Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Minister Edward addressed growing public concern following reports of increased U.S. military presence in parts of the Caribbean, particularly near Trinidad.
He explained that while anxiety among some Saint Lucians is understandable, the Ministry of Education is being guided by the Ministry of External Affairs, which is responsible for foreign policy and diplomatic coordination.
“We are leaving it to the Ministry of External Affairs to guide us in terms of what pronouncements we can make,” he said. “We have reached out to some of our students, not the entire body, but just to get a feel of what they are sensing and the disposition in Trinidad during this particular period.”
Minister Edward emphasized that there is no immediate threat to Saint Lucian nationals studying or residing in Trinidad and that the government stands ready to act if conditions change.
“I don’t think we are at a stage now where we ought to panic. We have to remain calm,” he said. “If it becomes necessary for us to reach out to our students in more direct ways, the Government of Saint Lucia will do so.”
He further noted that the Trinidad and Tobago government, including its Prime Minister, has advised citizens and residents to remain calm and avoid speculation.
“That is the message coming from the Prime Minister herself and other ministers, and we have to take our cue from that,” Edward said. “If anything changes, it’s incumbent on us as an administration to reach out to our students and ensure that we provide whatever comfort levels we can during this period.”
The Education Minister concluded by calling for measured responses and regional solidarity, underscoring that Saint Lucia continues to work closely with its partners in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean to ensure the safety and well-being of all students abroad.
“We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves,” he added. “We must be guided by the words and advice coming from the government of Trinidad.”
At present, there are dozens of Saint Lucian students enrolled in universities and medical institutions across Trinidad and Tobago. Edward says the Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication channels with them as the situation unfolds.
