During the members meeting on May 11th this year in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the Dutch Caribbean part of the Ministry of Education (RCN / OCW) was accepted as an extraordinary member of the CANTA (Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies). The regular members of the CANTA are members of CARICOM. Because the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands are not members of CARICOM, they can join CANTA as extraordinary members.
The CANTA was created in the nineties to reach a competitive regional labor market and the free exchange of skilled laborers between the CARICOM member countries. The CANTA ensures uniform implementation of competency-based vocational training programs and their examination and certification within the CARICOM area. By joining the CANTA, RCN / OCW remains well informed of developments and new programs within the regional vocational education, knowledge exchange with CARICOM members becomes easier and teaching materials can be purchased at a discount.
Accession to the CANTA is part of the transition to English as the language of instruction on St. Eustatius, which will be paired with the adoption of regional teaching and examination programs in the English language. Saba has been using Caribbean programs successfully for several years.