Focus on capabilities over credentials, Director General of the OECS

The education systems in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS, have come under criticism for its heavy focus on credentials rather than strengthening the capabilities of its students.

Stakeholders in education are being urged to find the balance between “academic knowledge and real world relevance” if citizens of the OECS Member States are to have a chance in the global arena.

This advice came from Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr Didacus Jules during his address at the Opening Ceremony of the 77th Meeting of the OECS Authority held in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) this week.

Dr Jules highlighted a number of crises affecting the region which he said have created “the worse of all nightmares”. He said these global shocks, including, economic instability, climate emergencies, pandemics and geopolitical conflicts, strike the already “fragile structure” of the OECS.

“We are not just vulnerable; we are systemically exposed,” he told Heads and their delegations at the Sandals, SVG Resort, Buccament.

The top OECS Administrator pointed to “misaligned education systems” as one of the weak areas in the sub-region and made a call for member states to “transition from credentialism to capabilities”.

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