Message from the Junior Minister for Education, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Information

Thousands of students across St Vincent and the Grenadines return to the classroom today, January, 5 2026 following the 2025 Christmas break.  Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Lavern King, has issued the following message to students, educators, and support staff of educational institutions:

       On the Commencement of the New School Term – January 5, 2026

As we enter a new school term on 5th January 2026, I extend my warmest greetings to our students, educators, parents, and the dedicated support staff who form the backbone of our educational landscape across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The start of a term is more than a date on a calendar; it is a collective “reset.” It offers a unique opportunity to refine our habits, sharpen our intellectual endeavours, and recommit to the pursuit of excellence.

This term is historically one of our most vibrant, marked by a union between academic rigour and athletic prowess. As sporting activities come to the forefront, we are reminded that true education transcends the traditional classroom. It is from these school-level competitions that our next generation of Olympians will emerge, carrying the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with the same excellence they apply to their studies.

To our Fifth Form students: you are entering a pivotal season as CXC/CSEC examinations approach, and finalising Student Based Assessments (SBAs) are critical. I urge you to balance your ambition with steady discipline. Manage your time with intention, but remember that asking for support is a mark of maturity, not a sign of weakness. To our Teachers and Parents, your guidance, structure, and encouragement will be especially important during this period.

We enter this term mindful of the recent fire at Questelles Primary School. Such events test our resolve, yet they also highlight our capacity for solidarity. The Ministry is committed to navigating this recovery, and any future hurdles, with a dual focus on operational excellence and profound empathy. The continuity of learning and the well-being of our school communities remain the focus of our response.

Education is a collaborative venture, so let’s ensure that all hands are on deck! As we move forward, let us do so with a shared sense of purpose and a commitment to looking out for one another.

I wish every stakeholder a safe, intellectually stimulating, and productive term. Together, we will continue to build a future defined by innovation and opportunity.

Hon. Lavern King — Minister of State in the Ministry of Education.

Ministry of Education, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Information