CUT President Dr. Garth Anderson - file photo
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Dr. Garth Anderson
The Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) has said it is deeply concerned about the decision to hold CXC exams in July.
The CUT had recommended the exams be held in September.
Calling the move to have the exams in July unfortunate, the CUT said the decision places the lives of thousands of students and teachers at risk, as all the issues surrounding the administering of the exams have not been addressed.
It pointed to health and safety issues, the need for greater engagement on the format of the examination, concerns surrounding the validity of the proposed testing format, as well as technological and infrastructural limitations of many educational institutions.
CUT President Dr. Garth Anderson said other concerns include the psycho-social health of teachers and students, issues surrounding social distancing, and issues regarding transportation to and from school.
Because of these lingering concerns, he said the group is "not confident that the governments in the region have demonstrated that they have the plans and the resources to support the reopening in a shorter period less than September."
The Jamaican government had opposed the July date but backed down after the CXC insisted the exams would go on.
Karl Samuda, Minister with responsibility for Education, said the majority of Jamaican educators, with whom the government consulted, wanted students to be given the chance to sit the exams in July.
Owen Speid, President of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) has said, while he is satisfied with the extended time for the exams, the lingering concern of readiness remains.
However, he said his organisation will encourage its members to work towards the date announced for the start of CXC exams.
The CXC exams will begin on July 27.
Students writing the exams will return to school in the second week of June to prepare.
Minister Samuda said physical distancing measures will be in place.
He said, where necessary, transportation will be provided.
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