requirements, highlights the need for more effective and productive management of limited resources. In this connection human-resource development has assumed a new urgency. Consequently my Government has embarked on a national strategy of education and training aimed at placinq its people firmly at the centre of development. The goal here is to make human development instrumental in accelerating economic growth. My Government is of the belief that expenditures on improving capabilities have the patential to yield a return to society as high as the return on physical investment, and neglect of human-resource development not only retards the expansion of human capabilities in the broadest sense but also undermines its long-term potential rate of economic growth. Thus in revitalizing the economic qrcwth and development of island developing countries there is an urqent need for education and training programmes directed towards enhancinq the ability of individuals to participate constructively in organizations sudl as enterprises, trade unions and qovernment agencies. The future of island developing countries such as Antigua and Barbuda depends on the education of our youth. In addition to universal primary education we need to introduce proqrammes that emphasize the professional, technical and manaqerial skills essential for effective comPetition in the global marketplace. Against this backdrop, we call on the international community to increase its assistance in this area, since the basic needs far exceed the domestic resources likely to be available. Diversification of an agricultural or a tourism-based RH/22 A/S-18/PV. 6 104-105 (Mr. Joseph, Antiqua and Barbuda) economy requires investment in nodem industries. Investment in nodern industry requires skilled labour, aqricultural mechanization requires people who can, for example, operate and repair irriqation equipmentf and nodern services -bankinq, pUblic administration -require a literate and numerate work force. Thus our call fcc assistance on human capital formation can, in principle, yield returns in the 
**Analysis**
The text highlights the importance of human-resource development in achieving economic growth and development in island developing countries. The emphasis on education and training, professional, technical, and managerial skills, and the need for skilled labor in modern industries suggests that the main focus is on human capital formation. The text also touches on the need for investment in modern industries and the importance of a literate and numerate workforce.

**Category**
Education, Employment, Economic development