Principals are the most vital and important feature in an educational system, according to Minister of Education Jeffery Lloyd, who during the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (CAPPS), told principals from across the Caribbean that they are charged with a sacred responsibility.

In his address Mr. Lloyd keeping in tantum with the conference’s theme, admonished the principals to be good leaders, quoting the late Dr. Myles Munroe.

“Your theme ‘Quality Leadership: Driving Educational Success’ is a very timely one. We all know that everything rises and falls with leadership, a plethora of world examples shower this planet and education is no exception,” he quoted.

“The late great Bahamian Dr. Myles Munroe once said, [and I quote] ‘leadership really comes down to two things who you are and how you think.  It is about discovering your identity as a born leader and then understanding the way true leaders think so that you can fulfill your inherent calling.  If you don’t first establish your leadership nature it will be very difficult to have the mind set of leader.’”

Mr. Lloyd also told the teachers that they have the role of providing life-long learning and admonished them to do so in a time where countries are seeking to develop sustainable developmental goals.

“In alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 2030 which are transformative and provide a path by which this planet can be preserved for generations to come in most especially goal number four which is to ensure, inclusive and quality education for all and promote life-long learning.

“Principals you are charged with the sacred responsibility to ensure that this objective is manifestly realized within our region corporately and that your own countries and schools individually.

“I maintain that the principal and his or her team are the most significant features of the vital educational delivery mechanism in all of this,” Mr. Lloyd said.

He added that recent discussions have also illustrated the interdependence between education action and outcomes and other drivers of sustainable development.

“The link between education and economic development has been especially prominent in relation to post-secondary education and life-long learning,” Mr. Lloyd said.

Mr. Lloyd further told teachers that they should be knowledgeable in understanding how sustainable development is important to society.

“We are charged with understanding the links between this education experience that we share in so intimately and sustainable development and to recognize that it is important in order for us to be able to develop policies and programs where the impact being sought is well defined effective and contributes to society,” he said.

The six day conference is being hosted by the New Providence Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools.

Discussions will centre around management, achievements as well as new and unfamiliar practices and beliefs within the profession.