Education Minister Daryll Matthew
Press Statement
Hon. Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 4th CXC® Ministerial Summit under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovations in Shaping Caribbean Education” and the 48th meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) on Education.
Held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, both events convened regional ministers, CARICOM leaders, and education stakeholders to chart the future of education in the Caribbean.
At the CXC® Ministerial Summit, leaders explored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on the Caribbean education landscape.
Discussions centered on leveraging AI to improve teaching practices, enhance digital literacy, and create more adaptive and inclusive learning environments for Caribbean students.
Minister Matthew underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to integrating AI and technological innovations in education to better prepare students for a globalized, digital future. “Artificial intelligence and technology are vital tools for shaping an education system that can adapt to the unique challenges of the 21st century,” said Minister Matthew.
“Antigua and Barbuda is committed to equipping our students with the skills they need to navigate and lead in a world defined by rapid technological change.” Following the summit, Minister Matthew attended the 48th COHSOD meeting on Education, where regional leaders addressed several critical issues in strengthening the Caribbean’s education sector.
Topics included a “Whole of Education Approach to Violence and Girls,” “Education Transformation in the CARICOM Region,” “Education Systems Strengthening Using Micro-Credentials,” a “Model Special Education Needs Policy for the CARICOM Region,” and the “CXC’s Policy for Generative AI in the Secondary School System.”
Minister Matthew highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to reducing violence in educational settings and creating safe, inclusive environments that empower every student, especially girls. Additionally, he expressed strong support for micro-credentials as a means of expanding skill-building opportunities, enabling students to obtain qualifications that address industry-specific needs in a flexible, accessible manner.
The COHSOD meeting also covered the development of a model Special Education Needs (SEN) policy for CARICOM, aimed at improving accessibility and support for students with diverse needs.
Minister Matthew affirmed the Ministry’s dedication to advancing SEN policies in Antigua and Barbuda, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and equitable access to quality education.
Another significant topic was the introduction of CXC’s policy on generative AI for secondary schools, focused on setting guidelines for responsible use of AI in educational settings.
Minister Matthew commended this initiative, noting that “establishing clear policies for AI use in schools is essential to ensure students benefit from these technologies while maintaining academic integrity.”
The 48th COHSOD meeting concluded with a unified commitment to collaboration and policy development across CARICOM member states. Antigua and Barbuda’s active participation underscores the nation’s dedication to advancing educational standards, safety, inclusivity, and technological integration throughout the region.
For more information on Antigua and Barbuda’s role in these discussions and ongoing educational initiatives, please contact the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries at 268.562.3860.
Name one (1) initiative that Daryll Matthew has spearheaded in his role as Education Minister. I am waiting….