“The Magic Trap: Why Montserrat Must Raise Architects, Not Followers”
This was the topic of discussion at the Annual St. Patrick’s Lecture 2026 on Wednesday. Presented by numeracy specialist and educator Dr. Samuel Joseph, the lecture centered on the importance of raising youth to think and produce instead of only following processes.
Dr. Joseph said compliance is taught, noting the factors mostly considered to make a “good student”.
He highlighted the need to redesign the education system to escape the procedure trap.
Dr. Joseph also explained why students must develop their thinking and reasoning skills before using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool.
He said children must have prior knowledge so that they can command the AI. This, he dubbed as “cognitive sovereignty.”
This lecture was a collaborative presentation between the University of the West Indies Global Campus – Montserrat and the Montserrat Arts Council.
The St. Patrick’s Lecture is an annual event founded by Sir Howard Fergus.