Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Ronald Jones, (right) presenting Principal of the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, with an award for research done by the CLR James Centre for Cricket.

Regional governments must work closely with the University of the West Indies (UWI), and draw on its expertise in research to facilitate data-driven policy decisions, as the Caribbean forges ahead with national and regional developmental goals.

Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Ronald Jones, made this assertion recently, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus’ Research Day.

"A methodical investigation into a subject in order to discover facts, compile data, establish or revise a theory, or to develop a plan of action is based on the facts and data discovered.?? Research therefore, can enable us to answer questions which may arise from day-to-day and hence, provide possible solutions to problems or dilemmas facing local and regional organisations and governments."

"It is, therefore, my sincere hope that Research Day will achieve its objective of placing greater emphasis on the link between research and the national and regional growth of all our countries, he stated.

Mr. Jones also urged management at the University to position itself to tap the resources necessary to allow it to strengthen its research capability, while noting that the competition for research dollars was intensifying and that research priorities were shifting to meet changing social, cultural, environmental, economic, industrial and political imperatives.

"The University of the West Indies must play an important role in identifying and supporting those areas of research and education with the potential for contributing to national and regional needs…[it] must interact with its partners in academia, industry, governments, private foundations, and other sectors of society to determine issues of national importance that would benefit from investments in research and education," the Minister added.

Minister Jones also lauded the University for the research work completed to date, and pledged Government’s continued support in assisting that institution in that capacity.??

kmoore@barbados.gov.bb

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