Caribbean begin meeting this morning at Warwick Camp.

Some 100 delegates and observers from all 15 teacher trade unions in the Caribbean will attend the 28th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Union of Teachers. The conference's theme is "Education in Transition -- A Challenge to Teacher Trade Unions''.

Hosted by the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the five-day conference will address various issues, including education reform in the region.

In addition to education reform, delegates will debate the following: Application by Jamaica and Guadeloupe for membership to the regional body; The attitude of some Caribbean leaders toward the leaders of trade unions in the region; The harmonisation of OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) legislation in education; The free movement of skilled human resources and professionals in the region; The situation regarding volcano-stricken Montserrat, especially problems faced by teachers and the Montserrat Union of Teachers; and The location of the Caribbean Union of Teachers' Secretariat which will be moving from St. Lucia after a period of ten years.

Premier Pamela Gordon will also address delegates during a formal opening ceremony today.

EDUCATION ED