Butcher pointed to several initiatives aimed at easing the cost of living, including the continued zero rating of more than 70 essential items and ongoing subsidies on cooking gas. He said these interventions are helping to shield households from rising global prices.
“If it was not for this government, you would have been paying over $70 for that cylinder of gas,” he said.
The MP also referenced the government’s tax amnesty programme, which he said is benefiting nearly 14,000 taxpayers, with consideration being given to extending relief measures further.
“This government understands the plight of the people,” Butcher added.
Turning to education, Butcher, who also serves as the Minister of Education with responsibility for Early Childhood, Continuing and Special Education and Digital Transformation, outlined measures designed to reduce financial pressure on families while strengthening support for educators. Among them is the expansion of government funding for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, increasing coverage from four to five subjects per student.
He also announced that temporary teachers will now receive salaries during the summer months, addressing longstanding concerns about income gaps during the July-August vacation period.
“Temporary teachers still have bills to pay,” he said.
Additional support will be provided to early childhood institutions, with subventions increasing from $2,500 to $3,000 as part of efforts to strengthen foundational education.
According to him, these measures reflect a broader commitment to equity and accessibility in the education system.
“This government heard, this government listened,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the MP also detailed plans for a comprehensive digital transformation of the education sector, aimed at modernising learning and administration across the island.
The initiative will include the expansion of smart classrooms, improved internet connectivity in schools, and increased access to digital devices for both students and teachers.
Central to the transformation is the development of a national Education Management Information System (EMIS), which will provide real-time data to support school management and policy planning.
The system is also expected to improve student monitoring, with parents receiving immediate notifications if their child is absent from school.
“If a child is absent, a parent receives an immediate message,” Butcher explained.
He added that the transformation will place strong emphasis on digital literacy, including the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence by students.
Butcher said the reforms are intended to make education more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of modern learners while reducing the need for citizens to travel for basic education services.
