The downturn in the economy has led to big cuts in expenditure for education and specifically for the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst) said Sylvia Lalla, Acting President of the institution.
“Last October, with the steep downturn in T&T's economy, due to falling oil prices, the cuts in Government spending and allocations to public organisations like Niherst were very severe. We are uncertain as to how this economic situation would have affected our planned activities for 2016, which included this forum. As a result, we had to reduce our overall costs by reducing some of our activities and other areas of expenditures. I am pleased to say that we made the Caribbean Youth Science Forum (CYSF) a priority,” she said.
Lalla spoke yesterday at the formal opening of the 2016 Caribbean Youth Science Forum held at the Teaching and Learning Centre, University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine.
She said investing in these projects is investing in the country's future.
“In this new post oil and gas era, we need to channel the creativity and the brain power of our people especially the young to develop economies that are forward looking, sustainable and globally competitive,” she said.
She added that the country needs to transform older industries and to diversify the economy.
“It is precisely at times like these, in times of economic uncertainty and transition, that we must continue to cut new trails that can lead us to a more sustainable future as traditional routes fall away,” she said.
Anna Singh, Acting Curriculum Co-ordinator in the Ministry of Education who spoke on behalf of Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, who was not able to be at the ceremony, said despite a bad economy and other social ills that exist in the world today, the youths of the country must have hope.