Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Sandra Husbands, is of the view that competitions, such as WorldSkills Lyon 2024, can elevate Barbados and help it to thrive while competing in the global marketplace.
Ms. Husbands expressed this belief ahead of the announcement of the Barbados team for WorldSkills 2024, which takes place in Lyons, France, in September.
At the media briefing yesterday at the office of the Technical and Vocational Education Training Council (TVETC), she dubbed the WorldSkills competition as “an international hub or centre of excellence for skills development” which highlights the links between skills, excellent personal and professional development, as well as national and global economic growth and prosperity.
“The TVET Council has initiated a specific developmental thrust that facilitates team leaders, experts, and competitors, who have been visiting several countries to participate in training sessions, and I can attest that the participants have represented Barbados well on the world stage. Global quality and value enhances and sweetens every customer’s personal journey through life, that is how important you are,” she said.
Minister Husbands told the competitors that it is important to remember that they are not just representing the TVETC, themselves and their families but also their country.
“Above all, you will be representing us, Barbados, a small but powerful nation, which is highly regarded in the international community. So, we expect you to do your best. We also expect that whatever you do, strive to achieve and to do it with the same dignity, grace, and pride, as countless Barbadians who have represented this country internationally.
“We want you to do well for us too, so that you inspire your peers and a new generation to come that we can be world class and we can be excellent,” she encouraged.