TNAG-1124-FCO40-1399-Implementation-of-the-International-Covenant-on-Economic--So-1982 — Page 46

11.

A ladies club has been established with mixed membership comprising local residents and expatriates of several nationalities; one of its objectives is an exchange of ideas on the national heritage of several countries, thus creating a wider understanding of current world affairs. Being closely linked geographically

to the United States Virgin Islands, there are occasional exchanges of cultural programmes between the two groups.

12. There are no restrictions on the activities of authors and every encouragement is given to any one who demonstrates an interest in literary, scientific or artistic activities, particularly among youth. The Rotary and Lions Clubs are particularly mindful of the need to promote all activities designed to improve research and creativity and to give tangible support to such measures.

D.

Cayman Islands

(Population: 16,677 (1979 estimate); area: 260 sq. km. (approx.))

Education

1.

The Cayman Islands Education Law, which was passed in 1968, established free compulsory education for all children aged between five and fifteen years. In fact, education is available at public expense to all children from four years and six months of age, should they or their parents desire it. The Law also established an Education Council of twelve members with the Member of the Country's Governing Executive Council responsible for education as the Chairman. The duty of the Council is to promote education and the progressive development of schools.

2. In addition to privately operated educational institutions, the Government, entirely at the public expense, presently maintains nine Primary, one Middle and two Secondary schools; special schools for the mentally and physically handicapped, and a deaf unit, form part of the primary schools. To ensure the regular attendance of school pupils as required by law, there are within the Department of Education supervisors who perform the duty of truant officers. In addition, parents whose children fail to attend without a lawful excuse are subject to fines. All children residing in the outer districts are transported free of charge to the Capital, George Town, to attend the Middle, Secondary and Special schools, and children from indigenous families receive free lunches from the Government at their school of attendance.

3.

The Middle School was constructed and phase one came into operation in September 1979. Phases two and three were constructed in 1980 and 1981, respectively. The School will be catering for more than 800 students in September 1981. The opening of the School enabled the top grade from all primary schools on Grand Cayman to be transferred to it, with a resulting improvement in the efficiency and uniformity of instruction available to pupils of the grade concerned. At the same time, the transfer reduced to better proportions the number of pupils at all primary schools, and made it possible to enhance the status of the Secondary School on Grand Cayman to that of a Senior Comprehensive School at which pupils are prepared for the United Kingdom's General Certificate of Education "A" level examinations.

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