DESPITE fighting to overcome tough economic times, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has done its best for the growth and development of education in Barbados.
Delivering some of the facts as it relates to what the DLP has done to boost education since 2008, Minister of Education, and candidate for Christ Church East Central, Ronald Jones, said his party has overseen the building of several new schools across the island, teachers being appointed, the introduction of sixth form to many secondary schools, and expanded programmes to enhance the curriculum at tertiary institutions, as well as paving the way for more Barbadians to receive higher education.
“An important part of what I call the new economic sector of Barbados was using our excellence in education. We didn’t do the study, but Barbados was recorded and viewed as the ninth best education system in the world. We are proud of that. We want to become number one. So there are many stones to be moved to get to that level…
“But this government, against the odds, continues to spend over 500 million dollars in education in this country. About six per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Barbados, and between 18 and 20 per cent of government’s expenditure, reflecting that commitment long established in December 1961 and put into play in 1962. . .,” Jones said, as he spoke at Wednesday evening’s presentation of the DLP candidates who will be fighting for seats in the May 24 General Election.
Jones appealed to Barbadians to go to the polls and vote for the DLP candidates, to make it possible for the party’s return to office to continue its work of developing the nation, including the education sector.
“Sometimes it is difficult to find the truth amidst the noise, and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has been a beehive of noise, constant noise every day. We have had more marches and demonstrations in this country in the last five years, than we have ever had in the history of Barbados.
“And, not led by trade unions you know, led by the Barbados Labour Party because somebody wanted power before the due time. Part of the aim was to run us out of office, but they don’t know [Prime Minister the Right Honourable] Freundel Stuart. Nobody runs Freundel Stuart,” Jones said. (AH)