Acting Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd.

Caribbean people need to be aware of the impact of the movement of human resources on their culture, economies and health and educational systems.

Acting Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd drew attention to this today while addressing the Barbados Association of Secretary/Treasurers of Public Secondary Schools’ 8th Caribbean Bursars’ Conference at PomMarine Hotel.

Speaking to the conference’s theme, “The Movement of Human Resources and the Impact on the Educational System”, he pointed out that “the introduction of the Caribbean Single Market (CSM) had legitimised and further liberalised the movement of human resources regionally.

“The tenets of the CSME provide for the movement of professionals or highly skilled persons to exercise their right to free movement in search of career enrichment,” he stated.

Mr. Todd went on to explain that this phenomenon had relevance for all the countries of the region. “Whether from Barbados, Jamaica or Anguilla, we all have to be aware of the many challenges that are likely to be presented with the increased movement of human capital,” he said.

Also stressing the significance of the movement of female workers within the Caribbean, the Minister said that thought must be given to the “impact of this on their households, particularly their children, who may either accompany them or remain at home for various reasons.”

“Some of their children will be enrolled in our schools and may present certain challenges. Some of the non-national workers will assume positions in our schools and be faced with different cultures,” he said.

Mr. Todd added that another aspect of persons seeking employment in other jurisdictions was that of representation. “Will they be represented by the local unions and if so, to what extent? What are their rights and what resources do they have?” he asked.

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