Archbishop Edward Gilbert and representatives of the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM) met with Senator Hazel Manning Minister of Education and a team from the Education Ministry, on February 2, to discuss issues relating to school construction and the Memorandum of Understanding.

At the meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Education offices on Alexandra Street, Port of Spain, the Ministry’s team made presentations on the new approach to school construction, in particular the proposal for the construction of Early Childhood Care and Education Centres, and primary and secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago.

Details of the recently established Education Facilities Company Limited were provided and the guidelines for the denominational boards to procure state funds, as outlined in the White Paper, were also discussed.

Senior Legal Officer Nirmala Maharaj-Selochan gave an update on negotiations between the Ministry of Education and the denominational boards, regarding the Memorandum of Understanding.

Hazel Reis

The Memorandum seeks to formalise partnership arrangements between the Ministry and the denominational boards.

The Association of Denominational Boards has been meeting regularly at the headquarters of the Maha Sabha to discuss the Memorandum in detail to ensure it does not negate the 1960 Concordat.

Archbishop Gilbert received a series of reports on behalf of the CEBM. He expressed his appreciation for the meeting and promised the dialogue would continue on specific areas of responsibility.

Episcopal Delegate for Education, Hazel Reis, Director of the CEBM, Mennen Walker-Briggs, and Principal of St Mary’s College, Fr Ronald Mendes, CSSp, accompanied the Archbishop.