Newly appointed Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Gros Islet, Kenson Casimir, has provided an update on ongoing development projects within his constituency, while also outlining his early priorities for the education sector.
Speaking on recent works in Gros Islet, Casimir said road rehabilitation remains a key focus.
“We continue to work on the Ashcosh Road in Riviere Mitan. We continue to work on the Mongiraud to Reduit Road,” he said, noting that residents would soon see visual updates. “You will see some pictures on social media very soon about these roads.”
He also highlighted progress on community facilities, pointing to the near completion of several recreational and public infrastructure projects.
“We continue to work on our facilities. We are very, very near completion in terms of the Grand Riviere Court. In fact, the court is nearly complete. We are waiting on the installation of basketball rims and the acquisition of some netball rims. Very soon, you would be seeing that.”
According to the Gros Islet MP, additional sporting facilities are also scheduled for upgrades.
“We will be reopening the Bonne Terre court on the 21st of February, and we will commence work on the La Borne Court on the 1st of February as well,” he said.
Casimir described the general atmosphere in the constituency as positive, with several major public projects nearing completion.
“Generally, the mood in Gros Islet is very good. We are nearing the completion of the Gros Islet Northern Divisional Headquarters, affectionately called Gros Islet Police Station. The extension of the Gros Islet Polyclinic is nearing completion as well,” he said.
Turning to his new ministerial portfolio, Casimir said he has been actively engaging with schools and stakeholders as he familiarises himself with the operations of the education system.
“I continue to visit schools and the different facilities within my ambit. We’ve been having many, many meetings,” he said. “As a matter of fact, I don’t recall a period in my life when I’ve attended so many meetings.”
He explained that these engagements are aimed at understanding the current state of education and identifying areas for improvement.
“One of my main ambitions is to ensure that we have a solid, robust TVET education programme in Saint Lucia,” Casimir said. He acknowledged ongoing work within the ministry, adding, “The ministry has been working for a long time in doing this, and I must say that I’m impressed with some of the technocrats at the Ministry of Education.”
The Education Minister stressed the importance of collaboration beyond the ministry, particularly with parents.
“My concern, of course, is to ensure that other stakeholders are on board. Parents, parents, parents. One of the biggest stakeholders as it pertains to education,” he said.
Casimir indicated that initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships between schools and families are forthcoming.
“We will be implementing some training, some form of activities, and programmes between parents, teachers, and students,” he explained. “We will need more of that as we go forward.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to both constituency development and advancing education policy, signalling an active and consultative approach as he settles into his dual role as minister and parliamentary representative.