By Val Matthias. Updated 1:07 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday has acknowledged that St Vincent and the Grenadines is falling short in providing young people with the technical training and programmes they need, promising that his government will do more to address the gap.
Speaking at the 2026 National Scholarship Programme Award Ceremony and Cocktail on Thursday, November 12, Friday said greater investment was needed to ensure young people were equipped with practical skills that could prepare them for employment and contribute to national development.
“We simply do not provide the resources and the level of training and programs we need to uplift our young people in the technical skills. I promise you, we will do better,” the Prime Minister told the gathering.
His remarks came as government recognised the academic achievements of 82 students who qualified for scholarships and other awards in 2026, including top performers in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and associate degree programmes at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.
The ceremony marked the first time a special event had been organised specifically to honour this group of scholarship recipients.
Dr. Friday said the number of awards varies from year to year because scholarships, exhibitions, special awards and bursaries are determined by established criteria and performance standards, rather than a fixed allocation.
The 2026 awards went to 82 students, compared with 84 in 2025, 104 in 2024, 66 in 2023 and 73 in 2022.
He said the government’s commitment was to recognise excellence and provide opportunities for students who meet the required standards.
However, the Prime Minister also highlighted the need to broaden the country’s approach to education and skills development, pointing to the importance of technical and vocational training alongside traditional academic pathways.
He said government intended to continue investing in and expanding opportunities for practical, hands-on training that would prepare young people for the world of work.
Dr. Friday noted that nearly 2,500 tuition grants had been awarded a few months earlier, as part of efforts to widen access to education and training.
Dr. Friday urged the awardees to pursue excellence, integrity and leadership, stressing that their education should prepare them to contribute to the development of St Vincent and the wider region.
He reminded them that national development depended on a range of professions and skills, including plumbing, farming, fishing, teaching, nursing, medicine and creative work.
The Prime Minister encouraged the young people to see their achievements not simply as personal successes, but as an opportunity to use their knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution to society.
END
About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at valmatthias188@gmail.com
