Editorial
Local Higher Education: EqualOpportunity Available To All
We begin a timely focus on the educationalresources of the Cayman Islands, as the start of the new academicyear looms. Far more critical to the focus at this time is a recognitionof the demands that educational institutions will have to meetin the new global, technology-driven economy, as we progress througha new millennium.
When we look at the main planks on which our Islands' economyrests - financial services and tourism - there is glaring evidenceof increasing sophistication and global competitiveness. An emphasison education and skills training must therefore be part of anystrategy to stay ahead.
For the Cayman Islands, whose labour market has for long reliedon the importation of skilled and trained persons from outsidethe territory, a focus on local education must underlie any effortsat long term planning and development, if Caymanians are to playincreasingly important roles in the development of these islands.It may well be that traditional methods of education must be re-examined,and overturned, if necessary, to meet new demands for skilledlabor.
The practice has been that, alongside the reliance on imported,skilled labour, there has also been a trend of Caymanians optingfor higher education in highly reputed and not-so-well known collegesand universities in North America, Europe and elsewhere.
For many, access to such hallowed halls of learning has only beenpossible through scholarships, whether Government-funded or privatesector awarded. This has been a way out for the few - and a resultantelite group of overseas-trained individuals in the job market.And that is all for the good.
For the greater, and longer term good however, it is clear thata wider mass must have access to affordable and relevant educationand skills training. The development of and access to local educationfor the majority, must be the way forward for higher learningand greater progress and the community as a whole must focus onthis as a solution for the educational needs of the islands.
The truth is that Cayman's educational facilities present tremendousopportunities for tertiary level education and for skills training,thereby removing the need to go abroad for training.
The existence of three colleges - Community College of the CaymanIslands, International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) andthe Cayman Islands Law School -- in an area as small as theseislands, is testament to the fact that there has been a vision,among some educators to provide the means for the population tomeet its educational needs.
The challenge, is of course, how much these institutions willdo to remain relevant and affordable in the changing dynamicsof higher education and the demands of the labour market. Theymust do this by anticipating the needs of their students and theeconomy, by designing and offering the relevant courses of studyas defined by these needs, by investing in the technological solutionsnecessary for effective training, and by ensuring that professors,instructors and staff are not only educationally up to par forthe challenge, but's present and future educational needs. Insuch efforts, they may wish to partner with government and theprivate sector
The fact is that these institutions present opportunities forCaymanians to acquire first-world standard education without theneed and attendant cost to spend four years or more abroad instudy. Many of the programmes offered in these facilities areaccredited and otherwise recognized by reputable overseas educationalinstitutions and boards.
In addition, they are uniquely placed to facilitate a programmeof work and study, and with short courses and seminars such asare offered by the Community College and ICCI, local studentshave the opportunity to upgrade their skills in specific areas,while pursuing a career.
The story of Mrs. Florence McGrath, a working Caymanian motherstudying for a law degree, is a blueprint of the opportunitiesfor advancement through work and study, made possible by pursuinggoals for further education right here in Cayman.
No doubt there are more like her, and will be countless othersin the future, provided that local institutions continue to expandtheir horizons to meet changing demands in education.
It is obvious that community support is for local education iscritical to the survival and expansion of existing facilities.The imperative therefore rests with these institutions to showthe population the promise, possibilities and challenges of highereducation here, rather than abroad.
Dr. Elsa Cummins, that visionary of the international Collegeof the Cayman Islands (ICCI) has addressed the need for the Caymanto be "educationally competitive" in a global senseand for persons to subscribe to "lifelong learning".
Sentiments like these and upgrading efforts such as are beingmade by ICCI in this its 30th year, are to be promoted and applauded.