Charlestown, Nevis — ( Wednesday, December7th , 2011)  “Teachers are very important to a child’s life”,  Premier and Minister of Education, the Hon. Joseph Parry told dozens of Caribbean teachers, assembled at a Premier’s welcome cocktail at Mount Nevis Hotel on Friday, Dec. 2. The teachers were on Nevis for the two-day Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) bi-annual executive meeting. Executive meetings of CUT take place in July and December, and include some twenty five (25) member units, from the Caribbean, Guyana, Suriname and Belize.

“I was once a teacher and I always feel compelled to assist teachers when the need arises because teachers are so important in the growth of a child,” said Premier Parry.

According to the Premier, the present times are tumultuous not only economically but socially, as well. He said it was important for teachers to teach good morals, good character, behavior and parenting skills.

“It is important that all leaders in the society take their place, and go onward to help the community move in a positive way,” Premier Parry told the attentive teachers.

He added that it is not Nevis alone that is having anti-social problems such as gangs, school drop- outs and delinquents, but the entire Caribbean on a whole including, “Guyana in the south and as far north as the Bahamas.”

“Who is better to turn to, in making our community and our young people better at this time, than teachers,” he concluded.

The two-day meeting which included business sessions and country reports, was held under the chairmanship of newly elected President, Mr. Marvin Andall of Grenada.

The CUT celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and is part of Educational International (EI). It is the body recognized internationally as the representative body for teachers in the Caribbean.