KINGSTON (CMC):

The Caribbean Union of Teachers has called on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to do more to assist in improving public education in Haiti.

In a letter to CARICOM Chairman Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, following a recently concluded meeting here, the union pointed to the poor condition of public education for the majority of children in the French-speaking Caribbean nation.

This was one of several matters discussed by the association at the Regional Conference on Education in the north-coast resort town of Ocho Rios last month.

"The delegates unanimously agreed that every child in this region and indeed the world deserves opportunities in life and that this opportunity means education," the letter said. "Education is the key that opens the door of opportunity and for thousands of children in Haiti this door is closed.

"We are calling upon all the other members of CARICOM to put pressure on the Government of Haiti to provide quality public education for children of the country," the group said.

The letter also called on all governments in the region to give priority to public education through the provision of adequate funding to the sector.