New Education Act Now Law

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Tuesday, January 4, 2000 - Her Excellency the Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy has signed into law the new Education Act. In affixing her signature to the Act, Dame Pearlette expressed the hope that it would form part of the schools curriculum.

"At the primary school level, I would like to see the Act as part of the Social Studies Curriculum. At the secondary school level, the relevant sections of the Act should form part of the school’s handbook of rules and regulations as part of the student’s orientation package," said Her Excellency. The Governor General called on the media to help sensitize the nation about the Bill. She said every Principal must have a copy of the Act and advised them to get a copy of the Act and familiarize themselves with the document.

Discussions on the Draft Bill began in 1997 with a number of consultations at every level in the society. The Draft Education Act was then taken to Cabinet in September 1997 and after much debate and discussion by both Houses of Parliament, the Act received parliamentary approval in November 1999. Minister of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports, Honourable Mario Michel says the Act sets out clearly the rights, powers, duties and responsibilities of every major player in the education system. "If a student wants to know what are his or her rights, you simply look under the relevant section of the Legislation and you will see clearly what your rights and duties are as a student," said Michel. The Minister believes that the New Education Act will help to chart the way forward for education in Saint Lucia.

President of the Saint Lucia Teachers Union, Virgina Albert, pledged the support of teachers to the Act. Ms. Albert said, "We give the commitment that we will do all within our powers to implement the various clauses that impact seriously on the lives of children, teachers and in the interest of our nation."

The signing, which took place at Government House, was witnessed by a number of students from secondary, primary and pre schools. Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony who played a significant part in drafting the original bill before he assumed the Office of Prime Minister was also on hand for the ceremony. 

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