Hillsborough, Carriacou, September 22nd, 2009- Education is the tool that fights poverty in developing nations like Grenada. That’s the message given to staff and students of schools in Carriacou visited Monday by Senator the Hon. Franka Alexis-Bernardine, Minister of Education. Senator Bernardine and a team of senior ministry officials are on a one-week tour of schools in Carriacou and Petite Martinique. At the start of the visit on Monday, the Minister stopped at the L'Esterre R.C, meeting with the principal and teachers of both the pre-primary and primary sections. In an exchange of views, Senator Bernardine listened attentively to concerns about workplace-related issues and promised that the Education Ministry will do whatever it could to address the matters raised. She also admonished the teachers to view their role as critical in the nation’s development, urging them to be creative in finding solutions to problems. Senator Bernardine also had a message for students of Bishop's College when she visited that secondary school. She advised them to choose what she described the positive road. Stick with your goals and continue the great track record of the school, Mrs. Bernadine appealed to the Bishop’s College students The high point of the visit by Senator Bernardine and her delegation will be on Wednesday. First, the Minister will meet with teachers and principals to discuss the proposed curriculum changes and the free schools’ book program. On Wednesday afternoon, starting 5:30, a public forum will be held at the Hillsborough Government School. Education reform has been a top priority of Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas and his cabinet. Government’s strong emphasis on enhancing the education system was reinforced in a recent national address by Mr. Thomas, and with the Prime Minister and members of his administration visiting schools in their constituencies last week.