In a special message to educators, Minister Edward, himself a teacher for nearly two decades, hailed the profession as the foundation of all others, describing teaching as “much more than a job, but a calling and a vocation.”

“Fellow educators and school leaders, as we join the global community in celebrating International Teachers’ Week and International Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognise the extraordinary women and men who stand at the very core of our education system, our teachers,” Minister Edward said. “As a teacher myself, I know too well the sacrifices that teachers make for the well-being of our nation’s children.”

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Empowering Educators, Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability,” the Minister said it speaks directly to Saint Lucia’s educational realities and underscores the importance of equipping teachers for both present and future challenges.

“It reminds us that the strength of any education system depends on how well we prepare, support, and empower our teachers, not just for today’s challenges, but for the future we all are working to build,” he stated.

Minister Edward praised educators for their ability to adapt and persevere through crises, including natural disasters, resource shortages, and technological gaps, noting that teachers often go beyond their formal duties to serve as mentors, counsellors, and role models.

“Your resilience is not only admirable, it is essential to the stability of our education system and, by extension, to our nation’s development,” he said.

He emphasized that true resilience must be supported by empowerment, and that the government remains steadfast in ensuring teachers have the resources, recognition, and respect they deserve.

“By empowering our teachers, we strengthen the very foundations of sustainable development,” Edward affirmed. “Every child you inspire, every skill you nurture, and every value you instill builds the human capital that sustains Saint Lucia’s future.”

Minister Edward also highlighted the administration’s ongoing initiatives to enhance teachers’ working conditions and professional development, stressing that sustainability depends as much on “people, passion, and purpose” as it does on infrastructure.

“Rest assured that our government places a premium on your well-being. We respect your purpose and we value your passion,” he said. “Teachers are the lifeblood of our education system,” he concluded. “By strengthening your resilience and empowering your profession, we ensure that Saint Lucia builds not only a sustainable education system, but also a sustainable nation. Happy International Teachers’ Day.”