Construction of more than 50 new infant schools is to begin next month, as the Government looks to improve offerings at the early childhood level.

The announcement was made by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen as he delivered the Throne Speech in Gordon House last Thursday to mark the opening of the new Parliamentary year.

He said that improvements will also be made to the nutrition for pre-schoolers while the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education Fund will be investing more money into the training of early-childhood teachers.

"Additional trained teachers will be placed in early-childhood institutions and many primary schools will also be utilised to strengthen the delivery of early-childhood education," the Governor General stated.

legislative year

He said that the government will be increasing its focus on the welfare of the nation's children this legislative year.

"Too many of our children have suffered from abuse and neglect. We are taking steps to heighten awareness of this issue. In particular, we will place emphasis on the legal responsibilities of persons who are entrusted with the care of our children - in our schools, hospitals and homes," he informed.

He assured that these issues will not be 'swept under the carpet' and will ensure that persons comply with their obligations to report cases of abuse.

"We will promote a culture of reporting child abuse, which will act as a deterrent to those who would perpetrate such dastardly acts," he said.