Dear Editor,

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is at it again!

It is not news that CXC has decided to discontinue agricultural science (double option), mechanical engineering, green engineering as well as electrical and electronic technology. Notice came to the education system across the region in a Nicodemus nature overnight. Dr Wayne Wesley, CEO of CXC, identified low registration and the corresponding economic cost to offer these subjects as the rationale for their discontinuation.

Who did CXC consult about this discontinuation? CXC has a propensity to confuse consultation with sensitisation. We are in a sad state of affairs, as CXC appears to report to no one! It is judge, jury, and executioner on all matters relating to the assessment of our students and it does so with impunity and a total lack of regard for key players and clients, such as students, parents, teachers, and possible governments in the region. CXC must be democratised with urgency and not only transform but reform itself to reflect an organisation that is innovative, collaborative, flexible, and credible.

Additionally, what are the implications of discontinuing these subjects for the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) thrust in the region? The proposed saving grace is that the territories that wish to offer these subjects can do so but must be prepared to foot the full economic cost.

To date, of note, we have not heard from the policymakers in the region on such an important matter. Should we as the public take it that our policymakers are suffering from amnesia, or is it a case that they support this debilitating move by CXC? We deserve to hear from them, as the silence is deafening and palpable.

As a region we must be concerned about this decision and its impact on the advancement of science, technology, and economic growth and development in the region. The potential reduction in the pool of talent going into electronics and scientific inquiry can lead to skills gaps for the fields of mechanics, civil and electrical engineering, and agriculture which will significantly impact our global competitiveness.

Consequently, there must be a review of the decision to ensure we provide people with the skill set necessary to meet the needs of our region.

We must, as educators and citizens in general, save CXC from itself and, by extension, our region.

Garth Anderson

President, Caribbean Union of Teachers

Principal, Church Teachers’ College

info@ctc.edu.jm