Mr. Walwyn was speaking to principals and education officers at the Department of Education’s Principals Meeting last Thursday, according to Government Information Services.

“Education impacts the economy the most as it produces a product for the labour force,” he said. “Education must tie in with the economy — hence, the introduction of financial services and tourism studies and the focus on technical education.”

If the ministry decides to require teachers to be licensed, requisite training opportunities would be provided, he added.

The minister also spoke about youth unemployment, which officials have said is a rising problem in the territory.

“There are a plethora of jobs available in certain trades that persons look down at because their minds are not conditioned to do certain jobs,” he said. “Some individuals believe that you must dress in a shirt and tie to be successful, which is not the case. We must appreciate the contribution made by all of us in the territory, including those persons employed in the technical and vocational field.”

Other topics addressed at the meetings included school maintenance, teacher training for the CXC Caribbean Secondary Education Certification, Education Week, the General Knowledge Quiz and school debates, according to GIS.