Minister of Education Hon. Bertrand Joseph and the Executive Assistant to the Minister, Mrs. Anne Jonas, have returned to Antigua and Barbuda from the Fourth Meeting of Organisation of American States (OAS) Ministers of Education in Scarborough, Tobago.

Ministers of Education of the member states of the Organization of American States (OAS), gathered to consider ways on how to offer quality education that promotes social inclusion, the development of a democratic citizenry, and preparation for productive work, based on the principles of the Charter of the OAS, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the Declaration of Margarita.

The Hon. Bertrand Joseph noted that after varied discussions and consideration of different proposals the draft declaration of Scarborough and commitments to action was resolved.

He said that a draft resolution on the Approval of the Ministerial Text on Education for Inclusion in the IV Summit of the America's, scheduled for November of this year in Mar Del Plata was also developed.

This draft will be presented to the Summit Implementation Review Group with the request that it be included in the Declaration of Mar del Plata.

	We affirm that quality education at all levels and the promotion of literacy are key factors for greater social inclusion, ensuring a democratic citizenry, and fostering productive employment. We also believe that education is vital to the development of our societies, especially among the poor and the unemployed. To achieve this goal requires member state governments and international financial institutions to make significant financial investments and to explore other innovative means of financing such as debt swaps for investment in education.
	We understand that the potential for developing the capacity of our citizens and achieving greater productivity depends on a well educated and trained labour force. In this connection, we recognize the achievements made in providing access to education and we reiterate the need to expand coverage, promote quality, strengthen the teaching profession, and improve the efficiency of our educational systems. We also recognize that information and knowledge are fundamental to achieving this end and that facilitating access to new technologies and incorporating them into our efforts is essential. Consequently, we maintain our interest in strengthening a true partnership of the Americas for education. In the spirit of this partnership, economic development of each country should support their public education policies.

For further information contact:
Jaquis Browne
Communications Officer
Ministry of Education
Tel: (268) 462-4959
Fax: (268) 462-4970
Cell: (268) 772-2163
jacquis.browne@ab.gov.ag