DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER HANLEY ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO PURSUE CAREERS IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND OTHER EMERGING FIELDS

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, June 16, 2026 (SKNIS): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, is encouraging students and young professionals to explore emerging and high-impact fields of study such as Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Applied Behaviour Analysis as Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to expand services for children with developmental and learning differences.

Speaking during the official opening of the new Pediatric Therapy Facility on June 15, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Hanley highlighted the growing demand for trained professionals who can support children and families through specialised therapeutic interventions.

“I encourage our young people to seek out these novel areas of study,” Dr. Hanley said. “Do not limit yourselves only to traditional professions. Look at Speech Therapy. Look at Applied Behaviour Analysis. Look at Occupational Therapy. These are fields where you can make a profound difference in people’s lives.”

The deputy prime minister emphasised that the government remains committed to creating educational pathways and scholarship opportunities that support workforce development in these critical areas.

His remarks come as the Ministry of Education continues to strengthen partnerships aimed at improving special education and therapeutic services throughout the Federation.

Minister Hanley highlighted a recent collaboration involving the Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and the Open University of Tanzania, through which twenty-six teachers were recently inducted into a remote-based Bachelor’s Degree in Education programme.

Notably, some of the participating educators are specialising in Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology—disciplines that are increasingly needed within schools, healthcare facilities, and specialised intervention programs.

Deputy Prime Minister Hanley noted that these professions play a vital role in supporting children with autism, dyslexia, language disorders, sensory processing challenges, and other developmental needs.

“These are not simply careers,” he said. “They are opportunities to serve. They are opportunities to transform lives. They are opportunities to provide support to our students, relatives, friends, and neighbours who need it most.”

The Ministry of Education will continue to pursue strategic partnerships, professional development opportunities, and scholarship programmes designed to increase the number of qualified specialists available to serve children and families across Saint Kitts and Nevis.

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