Anguilla is one of the top high-end tourist destinations in the Caribbean. We have all read this statement many times in numerous articles. There is no doubt that this is quite an honour. Anguillians should be proud of this distinguished reputation. However, I wonder if you would agree with me if I said the following: I would rather have Anguilla be known for having the best education system in the Caribbean. What do you think? Which is more important? Which would you choose if you had to pick one?

Peter Wolinksy

I would pick education. With the best education system in the Caribbean, Anguilla can still be a successful high-end tourist destination, but it might also be a whole lot more. The benefits of a strong education system are numerous and well documented. They include improved economic benefits for the nation and the individual, a better informed electorate, improved health and life expectancy, gender equality, and higher standards of living. The stronger the education system, the more opportunities there are for graduates to find high paying jobs, and in turn the less the government would need to turn to outside specialists and workers from other countries. Stronger and more varied educational opportunities can result in less crime, more alternatives to drugs and alcohol, and a general sense of empowerment. The better educated the population, the more opportunities for economic diversity, and the less reliant the island is on one or two industries. Think also of the great pride and prestige it would bring to the island if the tourist literature could state that Anguilla ranks at the top end of all Caribbean nations in terms of quality of education.

I have asked a number of friends and colleagues what they think about this goal, and received a number of questions in response: Is this a goal that can be reached? Is it realistic? How can such a small island obtain such a lofty goal? What about the cost?

These are all important questions, and while I don’t have the answer, I certainly have a strong opinion. (This should come as no surprise if you are a regular reader of this column!) First, I think it is a very realistic goal, and one that can be achieved within five years. This is due, in large part, to the size of the island. Anguilla has a very small school system, under 3,000 students. It is much easier to bring about change in a small system than it is in a large system. As to cost, I don’t believe that excellence in education is directly tied to budgets. Sure, it would help to have more money, but over the past year I have outlined numerous programs, curricula, and strategies that can drastically improve student performance and behavior, and all of these have been free or of minimal cost. There is a cost, of course, but it is the cost of training and commitment. And this brings me to the most important factor in whether this goal of educational excellence can be achieved: vision and leadership. The first (free) step forward is a plan in which the outcome is excellence. A plan, for example, to increase literacy, improve critical thinking, and engage reluctant learners. Then there needs to be a leader who is committed to that vision, who is charged with achieving that vision, and who is bold enough to take whatever steps are necessary to get there.

This might be something to think about as you prepare to cast your ballot on February 15th.
Email your thoughts on this topic. Peter.Wolinsky@gov.ai.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News