ALREADY, some $140 million has been refunded to parents, whose children sat this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

This was revealed on Monday afternoon by Education Minister Priya Manickchand during the commissioning of the new Brickdam Secondary School.
“We had over $140 million received by parents, such as yourselves, as a refund on the CXC fees that you would have paid for your children,” Manickchand told the gathering of parents, students, and other stakeholders.

This reflects the monies that have been reimbursed to children in the Georgetown district.
Back in April, President Ali had announced that the government would cover the cost of at least eight CSEC and CAPE subjects.
“That was not a promise made that arose out of President Ali doing what he does best, which is walking around and talking to people and hearing how it is we could better serve. And that was one of the issues that came up amongst parents that they had to pay this CXC fee, and so that was actually in addition to the promises made with a view to reducing your burden in your pockets,” the Education Minister added.

Across the country, grateful parents are expressing their appreciation for the relief this initiative provides.
In 2024, Guyana excelled in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) CSEC examinations, securing top positions among candidates across the region. Guyana proudly ranked in the top 10 candidates per subject for 13 subject areas.

In the past years, students have been receiving subsidies for reportedly up to eight subjects.
The country saw a total of 259 candidates who sat the CSEC® exams earning eight grade 1s or more. Seventy students earned 12 grade 1s or more, an increase from 50 in 2023. Similarly, the number of students attaining 14 or more Grade 1s rose to 33, up from 29 in 2023, and 28 in 2022. These results underscore a positive trend in academic performance, and highlight Guyana’s commitment to excellence in education.

Since 2020, the Ministry of Education has been committed to ensuring equitable access to quality education across the nation. Key interventions included providing free access to high-quality textbooks, expanding the Learning Channel to reach remote communities, and reintroducing the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant programme to support families.