Day 1 for New Parliamentary Secretary

Contact: Richmond Felix

November 2, 1998 - Staff members at the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports, Monday, officially welcomed the Honourable Michael Gaspard who was recently appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry.

"I can tell you that there were a number of Ministries which sent their bid for his (Gaspard’s) services as Parliamentary Secretary. I think we are fortunate in Education to have won the bid and to have landed the services of the Honourable Michael Gaspard as the Parliamentary Secretary in this Ministry," said Minister of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports the Honourable Mario Michel who was on hand for the event.

During the short ceremony, the new Parliamentary Secretary expressed his commitment to fostering a fruitful relationship with his staff. He also promised to continue the work which has begun toward improving education in St. Lucia.

Mr. Gaspard is no stranger to the realm of education. With over 26 years experience as an educator, he views this and his familiarity with staff members at the ministry, as qualities which will make his job a whole lot easier. Mr. Gaspard indicated that one of his first tasks would be to help individuals better consider their opportunities for advancement and to clarify the role of education. Gaspard "I find too many of our youngsters go to school and leaving without being able to function." He added, "People need to develop entrepreneurial skills. They need to understand that there’s a link between independence and education. This is what I’d really like to focus on in the short term."

In the long run, Mr. Gaspard said that he would like to focus on initiatives for higher education and the importance of technology in human resource development. Adult education and pre-school education are also issues which the new Parliamentary Secretary says are close to his heart and which he would like to give some special attention.

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