Jamaican students to sit CXC exams in July

9:15 pm, Mon May 18, 2020

00:00

Karl Samuda, Minister with responsibility for Education

The Government of Jamaica has decided to allow students to sit the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams planned for July.

The government had earlier indicated that it did not support the July date set by the Council, contending that many of Jamaica's students were not ready because of challenges they faced with online learning and teaching.

Some 74,900 students are eligible to sit CXC exams, which include the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

Of this number, Karl Samuda, Minister with responsibility for Education, said 51 per cent have totally unstable internet access while another 23 per cent have almost non-existent connection.

Mr. Samuda, who was speaking at the government's COVID-19 press conference Monday, said there were strong arguments for Jamaican students not to take the exams at this time, but the decision was made after wide consultations with more than a hundred high school principals and other stakeholders.

He said, despite lingering concerns, it was clear that "the vast majority of those present in the meeting preferred us to go forward rather than delay the exams."

CXC exams will begin on July 27.

Mr. Samuda said the government is now making logistical arrangements for students regarding social distancing and other measures to be observed while they sit exams.