CXC must consult with member countries before cutting certifications - Williams

Education Minister Fayval Williams has indicated that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) did not consult with member countries before it announced that it will discontinue certification of certain subjects.

Williams, who made the disclosure at Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing, asserted that CXC was established by member countries in the Caribbean to serve them. Decisions, including the discontinuation of certification, must be discussed with education ministers before public announcements, she said.

“Having registered the concerns of principals and other concerned Jamaicans in no uncertain terms we will be meeting with CXC along with other regional education ministers,” said Williams.

The meeting is set for Tuesday, June 4.

The certifications to be discontinued are agricultural science (double award) and mechanical engineering at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination levels; as well as, electrical and electronic engineering, and technology and green engineering.

In a statement issued Wednesday, CXC acknowledged concerns based on what it said was the premature release of correspondence addressed to education ministries concerning syllabus suspension.

The body said the situation is regrettable and understandably would have caused anxiety among key stakeholder groups.

“In order to address the matter, CXC has scheduled a meeting with ministers of education and will provide a full update to the public, through a press release, thereafter. CXC assures our valued stakeholders that the requisite actions will be taken in the best interest of all,” a statement from the council said.

- Kimone Francis

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