Thank you very much Madam Chairperson;
Education Minister the Hon. Bertrand Joseph and Mrs Joseph;

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Jacinta Pringle and Mr. Pringle;

President of the A&BUT Mrs. Vernice Mack;

Dr Radcliffe Robins and Mrs. Robins;

Senior Officials of the Ministry of Education;

Honorees;

Top Students;

Teachers;

Members of the Business Community;

Ladies and Gentlemen ;

Good Evening.

This evening's awards ceremony is significant for a number of reasons.

Not only is the ceremony special for the recognition being given to those who have contributed to the education system in Antigua and Barbuda but more so for the importance of the partnership between government, the schools and the business community.

At this period in our education development where the stability of the education system is being tested by the emergence of violence among our young people in schools; there is the need for all of us to work together. It is time for the partnership between the government, the school, the home and the business community to be strengthened to arrest this potentially explosive situation.

This evening we honour those who have laboured in the vineyard of education, cultivating great minds and perfecting the art of teaching by inspiring students with the desire to learn. As educators, you are engaged in a wonderful field of work which holds the key to opening up thought and knowledge.

You stand out in a field which is fundamental to the economic and social development of our society. Throughout your careers, you have contributed to persons making sense of and contributing to society. You have inspired others to unlock their potential and enrich our communities.

For your exemplary contribution, we salute you.

Ladies and Gentlemen: All of us assembled here recognize that education is a fundamental human right. All children and young people have a right to high quality education.

It is central to the personal development and health of our young people.

My government strongly believes that each young person must not only have equality of access to high quality education, but they must also be able to learn new skills and disciplines throughout their adult lives.

Our country's social, cultural and economic health is dependent on the knowledge, learning and skills of our population.

But ladies and gentlemen, those who have been entrusted to the care and development of our young people in our schools must not perform their duties in fear. The school must remain a place for learning and the awakening of students' expectations. We must not allow our schools to become battle grounds. My government will not allow this.

My government will strongly enforce the zero tolerance philosophy. Those who want to learn will be taught. Those who wish not to learn but persist in creating mayhem and havoc in our schools will be excluded. Zero tolerance will be the order of the day from now on.

Teachers must not be fearful that their right to instill discipline will result in physical or verbal abuse from students or parents.

My government will work to ensuring that the right of teachers and principals to discipline pupils humanely is reinforced thereby sending the message that our schools are safe and secure places of learning. We will also work towards extending that right to correct a student on the streets, in public places and on public transportation, underscoring to pupils that good behaviour is expected to be exhibited everywhere.

Teachers and Parents:

We recognize that removing the disruptive elements from our school system pose the threat of destabilizing the society by creating youth gangs and increasing the number of persons engaging in anti-social activities.

On my government's role, we will immediately commence looking at legislation that will arrest the many anti-social behaviours of our young people and provide other avenues for their development which will ultimately aide in them contributing meaningfully to our society.

In January, I announced that 2006 will be the year of Youth Development.

I charged the Ministry of Youth Affairs to commission a National Task Force on Youth Development comprising representatives of NGO's and other units of civil society. I am pleased that this National Task Force on Youth Development will be commissioned early next week.

The initial remit of the National Task Force on Youth Development will be the formulation of a programme to mobilize young people in wholesome and productive activities. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force will be among the bodies that will be called upon to provide direction and administer the Task Force on Youth Development.

We must invest in multiple ways, at multiple levels, in preparing our young people for productive lives as responsible citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The school has its role to play. The business community has its part to play also. I must commend all those members of the business community who have seen it necessary to partner with schools and are contributing to the positive development of our nation's future, our young people.

Special commendation must also go to the service organizations such as the Optimist Club, the Junior Achievers and the Leo Club for their active roles in molding our young people. The Churches as well for their pioneering work among our youth.

I am certain that you will not allow me to conclude without challenging parents to become better partners in education.

It is widely recognized that a child whose parents show an interest in his or her educational development is usually a successful student. Parents must attend school meetings regularly and participate in their child's school activities. A weekly visit to the school for a talk with teachers will produce positive results.

Enquire about your child's behavioral patterns, attendance, achievements and special needs.

Teachers must also challenge parents by having class meetings with parents outside of regular school meetings. Develop a teacher-parent relationship. It will go a long way in assisting the education process.

Ladies and Gentlemen

My government recognizes that continuing professional development for teachers is of paramount importance.

Teachers need consistent updating on developments in their disciplines and subject areas including professional development in use of information and Communications Technology.

Schools will be encouraged to initiate Teacher Professional Development days whereby their peers with specific skills will share their knowledge and expertise.

In order to achieve high standards, continuing professional development has to be part of each teacher's employment arrangement.

Teachers' professionalism is defined by their knowledge, skills, experience, training and professional development. Well rounded teachers make well rounded students.

We all want an effective education system. One that is able to respond to our needs. We must all commit ourselves to tackle the barriers to high quality education. Together we can.

Top Students You are being recognized this evening because you have demonstrated through your academic achievements that the public school system is effective in producing excellence.

Not only are you the pride of the education system, but you are role models for your fellow peers. I challenge you to encourage your peers to strive for excellence - to aim high.

We commend you on your achievements and encourage you to continue being exemplary citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

I also congratulate all our teachers and workers in education, especially those who are being singled out for special commendation.

May God continue to bless you, our children and our nation.

Thank You.