A government minister and former educator in Antigua and Barbuda has used International Day of Education to highlight the transformative power of learning and to call for greater equality of opportunity across the country.
Hon. Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, Member of Parliament for St Mary’s South, reflected on his own journey in education, describing it as a force that opened doors he never imagined possible.
In a statement marking the observance on 24 January, Mr Simon said education had taught him perseverance and equipped him with the tools to serve both his community and the nation.
“As a former educator, I understand the power of education in transforming lives,” he said. “I am also grateful for the teachers, mentors and opportunities that have shaped my journey.”
International Day of Education, observed annually by the United Nations, focuses on the role of education in promoting peace, development and equality worldwide.
Mr Simon emphasised that the responsibility for shaping the country’s future rests with students, teachers and communities alike.
“Every child, every student and every teacher has the power to shape our nation’s future,” he said, urging a renewed commitment to knowledge, opportunity and equality in education.
He added that as he continues his own learning journey, he hopes more Antiguans and Barbudans will gain access to the same opportunities that helped define his path.
The government has repeatedly stated that education remains a national priority, with ongoing efforts aimed at improving access, quality and outcomes across the education system.
Mr Simon’s message aligns with this year’s International Day of Education theme, which underscores education as a public good and a shared responsibility essential to national development.
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Mr Simon should have acknowledged the ever increasing access to education in Antigua and Barbuda. He should have commended the Government’s insistence on Education for everyone: from elementary through secondary for sure and now tertiary. The fact that students can now attend college in Antigua for free (ABCAS), virtually free UWI Five Islands through the scholarship program, and free CXC are a testament to this free access to education in Antigua and Barbuda. Mr Simon should have been honest enough to commend the efforts to have free Pre-K in Antigua fully accessible through the Government’s plans and structures. If indeed Mr Simon wanted to talk access to education in Antigua and Barbuda on International Education Day, then his religious commitment should have schooled him in doing and being about the truth. Until he does the truth telling he will remain irrelevant, literally of no consequence in this matter. Blessings Enough
Every work is important and has to be done by someone.
No work is degrading nor demeaning.
The dollar spent by the prime.minister has the same value as the dolla r spent by th sanitary engineer.
However education is the first step out of poverty.
And so battles have to be carefully chosen.
While Hon Kelvin Shuggy Simon is preaching education for all Fwayen “Lucifer’s Son” George ia trying to gain an advantage with beach clean up.
Thats what the people of St Mary South deserve according to him.
They must do that dirty work and remain fools.
Sorry for him.
Shuggy will get everyone educated and uplifted.
Up with Shuggy Somin.
Down wirh Lucifer’s Son.