Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION 18 Alexandra Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Phone: 1-868-628-1581/622-1088 Fax: 1-868-628-2088 www.moe.gov.tt

NEWS RELEASE 29th December, 2015

Education Minister assures textbooks will be available in schools

The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education wishes to assure members of the public,

especially parents and teachers, that textbooks are available in primary and secondary schools. This

assurance comes after his previous announcement of a 10% top up of textbooks and 100%

replacement of workbooks/combination books at Primary – Infants I and II; a 10% top up of

textbooks at the Secondary – Form 1 level and a 100% replacement of Special Education resources.

Minister Garcia has indicated that, “All schools will have the necessary books required and that there

is no need for panic”. He said 90% of textbooks are currently available throughout the nation’s

schools and the remaining 10% which may no longer be available as a result of normal wear and tear

or other damages is the percentage which will be topped up, as stated above. He also noted that in

2012 all schools were provided with a full range of textbooks that were recommended by principals,

and while it was envisaged that a three year cycle for the use of the textbooks would be the norm,

and a full replacement would have been made for the academic year 2015/2016, this was not possible

because of the country’s present financial position. He said the cost for the full replenishment of

textbooks would have been $138 million.

Minister Garcia further stated there are schools which have an excess of textbooks, and this excess

will be sent to schools that may have a deficit. He said, “The academic year has already started and

principals have been managing the distribution of textbooks very efficiently.” He noted that there are

stocks of textbooks in all the primary and secondary schools covering a wide range of subject areas

that can be used by our students; the large majority not older than three years. Therefore, he

reiterated that there is no need for panic among parents or students.

For further information please contact the Corporate Communications Division, Ministry of Education: ph:628-1581 / fx:628-2088