The Caribbean Development Bank has announced a sweeping education reform strategy aimed at unlocking the potential of the region’s youth, nearly 60 percent of whom are under 30. Speaking at the opening of the CDB’s Regional Transforming Education Symposium in Barbados, Bank President Daniel Best said the initiative will overhaul the education system to drive inclusive growth. The plan focuses on ensuring every child masters literacy, numeracy, and digital skills by Grade 3, while preparing students for jobs in renewable energy, health tech, agro-tech, and the digital economy. The strategy includes greater use of adaptive learning and AI tools, equitable digital access, university reform to support blue and green economies, teacher training, and stronger links between education and employment. Best warned that poor exam results, low university graduation rates, and high migration threaten the region’s progress. He stressed that parents must also be active partners in reform, calling for stronger Parent-Teacher Associations and community involvement.
