High level delegates from at least 12 Caribbean countries are in Antigua & Barbuda to discuss measures that can be implemented to improve the safety and security of education facilities within the region.

The participants are ministers of education and other representatives who yesterday commenced their first session of the inaugural Caribean Safe School Ministerial Forum at the Halcyon Cove by Rex Resorts.

The meeting is being hosted by the Ministry of Education Science and Technology.

Education Minister Michael Browne, who declared the event opened, said the country’s hosting of the event is to ensure that local personnel are exposed to the best training and ideas to get the job done.

He said it takes a stakeholder partnership to ensure that safety is maintained within schools.

“When we renovate and design schools going forward it is essential that we sit with the architects and with the contractors and we are very honest and upfront. This may look very nice, but how does it fit into the overall picture of a safe school environment that is conducive to learning,” Browne said.

Deputy Director for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Elizabeth Riley, said that education is a priority sector in the regional comprehensive disaster management strategy for action.