In Guyana it is recognised that the output of schooling at all levels starting at the primary level is inadequate to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This paper describes an attempt by the author, as Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development to address the problem of literacy at the primary level through curriculum development, specifically the use of Skills Reinforcement Guides. Ineffective planning, personal jealousies, political interference and monopolisation of scarce resources as well as changes of personnel are cited amongst the fundamental constraints on educational improvement in a poor developing country.