THE EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE SEEKS TO ESTABLISH A FUNCTIONING EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER WITH AN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH FOCUS, WHERE RESEARCH SUPPORTS DECISION MAKING AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN AND BARBADOS. ENHANCED ACCESS TO DATA AND DEMAND-DRIVEN RESEARCH TO FACILITATE EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES AND DECISION-MAKING AND INFORM THE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA OF THE REGION.