CARICOM Welcomes Formation of Caribbean Council of National PTAs as "Critical Partners" in Education Transformation

Regional body's Assistant Secretary-General Alison Drayton hails new organization as essential bridge between homes and classrooms across the Caribbean

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados October 5, 2025 - The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has formally welcomed the establishment of the Caribbean Council of National Parent-Teacher Associations (CCNPTA), with a senior official describing the newly formed body as a critical partner in the region's education transformation and broader development efforts.

Ms. Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development at CARICOM, delivered the endorsement during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education, held from September 30 to October 2 at the Wyndham Grand Resort in Barbados.

"Parent-Teacher Associations play a pivotal role in shaping not just the education system, but the broader development of our societies," Drayton told the gathering of approximately 150 participants, including parents, educators, administrators, and education ministers from across the region.

Ms Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, CARICOM delivering remarks at the 2025 Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education (30 September to 2 October 2025)

The organization was formally installed during the symposium, which was hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in partnership with Barbados's Ministry of Educational Transformation under the theme "Stronger Together: Empowering Parents as Partners in Caribbean Education."

A Bridge Between Home and Classroom

In her remarks, ASG Drayton emphasized the fundamental role that parent-teacher partnerships must play in Caribbean education systems.

"PTAs are the bridge between the home and the classroom. When that bridge is strong, it strengthens the learning environment, empowers our educators, and helps cultivate the full potential of every child," she stated.

She went further, challenging the traditional view of parental involvement as merely supportive. "In our Region, where education remains a cornerstone of sustainable development, the role of parents and communities must not be seen as supplementary, but as essential," Drayton declared.

The CARICOM official committed to ensuring the newly formed council is integrated into high-level policy discussions and decision-making processes.

"We welcome the CCNPTA to the policy development space, look forward to their robust engagement with the issues and commit to ensuring that they are included in the important dialogue and decisions at the highest level possible," she said.

New Leadership Team Takes the Helm

The CCNPTA's newly elected Executive Committee for the 2025-2027 term brings together seasoned PTA leaders from across the Caribbean.

The team is led by President Everton Hannam of Jamaica, with three vice presidents representing Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas: 1st Vice President Zena Ramatalli, 2nd Vice President Walter Stewart, and 3rd Vice President Danavier Fisher.

The executive slate also includes General Secretary Keiran Glasgow and Assistant General Secretary Bety-Ann Skinner, Treasurer Shone Gibbs of Barbados and Assistant Treasurer Mitsie Harris-Dillon of Jamaica.

Two trustees—Alister Thomas of Antigua and Barbuda and Stewart Jacobs of Jamaica—round out the leadership team alongside Public Relations Officer Nicole Brathwaite of Barbados.

According to the organization's press release, this diverse team is "fit for purpose—ready to advance educational opportunities, equity, amplify stakeholder voices, and foster collaboration across ministries, schools, and communities in the region."

Strategic Vision and Regional Support

The CCNPTA has outlined ambitious strategic priorities, including formal integration with CARICOM and regional education frameworks, mobilizing private sector partnerships, and engaging the wider Caribbean diaspora in advocacy and resource development.

The organization also aims to support the establishment of national PTAs in countries where they do not yet exist and plans to launch a regional foundation to provide financial and technical assistance.

Caribbean Development Bank President Daniel Best underscored the urgency of coordinated parental engagement, noting that the CCNPTA is well-positioned to meet current challenges facing regional education systems.

Education ministers from across the Caribbean have expressed unanimous support for the CCNPTA's formalization, with many now exploring partnerships to establish or strengthen their own national PTAs. The regional body has offered training and guidance to facilitate this process.

ASG Drayton issued a broader call to action, encouraging regional partners to integrate the council into their governance structures. "We also encourage all partners gathered here to consider how the CCNPTA can be folded into your governance mechanisms, consultative processes and partnership mobilization activities," she said.

The symposium, now in its second year following a successful inaugural staging in 2024, provided targeted capacity building and opportunities for dialogue with policymakers. The event featured plenaries, workshops, and policy discussions designed to strengthen collaboration and deliver measurable impact across the region's education systems.

As Caribbean education systems continue to evolve, the CCNPTA's formalization signals a commitment to ensuring that children, teachers, and families have organized representation in shaping the future of education across the region.

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