Education is the hot topic as we move into the Election season, and it is the priority focus for the foreseeable future for the Chamber of Commerce.
It was for these reasons that we arranged for our latest BE INFORMED session to feature the Ministry of Education, Employment & Gender Affairs, as well as the Department of Education.
President, Kyle Broadhurst, started the proceedings with some opening remarks. Mr. Broadhurst noted how the Chamber membership had highlighted education as a concern in both focus groups and surveys, and further noted how educational standards are linked with noticeable skills gaps and crime rates.
He further stated that the Chamber will work tirelessly over the next year, and foreseeable future, to help improve educational standards, saying: “It is hoped that the Chamber’s involvement in this critical issue will help move Cayman into a position where the subject of education is one of pride, as opposed to concern.”
Chief Officer, Christen Suckoo, accompanied by a panel of representatives from both the Ministry and Department of Education, then delivered a two-hour presentation on the current state of education in Cayman. The presentation referred to both the positive and negatives aspects currently prevalent in the education system, and went into insightful detail about the factors affecting the current system.
A room full of Chamber members and residents listened intently to the Ministry representatives, often engaging in back-and-forth question-and-answer sessions to find out more about the education system. Some declared candidates for the upcoming elections were also present, although no heated political exchanges occurred.
Christen Suckoo, whilst discussing the role of the Ministry and their choices that affect education, stated: “Every decision we make is to the benefit of the child.”
Our next BE INFORMED session will be held on Wednesday, March 29. The focus of this session will be on the superyacht industry, and how it affects the local economy.
We would like to thank the Ministry of Education, Employment & Gender Affairs for agreeing to host last week’s session.
For those who were unable to attend the session, click here to download a copy of the Ministry’s presentation.
Photos from the event can be found on our Facebook page.