Rethinking education for the Caribbean: A radical approach

The article reflects critically on the experience of the Caribbean Anglophone countries (CARICOM) in reforming their education systems to meet the challenges of the present era. It argues that education reform in the current conjuncture can no longer be incremental and that what is required is a fundamental rethinking of educational provision. Small states are not only faced with the challenge of overcoming educational deficits that are the postcolonial legacy, but also with the promise and the peril of globalisation. The rise of ICT and the rapid innovations of technology open new possibilities for leapfrogging education in such contexts. On the other hand, a new commoditised global educational paradigm is emerging that could deepen the marginalisation of small states in the international arena. The article posits a radical approach to education reform which could position small states as centres of educational excellence.