The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College continues to play a key role in providing relevant training for the people of this Territory and for our youth in particular. The College continues to exhibit steady and healthy growth. In keeping with the OECS Education Reform Strategy establishing Centres of Specialization, the College has sought and received designation as the Regional Centre for Applied Marine Studies. Once fully established, the Centre will draw students from throughout the region to undertake studies in this field. Furthermore, the College now offers a course in Corporate and Trust Administration in order to help train our youth for jobs in the growing financial services sector.
Health care is another important service.
The Government is continuing the process of health sector reform which is intended to provide for more efficient, accountable and effective delivery of health care services throughout the Territory. The Government attaches high priority to the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme for the Territory. The requisite studies will be carried out during this Session of Council. A measure to provide for increases in pensions will be laid before you early in this Session. An actuarial study for a funded pensions scheme will be undertaken shortly.