MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE
DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF BASIC AND LABOR
COMPETENCIES
Organized by the Ministry of Education of Trinidad and Tobago and the Unit for Social Development and Education
of the Organization of American States.
Date:
August 17-20, 2004
Location:
CROWNE PLAZA
Wrightson Road
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Tel: (868) 625 3361
Participants:
Ministers of Education Trinidad and Tobago, 20 Tec/Voc Curriculum Officials
from the Ministry of Education and The Ministry of Science, Technology and
Tertiary Education, Specialists from NTA Trinidad, Jamaica Heart Trust, CXC,
OECS/OERU, CARICOM, Board of Industrial Training in Guyana, Representatives
from Ministries of Education in the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica,
and Peru. In addition, representatives from SENAI Brazil, PMETyC (CONOCER
and CONALEP) of Mexico and INEA will be participating.
Objectives:
1) Share the lessons learned from past and current Caribbean initiatives in the definition,
development and certification of labor competencies, including the inputs and exchange of
experiences from Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Peru.
2) Facilitate initial training for the development of methodology for developing standards in
the curriculum based on competencies.
Format:
The first section of the workshop will be dedicated to laying out the political and technical
framework and will consist of presentations followed by question period. The afternoon will
consist of a roundtable session with presentations and dialogue with all participants. The second
day of the workshop will contain two roundtables. The first will present models of competencybased education and training from different regions in Latin America. The aim is to promote
reflection on the similarities and differences in the models and their unique contexts. The second
roundtable will deal with important issues related to curricular reform based on competencies. The
afternoon will begin with an introduction to the Project for the Modernization of Technical
Education and Training (PMETyC) of Mexico with emphasis on the generation of technical norms
for labor competencies (CONOCER) and curricular reform based on competencies (CONALEP).
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
This will be followed by an expert panel dedicated to reflecting on how the Caribbean can
critically adapt these methodologies to their own needs and context. Days three and four will have
a similar format.
Draft Agenda
Day 1, August 17
Registration
8:30-9:00

Inauguration Ceremony and Speeches
Senator, The Honourable
Hazel Manning, Minister of
Education of Trinidad and
Tobago, will deliver the
welcome address.
9:00.-10:30
PART I. Political and Technical Framework
Towards the IV Summit of the
Americas, the IV Meeting of Ministries
of Education
Sofialeticia Morales (Director
UDSE/OAS)
10:45-11:00
The CARICOM Single Market Economy
Myrna Bernard (CARICOM)
and Workforce Development
11:00-11:30
The Caribbean Vocational Qualifications
Framework and CANTA
Robert Gregory (President CANTA)
11:30-12:00
Jamaica Heart Trust : 20 years working
in the formal and non formal education
systems
CXC and Certification in Technical and
Vocational areas
Paulette Dunn-Smith
Robert Ludlow
Robert Gregory
Lucy Stewart, (Caribbean
Examination Council, CXC)
12:00-12:30
12:30-1:00
1:00-2:30
Lunch
Current status and future challenges of
Vocational and Technical Education in
Trinidad and Tobago at the Upper
Secondary Level
Sharon Mangroo (National
Coordinator Hem. Project) and Mr.
Fazal Karim, CEO, Ministry of
STTE (T&T)
2:30-3:00
Linking Ministries of Labor and
Education
Rodrick Nurse (Board of Industrial
Training, Guyana)
3:00-3:30
The hemispheric project on Secondary
Education and Labor Competencies:
William Cordero and Sergio Calvo
(Hemispheric Coordinators, Costa
Rica)
3:30-4:30
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
Miguel Angel Tamayo (CoHemispheric Coordinator)
Reginald Peterson, (Sub-regional
Hemispheric Project Coordinator,
Antigua and Barbuda)
FEMCIDI Multilateral Projects:
Mobilizing Resources and Knowledge
Paloma Adams (OAS/ FEMCIDI,
Coordinator / Caribbean Region)
4:30-4:50
Marva Ribeiro and Paul Payne
9:00-9:10
ILO/ CINTERFOR
Fernando Vargas (Introducción y
Moderator)
9:10 –9:40
SENAI
Paulo Rech
9:40-10:10
Mexico PMETyC and CONOCER
Miguel Angel Tamayo and Fortino
Garza
10:10-10:40
Day 2, August 18
Summary of Day 1 and Introduction to
day 2
10:40-11:00
Coffee Break
Costa Rica
Sergio Calvo y William Cordero
11:00-11:30
PERU
Luis Damián Casas
11:30-12:00
Mexico INEA
Lic. Luz Ma. Castro Mussot
12:00-12:30
12:30-1:30
Lunch
Moderator: Fernando
Vargas(ILO/CINTERFOR)
Round Table 1:
Competencies within strategies of
Human Resource Development
Fortino Garza (CONOCER, México)
Paulo Rech (SENAI, Brasil),
Rodrick Nurse (BID)
Jamaica Heart Trust
DRH MoE (T&T)
1:30-2:30
Part II : Training Sessions and Reflections on Transference
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
Round Table 2:
Aspects of Curricular Reform based on
competencies
Moderator: Irene Livas
(CONOCER/Mexico)
Gustavo Flores (CONALEP Mexico)
Sergio Calvo (MoE Costa Rica)
Rodrick Nurse (BID)
Paul Payne (OERU)
Sharon Mangroo (T&T)
2:30 -3:30
Training Session:
Introduction to the methodology for
Competency Based Curricular Reform:
For Trinidad and Tobago Tech/Voc
Curriculum Officers
CONOCER and CONALEP
3:30-5:00
Moderators: Paulette Dunn-Smith
(Jamaica Heart)
Round Table 3:
Reflections on the transference of the
methodology to the Caribbean context
Paul Payne (OERU)
Michael Humes (MoE, Bahamas)
Reginald Peterson (Antigua and
Barbuda)
Mr. Ronald Phillip, (NTA, Trinidad
and Tobago)
Sharon Mangroo (MoE, T&T)
Gustavo Flores (CONALEP Mexico)
5:00-5:45
Day 3, August 19
Summary of Day 2 and Introduction
Day 3
Training Session With Trinidad Tobago
Curriculum officers
Marva Ribeiro and Paul Payne
9:00-9:10
CONALEP
9:10 -12:30
12:30 -1:30
Lunch
Afternoon Visit to Schools or Other
Activity
Day 4, August 20
Summary of Day 3 and Introduction
Day 4
Training Session With Trinidad and
Tobago Curriculum officers
Lunch
Round Table 4:
Reflections on the transference of the
methodology to the Caribbean Context
1:30-5:30
Marva Ribeiro and Paul Payne
9:00-9:10
CONALEP
9:00-1:30
1:30-2:30
Moderator: Fazal Karim (NTA, T&T)
Paul Payne (OERU)
Reginald Peterson (A&B)
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004
2:30-4:00
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
Mr. Ronald Phillip, (NTA, Trinidad
and Tobago)
Rodrick Nurse (BID)
Michael Humes (MoE, Bahamas)
Fernando Vargas(ILO/CINTERFOR)
Irene Livas (CONOCER/Mexico)
Gustavo Flores (CONALEP Mexico)
Working Groups: Conclusions and
Steps to Follow
Trinidad and Tobago
Caribbean
Latin America
International Organizations
Conclusions and Steps to Follow
Trinidad and Tobago
Caribbean
Latin America
International Organizations
4:00-4:30
Tech/Voc Officer
Reginald Peterson (A&B)
PMETyC and CONOCER
Jorge Baxter (OAS)
Senator Hazel Manning
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004
4:30-5:30
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
INFORMATION BROCHURE
Venue for Workshop: CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
CROWNE PLAZA
Wrightson Road
Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 625 3361
www.crowneplaza.co.tt
VISA Requirements
Visa Required
No Visa Required
Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Peru
Antigua and Barbuda, *Argentina, Bahamas
Barbados, Belize, **Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica
Guyana, Jamaica, ***Mexico, St. Lucia
* Diplomats and Officials – No Visa
Ordinary Passport Holder – No Visa for 90 days or less on Vacation and Business.
** No Visa on vacation.
*** Diplomats and Officials Accredited – No Visa
Diplomats and Officials not Accredited – No Visa for 90 days
Ordinary Passport Holders – Visa Required.
Please inform us if you require any assistance in obtaining your visa.
Language of the Workshop:
Simultaneous Spanish/English and English/Spanish translations will be available.
Airport Transfers
The organizing committee will arrange for transport to and from the hotel and for special events.
Delegates will be received by personnel from the Organizing Committee
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
Accommodation
The Organizing Committee has blocked single rooms at the CROWNE PLAZA Hotel for all
confirmed delegates. Those not using the CROWNE PLAZA should inform jbaxter@oas.org
before August 9, 2004
The Ministry of Education will bear the cost of five nights accommodation with meals for those
delegates who received scholarships from the OAS Scholarships and Training Unit.
Additional delegates must cover their own expenses and arrange their own accommodation.
Please note that internet, phone, room, laundry, snack bar, and other in-room services must be
covered by the delegates.
The Ministry of Education has obtained special rates for delegates at the CROWNE PLAZA.
Single Occupancy: US$110.00 (US$133.10 tax inclusive)
Double Occupancy: US$125.00 (US$151.25 tax inclusive)
The above rate includes a Buffet Breakfast in the Olympia Restaurant.
The above rate includes 10% Service Charge and 10% Government tax.
Dress Code
The dress code for social functions will be elegant casual. Conference room is air-conditioned.
Opening ceremony: Business Suit.
National Coordination
Ministry of Education, Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Marva Ribeiro
Assistant Director, Educational Research and Evaluation
Tel: (868) 683-7936
Fax: (868) 624-2145
marva_ribeiro@yahoo.co.uk
Mrs. Marcia Riley
Adviser, Communications Management
Ministry of Education
Tel: (868) 628 1581
Fax: (868) 622 4892; (868) 622 1546
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
SOME IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Country Name:
Conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago
The islands came under British control in the 19th century; independence
Background:
was granted in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely
to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted
for expansion and is vastly growing.
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North
Geographical Location:
Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela.
Area & Area Comparative:
total: 5,128 sq km
land: 5,128 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Slightly smaller than Delaware
Climate:
Tropical 27 to 320C; rainy season (June to December)
Capital City: Port-of-Spain
Currency:
Trinidad and Tobago’s currency is the TTD (Trinidad & Tobago Dollar)
Exchange Rate:
Electricity:
Trinidad and Tobago dollars per US dollar - $6.29 (2004)
Power Supply: 110V
Historical sites…
Trinidad
Port of Spain
This capital city's sites and sounds are best enjoyed on foot. Begin
at the Queens Park Savannah, which was an old sugar plantation.
Historic sites are: The National Museum, Houses of Parliament,
Botanical Gardens, The Magnificent Seven Buildings, and the
Emperor Valley Zoo.
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
Asa Wright Nature
Centre
Maracas Bay
This small resort, buried among mountains deep in the Trinidad rain
forest, is famous for its amazing diversity in animal and plant
species.
Attraction type: Nature centre
This popular beach spot fulfils the fantasy of the ideal Caribbean
beach, but is just as famous for the scenic rainforest drive that must
be made to reach it.
Attraction type: Beach; Bay
Caroni Bird
Sanctuary
Tour the sanctuary by boat and watch for the island's National
Bird; the Scarlet Ibis or "Red Birds" that nest in the mango trees.
Located south of Port of Spain. Fort George: The majestic views
from the fort, built in 1804, include Venezuela's stunning mountain
ranges. Located 10 miles from Port of Spain, easily accessed by
taxi.
Pitch Lake
The oddest attraction in Trinidad is the Pitch Lake, a 40ha (99ac)
continually replenishing lake of tar which is the source of the world's
single largest supply of natural bitumen - however, as a sight it's
reminiscent of a huge parking lot.
Attraction type: Geological formation; Lake
Lopinot Historical
Complex
This 19th Century French Plantation has been restored to its
original splendour, and now houses a museum. Located east of
Port of Spain.
Tobago
Fort King George
Overlooks Scarborough, Tobago's serene capital city, and is the
best spot for sunset viewing.
National Fine Arts
Centre
Displays excellent examples of Tobago art & sculpture. The
Museum's friendly director may offer an informative word or two.
Address: 10 minutes on Orange Hill Rd.
Man O' War
Bay/Charlotteville
One of the pleasures in visiting Charlotteville is the scenic drive
along the way. Be sure to snap a shot of Pigeon's Peak, the
island's highest point. Address: Eastern end of the Island.
Buccoo Reef
Tobago's most delightful (although crowded) snorkelling spot.
Located offshore at Buccoo Point and Store Bay, you'll have to
take a boat to reach it.
EATING OUT: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO STYLE…
Our Trinidad cuisine is as diverse as the different ethnic groups that make up our people.
Trinidad’s multicultural society gives you the enjoyment of Indian, Creole, Chinese, Syrian-
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004
WORKSHOP FOR THE CARIBBEAN EDUCATIONAL SECTOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF
BASIC AND LABOR COMPETENCIES
Lebanese and Italian foods. With such a range of choices and flavours, your taste buds are sure
to be delighted.
OUR CULTURE, OUR PRIDE…
The steel pan was the only instrument invented in the 20th Century originating from the hills of
Laventille, in Trinidad.
Carnival is a kaleidoscope of colour, cultures and artistry. It is a
celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's success. People of every age, race
and colour join to celebrate the joy of life.
Carnival - come and live it and you'll absolutely love it!
Parang music, which characterises the Christmas Season of Trinidad and Tobago, has its roots
in Venezuela, but has developed its own characteristics, while absorbing Colombian and even
Cuban music in its repertoire. The word Parang represents the written equivalent to the phonic
Parran, which in turn is an adulteration of the Spanish word Parranda.
In Trinidad, Parang depicts music, musical instruments, dances, costumes, etc. all related to the
season.
Tobago Heritage Festival: Villages on the island featuring their own activity, such as
traditional weddings, goat races or games (July).
Phagwa: Festival celebrating the Hindu New Year, usually around full moon in March.
Eid-ul-Fitr: Muslim New Year, occurring around June, is celebrated with day of feasting.
Santa Rosa Festival: Celebrates the cross-cultural relationship between the Amerindians
and the Roman Catholic Church. The festival is held in honour of the remaining Caribs on the
islands and visitors can enjoy Carib treats and some of their crafts are displayed.
Divali: Also called festivals of lights, it's a national Hindu holiday to honour Lakshmi, goddess
of light, beauty, riches and love.
Emancipation Day: Celebrates the abolition of slavery with a public holiday annually on
August 1st. The emancipation of African slaves took place in 1834.
Port of Spain, Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – August 17 – 20, 2004