–must be used to develop a world-class education system, PM Phillips says

NOTING the exceptional performances of students over the years, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Thursday said that the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) is one of the many success stories of regionalism, and should be safeguarded.

He made this remark while delivering an address at the 2023 Regional Awards Ceremony, which was held at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown, Guyana.

PM Phillips first expressed the country’s honour and delight to be hosting the prestigious ceremony, before congratulating the awardees and their families on their remarkable accomplishments.

He used the occasion to remind them of their immense potential to serve their country and the Caribbean.

“Despite its smallness and economic limitations, our region has historically and consistently invested in harnessing its human resources, and has produced exceptional scholars who have brought glory to the Caribbean. Our awardees this afternoon exemplify that tradition. Let us take pride in our top performers, and express our gratitude, in tangible ways, to those who push their limits,” he said.

He added that to sustain our success, “we must exercise prudent stewardship of our educational institutions, nurturing the talents and abilities of our people as a united region.”

According to the Prime Minister, one such institution that we must “zealously” safeguard is the CXC.

“Our Caribbean civilisation can point to the CXC as one of the many success stories of regionalism; the CXC continues to be a beacon for the rest of the Caribbean. The success of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) stands as a compelling narrative of regional achievement. The evolution and triumphs of the CXC serve as indisputable proof of our capacity to establish institutions that cater to the unique needs of the Caribbean,” he pointed out.

In continuing, he further explained that the CXC was met with skepticism when it was first established.

According to him, people questioned the sensibleness of abandoning exams administered by the British, while another question was raised on whether it will live up to the high standards set by the external exams.

He said that some even cautioned that the introduction of the CXC could spell disaster for the Caribbean’s educational standards.

“The CXC has defied sceptics and naysayers alike. Over the past five decades, it has solidified its standing as a highly reputable institution dedicated to maintaining exemplary standards. The syllabi and certifications produced by the CXC are not only recognized, but are also highly regarded on a global scale,” he added.

In this endeavour, the PM said that the Caribbean should actively develop and lead global educational trends rather than just keeping up with them.

To establish an educational ecosystem that would allow the CXC to stand out in the field of international education, Prime Minister Phillips said while explaining that collaboration with regional governments is required.

He said: “Let us not doubt our capacity to develop world-class educational services. In the Caribbean’s transition towards more knowledge-based economies, education must be recognised as a fundamental factor in production. Traditionally, factors of production have been categorised as land, labour, and capital, but the evolving global landscape, with an increased emphasis on knowledge-based industries, demands the inclusion of education as a crucial determinant of economic success.”

By viewing education as a key factor in production, the Caribbean can strategically invest in human capital development, equipping its populace with the intellectual resources needed to better develop knowledge-driven industries and economies.

SACRIFICES

Meanwhile, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand also congratulated the awardees and their families before emphasising that the road to success is paved with hard work, determination, and countless hours of dedication.

“Today, we acknowledge the sacrifices made, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering commitment to learning that these exceptional students would have demonstrated. You are not merely recipients of awards; you are embodiments of inspiration to your peers, educators, and our entire community.”

“Your achievements extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. They echo in the corridors of our institutions in Guyana and the Caribbean and resonate in the hearts of all those who have had the privilege of witnessing your journey,” she said.

Minister Manickchand also recognised the “pivotal” roles played by educators, supportive families, and the entire academic community.

The awardees at the CSEC level are: Overall Top Performer, Alex Muntaz of the Anna Regina Secondary School, who also copped the Most Outstanding in Technical/Vocational prize; Most Outstanding in Business, Siddiq Gafar of I.S.A. Islamic School; Best Short Story, Meira Wohl of Jamaica Campion College: Most Outstanding in Principles of Accounts (ACCA Award), Kayla Wright of Jamaica Campion College; Most Outstanding in Visual Arts—Two Dimensional, Celando Matchevelli of Jamaica Manchester High School; Most Outstanding in Visual Arts—Three Dimensional, Deanna Beepath of Trinidad & Tobago’s Rio Claro West Secondary School; Most Outstanding in Humanities, Naila Rahaman of Queen’s College, Guyana; and Most Outstanding in Sciences, Abigail Stephanas of Queen’s College, Guyana.

For CAPE, Naresh Jagnanan of Queen’s College, Guyana was awarded for being the overall top performer, as well as the Most Outstanding in Business Studies (ACCA Award); Most Outstanding in History, Matthew Dunn of Jamaica York Castle High School; Most Outstanding in Natural Sciences, Darius Payne of Trinidad & Tobago’s Naparima College; and Top Male performer, Rishi Rakesh Pokhriyal of St. Maarten Methodist Agogic Centre Comprehensive Secondary Education CCSLC.