Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones, greets India’s Minister of State for Law and Justice and Corporate Affairs, Shri Chaudhary, at the start of their recent courtesy call at the Elsie Payne Complex. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

Government wants to make Barbados a centre for excellence in education across the globe.

Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones, expressed this desire recently when India’s Minister of State for Law and Justice and Corporate Affairs, Shri P.P Chaudhary, paid him a courtesy call at the Ministry’s Elsie Payne Complex, Constitution Road, St. Michael.

Those attending the courtesy call included India’s Ambassador, Satendar Kumar; Second Secretary & Head of Chancery, Mr. Deepak; Private Secretary Rajesh Chippa; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Princess Lovell-Chandler; and Deputy Chief Education Officer (Schools), Joy Adamson.

Mr. Jones said Barbados was looking at various centres of excellence, with Mr. Chaudhary expressing the view that medical education would be a good area for Barbados to concentrate on. He suggested that more students from his country would come here if education was compatible.

Minister Jones stressed that this island’s education system was “quite good”, but believed it could be improved. He said there was a need for more resources and expressed appreciation to India, saying that over the years, Barbadians had benefited tremendously from a number of scholarships. He added that any offering of educational assistance to small island developing states was important in their quest for excellence.

Describing India as outstanding in the area of technology, he opined that Barbados could benefit greatly from its expertise.

Mr. Jones stated that the recently established medical schools, including the American University of Barbados, the Bridgetown International University, Washington University of Barbados and Victoria University of Barbados were doing well. He gave the assurance that the students would be “taken good care of” while here.

Minister Chaudhary said quality education was very important to India, adding that it was an area in which his country invested heavily. He noted that traditionally, both countries have always had close relations and thanked Barbados for supporting India, especially at international fora.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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