Workforce Development for Communities in Crisis and Transition: A Case Study of the Windward Islands.

The Windward Islands (Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) have taken several approaches to educate the work force and prepare for the technology-driven society of the future. These approaches include government initiatives, such as the governments' commitment to primary education and more recently to secondary education. In addition, community colleges have been established, and citizens also have access to undergraduate and graduate education at the University of the West Indies with campuses in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Barbados. The governments have provided scholarships to higher education and access to training programs for youths who are not going to college. The European Union's Initiative is also designed to assist in the recovery of the Windward Islands' banana industry, as well as to upgrade teaching staff and evaluate and improve training programs. The United States Agency for International Development has worked in the islands to develop a program for academic and technical and vocational training, in both short- and long-term formats. For the Windward Islands' work force to remain competitive in any of the emerging sectors (such as tourism, information processing, banking), retraining must be conducted through a common vision. Planning is required for the year 2010 and beyond. (KC)