Basseterre, St. Kitts, Thursday June 18, 2026 — The Ministry of Education commenced its annual pre-service training for future teachers on Wednesday June 18, 2026 with an opening ceremony at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Auditorium under the theme: “Transforming Education Through Self-Renewal, Holistic Partnerships and Digital Solutions.” Chief Education Officer Mr. Francil Morris expressed gratitude to the aspiring educators: “I want to express my gratitude to our prospective teachers for accepting the Ministry’s invitation to apply to be part of the noblest profession, the teaching fraternity. By choosing this path, you are choosing not just a career, but to be the primary authors of change in our nation’s future. Being a teacher is so much more than just a job or having a title — it is a calling. It is a sacred commitment to fostering curiosity, building character, and lifting up the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Ionie Liburd Willett advised prospective teachers to embrace the daily demands of the profession, prioritise personal wellness, build strong professional networks, and actively incorporate technology into their lessons: “The future belongs to educators who are adaptable, collaborative, compassionate, and courageous. It belongs to teachers who never stop learning and who understand that education is not about filling minds — it is about igniting possibilities.” Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lisa Pistana added: “Teachers are the architects of possibility. You do not merely deliver lessons; you unlock doors to imagination, critical thinking, and resilience. The classroom is where the future is written, one student at a time.” The training sessions were slated to run from Thursday June 17 through Thursday June 25, 2026.