ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th, 2009 _ Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas and members of his cabinet spent Wednesday visiting primary and secondary schools across the island to emphasize the government’s focus on Education. The Prime Minister told staff and students at his first stop, Hermitage Government School, in his own St. Patrick West Constituency, “education is an important pillar of development” which will help them to lead successful lives. “…a recent study showed that graduates of tertiary institutions earned more than those who only attended secondary school or dropped out all together. You have an opportunity to study hard to ensure a good quality life,” the Prime Minister told the students. He cautioned the students against dropping out of school or getting involved in using harmful substances that will “hinder your ability to learn and make a meaningful contribution to the country.” He said students must learn to settle disputes by talking rather than resorting to “violent confrontation.” Using nutmeg and cocoa as examples, the Prime Minister told the students they were better positioned than the previous generation to take advantage of Grenada’s natural resources, since “technology is now more readily available.” “You are exposed to a greater level of technology than the previous generation therefore I expect more from you. You must utilize technology to create local products from our natural resources. Nutmeg oil is important to the food, cosmetics and medicinal industries, therefore you must find ways of improving this area of agriculture”, the Prime Minister said. The Grenadian leader noted that during times of economic difficulty, given the global economic downturn, it is opportune for Grenadians to “look inward” to determine what resources could be harnessed and developed for local consumption and for export. The Prime Minister told teachers his administration “values your contribution to the education process” and called for greater co-operation on the “significant issues” facing the student population. He pointed to another recent study which showed that Grenada is lagging behind other Caribbean islands in the preparation of children for the workforce. He said changes to the curriculum are intended to address these shortfalls.