NDP Manifesto 2019

Human Resource Development
The NDP believes that a country’s people are its most precious asset. As people make things happen in an economy, ensuring that they
are fully equipped with the necessary skills is critical to promoting sustainable growth.
BVIslanders are at the centre of the NDP’s plan to build a better, stronger economy and society. Accordingly, a re-elected NDP shall pursue
a comprehensive human resources development (HRD) strategy to provide more opportunities for our people to become the best that
they can be, not only in their chosen fields of work, but also to become well-rounded citizens who are confident and capable of competing
with the rest of the world.
Our HRD strategy draws on extensive research conducted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) across the region. Covering from
early childhood education, primary and secondary school, college and university, technical and vocational education to life-long learning,
the strategy will place emphasis on developing skills which will be in increasing demand in a changing economy.
A key objective of the HRD strategy is empowering BVIslanders to take a bigger and more direct role in charting the future course of our
country instead of feeling sidelined in the national development process because of a lack of opportunities.
Under the HRD strategy, a re-elected NDP
Government shall, among other things:
• Consider the implementation of a regional
programme hosting virtual education and
training in tourism and hospitality at the Marine
Centre of the HLSCC, in collaboration with the
Eastern Caribbean Tourism Institute.
• Review the tourism-related programme
offerings at the HLSCC to ensure the needs of
this sector are met, including revitalizing the
culinary arts and hospitality programme with
the addition of a tourism specific element.
• Review and, where necessary, expand current
offerings in technical education and training
with a view to making them more relevant to
the development needs of the country.
• Explore the feasibility of establishing a trade
school either as a stand-alone or as an add-on
to the HLSCC.
• Provide support to facilitate workplace skills
learning in small, micro and medium enterprises
and to self-employed persons.
• Increase enrolment in Tertiary Education
addressing special vulnerabilities and other
socio-economic needs.
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NDP 2019