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'Higher education' key to re-tooling human capital post COVID-19– Premier Fahie

- calls for more investments in regional educational institutions
Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has pushed for greater investments in the educations sector which he said is needed if the Caribbean is to develop both the institutional capacity required to help drive sustainable development; and to produce graduates needed to support the diversification of regional economies. Photo: Team of Reporters
Premier Andrew A. Fahie said higher education is key to re-tooling human capital for post-COVID-19 era. Photo: Internet Source
Premier Andrew A. Fahie said higher education is key to re-tooling human capital for post-COVID-19 era. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has pushed for greater investments in the education sector, which he said is needed if the Caribbean is to develop both the institutional capacity required to help drive sustainable development; and to produce graduates needed to support the diversification of regional economies.

Premier Fahie was at the time speaking as the Co-Chair of an October 14, 2020, ECLAC - UWI Development Partner virtual forum.

In brief comments, the Premier said, “I had the distinct privilege to Chair the United Nations ECLAC-UWI Regional Development Partners Forum on Investing in Higher Education to build more Diversified Resilient economies in the Post COVID Era.”

“In my capacity as Co-Chair of the ECLAC’s Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), we have successfully partnered to agree to focus on 'Investment in Higher Education' as a key component of rebuilding and re-tooling our human capital to thrive in the post-COVID-19, knowledge-based digital economy,” he said.

Regional universities must play a part - Premier 

Premier Fahie said more immediately, there is a need for the region’s universities to play a part in data collection and analysis, research and innovation, along with entrepreneurship and industry development.

“In this regard, we are very fortunate to be served by the Caribbean’s prominent educational institution, the University of the West Indies, along with other institutions in the region that are providing support to governments, businesses, and other bodies on a variety of issues.”

Other Presenters at the virtual meeting were Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia A. Mottley; Sir Hillary M. Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI); Ms Diane Quarles, Chief of Economic Commission for the Latin American and Caribbean (ECLAC) Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean; as well Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education in the VI.

12 Responses to “'Higher education' key to re-tooling human capital post COVID-19– Premier Fahie”

  • Makes you wonder (17/10/2020, 09:29) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why our government never talk about those thousands of doctors that’s debunking this Covid thing and saying Covid is a lie ?
  • Use to.. (17/10/2020, 09:46) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Education is always good, especially when its used in combination with common sense and wisdom....Now a days it seems like common sense and wisdom are eliminated and education is used to dictate,, for greed and dishonesty...
  • rattie (17/10/2020, 11:23) Like (0) Dislike (11) Reply
    You have to agree the vip is working
  • PHD (17/10/2020, 12:56) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Higher education in ETHICS would do wonders
  • LOOKS LIKE (17/10/2020, 14:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    the Corona Pandemic is being used to drive the UN Agenda 21. Our bright stars with their higher education seem to be totally invested in this global depopulation agenda. I would bet most of them don't have a clue what is really going on they are just caught up in the power and the glory, Power trippin. They need to realize that there are lives in the balance. You are misleading the sheeple.
  • real man (17/10/2020, 18:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Higher education is necessary at all times. What is most needed at the time more money via jobs, to help take the preasure of a large number of people that is feeling ignored, while cronies are sipping champaine at their leasurous ease. Higher education couple with higher are at this time are more needed to be focus on. Not to be over looked, we still are expecting of this Goverment genuine accountability and transparency of the people's finance.
  • E. Leonard (18/10/2020, 00:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    For the long march towards self-determination whether it is independence or other forms, the VI needs a highly educated workforce/populace. The VI must commit itself to being a reading and learning nation. It must strive to be at the top or near the top in education achievements similar to the achievement of another small locale——Singapore. The VI must strive for a critical mass of educated people that can effectively serve in any position from the premier down to a laborer in the territory. To get to this state, the VI must invest in education from Pre-K through the tertiary level.

    In the past, the VI has not invested effectively to meet its total human resource needs. This ineffective planning and investment have resulted in it having to recruit talent from overseas to serve in positions that Virgin Islanders should be able to fill. The VI must strive to be the best educated country in the region with surplus talent. The VI has adopted the educational model used during the colonial period. As such, As it forges ahead, it needs to assess the current model and make adjustments as needed to modernize the system to meet the desired outcome.
    • Socrates (18/10/2020, 09:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The BVI must re-imagine a new BVI post Coronavirus (Covid-19). A robust educational programme is critical, integral and important to political, economic, social and cultural development. Without a strong educational, political independence is a dream that will not be remembered after the BVI is frighteningly awaken. Any race begins with a first step. The BVI needs to reboot by creating and launching its re-education platform. It has to get sober about education, for it important to charting a new course and the way forward. Covid-19 should have revealed that the weaknesses of financial services and tourism. Though the Greek authorities executed me, I’m still waxing my Socratic beliefs. Stay vigilant and on watch.
    • @E.Leonard (18/10/2020, 11:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @E. Leonard, “ The VI has adopted the educational model used during the colonial period. As such, As it forges ahead, it needs to assess the current model and make adjustments as needed to modernize the system to meet the desired outcome.” So what is wrong with the educational model? Were you not educated under the British system? It look like you learn a few things. By the way, the British system is strong and has proven its worth. Don’t forget your roots.
  • Win (18/10/2020, 01:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Which of your Board members or Directors have hight education


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