(1) The Minister is responsible for the overall administration of this Act and in the exercise of the powers conferred upon the Minister, may do all things necessary or convenient for the purpose of carrying out the Minister's responsibilities.
(2) In addition to the duties referred to in subsection (1), the Minister is responsible for—
(a) devising a system of education designed as far as possible to ensure that the intellectual and vocational abilities, aptitudes and interests of students find adequate expression and opportunity for development;
(b) establishing public schools and determining their location and classification;
(c) making, subject to this Act, provision for the admission and transfer of students in public schools and assisted schools;
(d) establishing and maintaining or assisting in the establishment and maintenance of educational institutions or other facilities for tertiary, adult and continuing education and special education as the Minister considers necessary, including—
(i) teachers' colleges for the training of teachers, and
(ii) technical colleges and training centres considered necessary for fulfilling the requirements of technical and vocational education;
(e) taking such other action as the Minister considers necessary for ensuring that the requirements of teachers in public educational institutions are satisfied;
(f) conducting, managing and assisting schools in accordance with regulations made under this Act;
(g) rendering to such students or class of students, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, such forms of assistance as may be necessary for enabling the students to take full advantage of the educational facilities available;
(h) evaluating the work of public schools and assisted schools with particular reference to the curriculum to be followed therein, and making provision for the examination and testing of students and the award of certificates;
(i) the referral of children who have been identified by the Chief Education Officer as having learning difficulties to appropriate medical, educational, social services or other agencies where they exist for remedial treatment or assistance;
(j) providing educational opportunities for meeting the demands for higher education and in particular taking such steps as may be necessary for the carrying out of the Government's obligation to the Caribbean Examinations Council, the University of the West Indies or any other institution of higher learning; and
(k) actively encouraging the formation, functioning and development of students councils in all schools and a national students council.