted the profound sense of national pride and patriotism demonstrated by both residents of St. Kitts and Nevis and those in the diaspora.
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