Basseterre: St. Kitts, Tuesday, August 31st , 2021: Minister of Education, Honourable Jonel
Powell announced that the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) has received a
place of importance in the Federal Education System. This statement was made during brief
remarks extended to teachers at the Opening Ceremony for the Commencement of the 2021-
2022 academic year, on Monday, August 30th , at the Antioch Baptist Church.
“I am pleased to recognize and applaud the place of prominence that must be given to Technical
Vocational Education Training in our education system in the Federation. All students in our
schools regardless of their intellectual abilities must be given the opportunity to pursue technical
and vocational skills.”
Minister Powell noted, that the efforts of Dr. Kertney Thompson, Head of the TVET Secretariat
and Ms. Melva Walters, Head of the Building Unit, during the last school year guaranteed that
each child be given an opportunity to engage in TVET education, which aligns with the
particulars of Programme Area one (1), outcome three (3) of the 2017-2021 Education Sector
Plan.
“The TVET Secretariat headed by Dr. Kertney Thompson and the Building Unit headed by Ms.
Melva Walters spearheaded the refurbishment, renovation and equipping of all TVET spaces at
five of our secondary schools in St. Kitts except the Basseterre High School. This project was
carried out under the TVET Enhancement Project funded by the Caribbean Development Bank,
and the Federal Government.”
Minister Powell gave an indication of the work that was completed.
“The full scope of work done in secondary schools included the renovation of Home Economic
Centers and Woodwork Shops in all secondary schools; Electrical Labs at Cayon High and the
Washington Archibald High Schools; the Clothing and Textile Centers at Verchilds High,
Washington Archibald High, Saddlers Secondary, and Charles E. Mills Secondary; the Home
Management Flat at Cayon High and a new Technical Drawing Room equipped for CAD
Drafting at Charles E. Mills. At Gingerland Secondary, the New Technical Wing is due to open
in September 2021.
This project is being constructed at a cost of $3.8 million dollars. This two-
story building features a woodwork shop, technical drawing room, cosmetology lab, two
multipurpose classrooms and much needed space for storage,” noted the Minister.
The Honourable Minister stated that a committee consisting of individuals from across the
education sector in the Federation will develop a concept and framework for the establishment of
a National Training Institute in St. Kitts and Nevis which will enable the education system to
meet the needs of the labour market.
“Persons from across the education sector in St. Kitts and Nevis have formed a core committee
charged with the responsibility of developing the concept and framework for the establishment
of a National Training Institute in the Federation. This initiative will culminate in the
amalgamation of TVET spaces in St. Kitts and Nevis. It is anticipated that such an entity will
provide opportunities for training and certification in TVET disciplines that will enable our
education system to respond to the labour market needs of our country,” Minister Powell said.
