Recent graduates of the University of Nottingham have been urged to stay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to put their new training into use instead of seeking opportunities elsewhere.{{more}}

This encouragement came from newly appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Nicole Baker as she addressed the teachers during the graduation ceremony held on Monday, March 29, 2010, at the Peace Memorial Hall.

Baker acknowledged that the teachers, having completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), have become more marketable and may wish to move on to better jobs overseas. “Many times, teachers will depart these shores because you are now more marketable and I believe some of you will go on to get Master’s degrees and you are now going to be attracted by other countries and other territories that can offer you better remuneration rates, than perhaps the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines can do at this time,” Baker said.

She, however, implored teachers to stay at least five or seven years in St. Vincent and the Grenadines so that the government can see the returns of their investment in their training. The PGCE course was funded by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean Development Bank. It was conducted by the University of Nottingham, one of the top universities in England, and was completed by the teachers in one year.

Referring to the teachers as the fortunate few who had received education free from the government, Baker said that the government expects to feel the returns of their training in the classrooms. “Because at the end of the day you have received your training to do a job in the classroom, and that is to improve our children’s learning outcomes.”

Baker added that though some teachers may argue that there are no options for advancement in the teaching profession, many teachers have been promoted to the post of principal and some have become education officers in the Ministry of Education. She encouraged the graduates to use the training they received to develop the skills of their students. She also implored them to become leaders who inspire their peers and students to excel.