CXC Faces Backlash Over Suspension of Key Technical Subjects

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has announced the suspension of four technical subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) levels, effective September 2025. The decision has sparked widespread concern among education professionals and community members across the region.

The suspension of these technical subjects has significant implications for the future of education and workforce development in the Caribbean region. If not addressed, it could lead to a shortage of skilled professionals in critical fields, potentially affecting the region's economic growth and competitiveness.

The subjects affected by the suspension are Agricultural Science (double award), Mechanical Engineering Technology, Green Engineering, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. According to Dr. Wayne Wesley, CEO of CXC, the decision was driven by a decrease in student engagement.

The announcement has led to significant backlash, with Jamaica's Education Minister, Fayval Williams, taking a firm stance against the suspension. Williams emphasized that Jamaica will continue to certify these subjects and plans to address the issue with CXC and other regional education ministers.

Williams stated, "Jamaica's education minister Fayval Williams, in response to the concerns raised by our principals and other concerned Jamaicans, has taken a firm stance. She will be meeting with CXC, along with other regional education ministers, to address concerns with respect to the discontinuance or suspension policy."

The CXC has acknowledged the concerns and announced plans to meet with regional Ministers of Education on June 4 to discuss the matter further. The council has assured the public that it will provide updates on the outcome of the meeting.

St Lucia's Education Minister, Shawn Edward, also expressed his concerns, stating, "These subjects are critical to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, not just for St Lucia but for the Caribbean as a region... Given the importance of the subject areas in terms of the level of training they afford our young people and how significant those areas are to the development of individual member states and also as a collective, I believe it is something that needs to be revisited."

The St Lucia Secondary Schools’ Principals Association (SSPA) echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the negative impact the suspension could have on the region's educational environment, particularly as St Lucia plans to transform four secondary schools into TVET Centres.

CXC has apologized for the premature release of its correspondence to Ministries, which it attributes to the uproar. The council has committed to addressing the concerns and providing a comprehensive update following the meeting with the Ministers of Education.

The suspension of these subjects has raised questions about the future of technical and vocational education in the Caribbean. The region faces these changes, the upcoming meeting on June 4 will be pivotal in determining the way forward.

Key Takeaways

• CXC suspends 4 technical subjects at CSEC and CAPE levels, effective 2025.
• Suspended subjects: Agricultural Science, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Green Engineering, and Electrical & Electronic Engineering.
• Decision sparks concern among education professionals and community members.
• Jamaica's Education Minister, Fayval Williams, opposes suspension and plans to meet with CXC.
• CXC to meet with regional Education Ministers on June 4 to discuss suspension.