The Caribbean Examiner Vol 19 Issue 1 2020

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4 VOLUME 19 • ISSUE NO. 1 • 2020 www.cxc.org
THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINER
THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINER IS A PUBLICATION OF THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL © (CXC®)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR WAYNE WESLEY • EDITOR MR RICHARD ROSE • EDITORIAL SUPPORT: MR MATTHEW TULL AND MS FOLAYAN TAITT
PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO: THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINER CXC, PRINCE ROAD AND PINE PLANTATION ROAD, ST MICHAEL, BARBADOS
E: CXCezo@CXC.org • W: www.CXC.org • ISSN 2071-9019
IN THIS ISSUE
ABOUT THIS ISSUE In this issue of the Caribbean Examiner, we look at key stakeholder
consultations across the territories in development of CXC’s Strategic Plan for 2021
– 2025, COHSOD-Education grants approval for the administration of CXC’s Regional
Examinations in July, CXC’s Learning Hub – the Council’s e-learning platform, the launch
of the Caribbean Community Administrative Tribunal (CCAT), new syllabuses – CCSLC®
Digital Literacy, and CAPE® Design and Technology. Key highlights also include four
articles focused on environmental issues, CXC’s employees of the year (2019), new
appointments at CXC® and stakeholder engagement activities.
CXC® NEWS
6 Grenada hosts the 2019
Top Performing Students
10 CXC® continues
stakeholder consultations
across the region
14 COHSOD-Education
grants approval for
administration of CXC’s
Regional Examinations in
July
15 CXC® makes Exam
Preparation Easier with
Centralised Learning Hub
16 The Caribbean
Administrative Tribunal
(CCAT) launched at CXC®
HQ
17 Ms Dionne Hunte
Winner of the CCAT logo
competition
18 New Syllabuses to
meet Regional Human
Resource Development
needs
CXC® NEWS
26 Ministry of Education
in St Lucia to
implement CPEA™
27 Employees of the Year
28 Sir Roy Augier
honoured with
Chancellor’s Medal
from UWI
30 NEW Appointments
at CXC®
32 CXC® Stakeholder
Engagement
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
21 E-Waste and U
Dr Denise M. Beckles
23 Facilitating
Environmental
Change Through
Accessible Learning
Resources
Latoya Wedderburn-Rose
24 Securing
Caribbean Agriculture
and Food Security
David O. Yawson
25 Environmental
Behaviour
Dr Samantha Chadee
21
6

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NEWS
Grenada hosts the
2019 TOP PERFORMING STUDENTS
The Spice Isle of Grenada was the venue of
The Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®)
2019 Council Meeting and the gracious host
to 13 exceptional young people drawn from all
corners of the Caribbean region. This cohort
comprised the top performing candidates
for the 2019 CCSLC®, CSEC®, and CAPE®
examinations, which represented the cream
of the crop of the last season. Their mission –
to experience the hospitality of the tri-island
Nation during a week of activities and to be
recognised for their academic achievements
during an unforgettable awards ceremony.

www.cxc.org VOLUME 19 • ISSUE NO. 1 • 2020 7
2019 Top Performing Students
After an initial briefing session, the week got off to a roaring start
as the group attended the ‘Carols by Candlelight’ concert, which was
produced by award-winning Richardo Keens-Douglas. The students
were treated to a selection of local artists who performed renditions
of popular holiday songs in the pop genre and a number of parang
hits. The event also coincided with the 50th Anniversary of Rotary
Club in Grenada and was themed ‘Pops to Parang’. A festive start to
what would turn out to be an authentically Grenadian week!
CARRIACOU
Early the following day, the awardees and a delegation from
CXC®, joined by representatives from the Ministry of Education &
Human Resource Development, boarded an Osprey Ferry bound
to the picturesque sister-island of Carriacou. After a scenic ride and
several photo ops, the cohort stopped for lunch at the Lambi Queen
Restaurant, where they met and engaged with a group of senior
secondary school students from Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
After sharing experiences with their colleagues, they were treated
to the rhythmic sounds of Parang by a local string band quartet. After
shaking hands with their new friends, some were inspired to shake
a leg on the dance floor as well!
COURTESY CALLS
On Tuesday 3 December, the candidates donned their
respective school uniforms in anticipation of meeting the Nation’s
Head of State, Cabinet Ministers, and other education officials. Also
on their agenda was a media interview with the Grenada Government
Information Service. The first courtesy call of the day introduced the
candidates to Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, Governor
General of Grenada at her residence. There the students engaged
with Her Excellency and posed thought provoking questions while
receiving words of advice from the former educator.
Immediately after, the group travelled to the Radisson Resort
conference room where they paid a courtesy call on the Honourable
Gregory Bowen, Acting Prime Minister and other senior officials.
There the awardees were encouraged by the dignitaries to continue
to excel in their chosen fields of endeavour. They were further
advised to view their accomplishments, not as a destination, but as
a pit stop in their success journey.
After such a formal morning, the students were able to relax
and take in the sights and sounds of downtown St. George’s and
underwent some retail therapy at the Esplanade Shopping Mall
and surrounding shops. Later that evening, the candidates were
treated to a game of bowling at the Lavo Lanes Bowling Alley, some
of them, for the first time! The perfect way to conclude a very busy
and stimulating day.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS
The following morning, the cohort was divided into two groups to
perform simultaneous radio interviews at the Grenada Broadcasting
Network and the Government Information Service. During the
segments, the students discussed their experiences, hurdles
and goals to the listening audience. After the media interviews,
the students converged at the Ministry of Education and Human
Resource Development in St Georges to pay a courtesy call on
Ms. Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, Permanent Secretary. The session was a
motivational event where the candidates were further encouraged
to embrace their potential to contribute to the development of the
region.
The afternoon session was spent on an expansive island tour
where the awardees were able to view all the sights that Grenada
had to offer. One notable stop was at the Diamond Chocolate Factory,
producers of the world renowned Jouvay Chocolate. There, each
stage of the chocolate production process was carefully explained

in a comprehensive tour, commencing with the cocoa pods in
the plantation to sampling the final product in the visitor centre.
In the evening, the students sampled Grenadian street food at
the True Blue Bay Resort. Local delights such as roast corn,
callaloo soup, oil down and curried goat, were enjoyed by
the curious awardees.
UNIVERSITY TOUR
On Thursday morning, the cohort visited St. George’s
University where they participated in a tour of the expansive
campus. There the students engaged with medical
students and staff to get their perspective on what it’s like
to work and study at the world-class facility.
AWARDS CEREMONY
To conclude an exciting week of activities, the
candidates dressed in their respective school uniforms
once more to be presented with their awards for
their outstanding performances in the May/June
2019 examination season. Streamed online from the
Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in beautiful Grand
Anse, the Honourable Gregory Bowen, Acting Prime
Minister of Grenada, delivered the feature address,
while Mrs Pamela Moses, Minister of Education with
responsibility for Tertiary Education, Skill Development & Education
Outreach and Dr Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO, CXC® also gave
brief addresses.
During the ceremony, candidates from five Caribbean countries
– Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago
– received awards for outstanding performances in the Caribbean
Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE®), Caribbean Secondary
Education Certificate (CSEC®) and the Caribbean Certificate of
Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC®).
NEWS

For the first time at the awards
ceremony, the winners of the Caribbean
Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA™)
short story competition were also
announced.
The ceremony consisted of a
masterful balance of thought-provoking
remarks interwoven with well-crafted
entertainment, including a solo violin
piece by Zoey Olliverre and a vocal
performance by the Presentation
Brothers College (PBC) Mass Choir.
To conclude the evening, Ms Riana
Toney, the Most Outstanding Candidate
Overall at CSEC offered the Vote of
Thanks. During her remarks she made
special mention of the fact that she and
her colleagues made efforts to excel in
both academic and social life.
With a successful tour of Grenada
completed, CXC® is currently working
on the 2020 event, which will be held
in beautiful Antigua and Barbuda! Who
will be this year’s group of candidates?
Stay tuned!
2019 Top Performing Students

NEWS
The Caribbean Examinations Council®
(CXC®) continued its round of stakeholder
consultations across the CARICOM region
in development of its Strategic Plan for
2021 to 2025.
The consultations, which started
in October 2019 with chief education
officers, have generated valuable
feedback from stakeholder groups
including ministers of education,
permanent secretaries, senior government
officials, local registrars, heads of higher
education institutions, principals, teachers,
parents and students.
In January 2020, Dr Wesley
continued the high level stakeholder
consultations with engagements in the
British Virgin Islands followed by Guyana,
Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis (for the 5th
Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern
Caribbean States Council of Ministers),
and a meeting via Zoom technology with
The Honourable Mrs Cora Richardson-
Hodge, Minister of Education, Anguilla,
Mrs Chanelle E. Petty Barrett, Permanent
Secretary, and other representatives
from the Ministry of Education on 27 April
2020. At the start of the consultations, Dr
Wesley said: “CXC® is not an independent
entity but a regional enterprise, which
facilitates regional transformation within
the education sector through teaching,
learning and assessment through the
infusion of digital technology, informed by
research and development.”
He added: “We all need to develop a
collective understanding of the issues and
challenges facing the various territories
in order to put a plan in place that will
advance how we deliver education that is
culturally relevant, is in line with the digital
transformation age, and how teaching
and learning can ensure that the region’s
students receive the requisite skills to
compete globally.”
During the round of consultations,
a range of topics were discussed
including: CXC’s transformational agenda,
regional integration, the regional and
international recognition and acceptance
of CXC’s qualifications; the acceptance
of the CPEA®; e-testing; School Based
Assessment; matriculation and the CXC®
Learning Hub – CXC’s online platform
which provides a single, collaborative
and engaging space where learners,
educators, parents and employers can
access multiple high-quality resources.
The Caribbean Examiner followed
the consultations between January and
April 2020, and a photographic overview
of these meetings are featured in this
issue.
CXC® CONTINUES
STAKEHOLDER
CONSULTATIONS
ACROSS THE REGION
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
20–24 JANUARY 2020
Dr Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO, wrapped up a successful week of stakeholder
consultations with senior government officials, education officers, students, parents,
principals and teachers in the Virgin Islands on Friday 24 January 2020.
The round of consultations commenced on Tuesday 21 January, with meetings with Mrs
Connie George, Chief Education Officer and education officers. Discussions followed with Dr
the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and
Agriculture; Mrs Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, Permanent Secretary; and Mrs George at the ministry’s
offices.
During the visit, Dr Wesley presented an overview of CXC® to students, parents and
teachers from Elmore Stoutt High School – (Grades 10, 11 and 12) at separate sessions; St.
George’s Secondary School and the Seventh Day Adventists School; and the Virgin Islands
School of Technical Studies. Meetings were also held with principals of public and private
primary, and secondary schools. The stakeholder consultations also took Dr Wesley and the
team - Ms Nisha Husbands, Stakeholder Engagement Officer and Mr Richard Rose, Corporate
Communications Manager to Virgin Gorda, where discussions were held with Grade 10 to 12
students of Bregado Flax Educational Centre, and Ciboney School of Excellence.
Dr Wesley responded to a range of questions on e-Assessment, the time tabling of
examinations, re-sitting, School Based Assessments (SBAs), the international recognition
of CXC® qualifications and matriculation. Consultations were hosted at the New Testament
Church of God in Baughers Bay, St George’s Secondary School and the Catholic Community
Center, The Valley, Virgin Gorda.

CXC® Stakeholder Consultations
A team from CXC® led by Dr Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO,
Mr Rodney Payne, Director of Technological Innovation and Mr
Alton McPherson, Senior Manager Examinations Development
and Production Department, visited Guyana to engage with
various stakeholder groups toward the development of CXC’s
strategic plan for 2021 – 2025. Dr Wesley also paid a courtesy
call on the Honourable Nicolette Henry, Minister of Education.
The team held meetings with Mr Alfred King, Permanent
Secretary and technical staff from the Ministry of Education. In
addition, consultations were held with students, teachers, and
parents from Queen’s College, Stanislaus College, the Bishops’
High School and Brickdam Secondary, Cyril Potter College of
Education and Georgetown schools.
Dr Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO, CXC®
attended the 5th
Meeting of the Organisation of
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers
in St Kitts & Nevis in February 2020. There he
engaged with regional Ministers of Education on the
adaptation of the CPEA™ and CCSLC® and participation
in international assessments.
In addition, on 4 December 2019, Dr Wesley
presented (via video) at the OECS’ technology
conference – Accelerating Development of
the Caribbean Internet Economy and Society.
His presentation, which focused on CXC’s own
technological journey and its strategy to transform its
operations to embrace e-Everything.
GUYANA
29–30 JANUARY 2020

NEWS
JAMAICA
24–28 FEBRUARY 2020
The CXC® team engaged in
stakeholder consultations in
Jamaica from 24 – 28 February
2020. Dr Wayne Wesley, Registrar
and CEO, CXC® was accompanied
by Dr Carol Granston, Pro-Registrar
and Deputy CEO; Mrs Nicole
Manning, Director of Operations;
Mr Kwesi Marshall, Financial
Controller; and Mr Richard Rose,
Corporate Communications
Manager.
During the consultations in
Jamaica, CXC® held meetings
with the University of Technology,
Jamaica; the MICO University
College and the University of
the West Indies, Mona Campus,
to establish a formal basis of co-
operation in the field of education
and research.
On Monday, 24 February 2020,
Professor Stephen Vasciannie,
then President of University of
Technology, Jamaica and his
management team hosted the
team from CXC®. Meetings also
took place late that afternoon
with Professor Ashburn Pinnock,
President of the MICO University
College and his management team.
Dr Wesley and the team
paid a courtesy call on the Most
Honourable Andrew Holness,
Prime Minister of Jamaica at his
office in Kingston on Tuesday,
25 February 2020. Dr Wesley
and Mr Holness discussed
the development of CXC’s
strategic plan, which seeks to
address the development and
implementation of innovative
technological solutions to advance
the organisation’s contribution to
the digital transformation of the
region’s education landscape.
On the afternoon of Tuesday,
25 February 2020, the CXC® team
was hosted by Professor Dale
Webber, Pro-Vice Chancellor and
Principal of the Mona Campus
along with senior executives at
the University of the West Indies in
Jamaica.
PHOTO COURTESY: OPM, JAMAICA PHOTO COURTESY: OPM, JAMAICA

Dr Grace McLean, Acting
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Education, Youth and Information,
supported by senior officials, hosted
the CXC® team at the Ministry’s
office on Thursday, 27 February
2020. The week of consultations
came to end on Friday 28 February
2020, with a meeting with Dr the
Honourable Nigel Clarke, MP,
Minister of Finance and the Public
Service at the Ministry of Finance.
CXC® hosted stakeholder consultations with Local Registrars from across the region at its Headquarters in Barbados in
February 2020.

NEWS
On Friday 8 May 2020, the Council for Human and Social
Development (COHSOD) – Education, granted approval for the
Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®) to administer regional
examinations in July 2020, with results released in September 2020.
The meeting, chaired by Antigua and Barbuda Minister of
Education, Honourable Michael Browne, was attended by Ministers
of Education, senior Ministry of Education officials from across
CARICOM and key stakeholders including the University of the
West Indies (UWI), the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT), and
the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). Read COHSOD-
Education’s press release here.
In preparation for the July 2020 examinations strategy, CXC®
held extensive consultations with stakeholders from across the
region to discuss proposed dates and receive input on the way
forward.
Dr Wayne Wesley, Registrar and CEO, CXC® and members of
the executive management team hosted meetings with regional
Ministries of Education officials, Local Registrars, CUT, the Caribbean
Employers’ Confederation (CEC), the Association of Caribbean
Tertiary Institutions (ACTI), the University of the West Indies (The UWI),
the University of Guyana, the University of Technology, Jamaica, the
Caribbean Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (CAPSS),
and the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools
(JAPSS).
Press Conferences and Interviews
CXC® hosted two press conferences on Thursday 26 March
and 14 May 2020, and media interviews across the region to
facilitate further dialogue with media representatives. At both press
conferences, Dr Wesley accompanied by Mrs Nicole Manning,
Director of Operations, and Ms Dianne Medford, Senior Manager,
Examinations Administration and Security Division, outlined the
Modified Examinations Administration Framework.
On Wednesday 29 April 2020, Dr Wesley participated in an
interview with CSEC® student Miss Faith Flavius from the Bishop
Anstey High School in Trinidad & Tobago supported by her mother,
COHSOD-Education grants approval for
administration of CXC’s Regional Examinations in July
which was hosted by Dr Laurette Bristol, Programme Manager, Human
Resource Development from the CARICOM Secretariat.
The press conference on Thursday 14 May 2020 was a further
opportunity to provide clarity and outline the modified examinations
strategy following the granting of approval by COHSOD-Education
for the administering of CXC’s regional examinations in July 2020.
Webinars with U.S. Higher Education Institutions and
International Credential Evaluators
The Council worked with international partners including
EducationUSA through the United States Embassy in Barbados, the
Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS – leading a webinar with over
60 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Credential Assessment
agencies from across the United States. The HEIs were interested in
the impact of the rescheduled CXC® examinations on the timely return
of grades for students who have applied to or have been admitted
to U.S. colleges and universities.
The Council also led a webinar hosted by the American
Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
(AACRAO) for its members on Wednesday 27 May 2020, providing
guidance for Admission Officers and International Credential
Evaluators on the modified examinations strategy.
Final Examination Timetables
Following the consensus by Ministries of Education across
the region, dates have been finalised for CXC® examinations. The
timetables for CSEC®, CAPE® and CCSLC® are accessible via the
CXC® website.
Health and Safety
Dr Wesley, in statements to the media and at stakeholder
meetings, said: “The Council’s number one priority is to ensure the
safety and well-being of stakeholders during these unprecedented
times. We are working closely with Local Registrars on the ground
in each territory as we continue to monitor the development of the
pandemic across the region. All examination centres and invigilators
will follow national health protocols as it relates to social distancing,
the wearing of masks, and the sanitising of hands and surfaces.”
Press Conference at CXC® Headquarters on Thursday 26 March 2020.

In light of region-wide disruptions of the academic term due to the spread
of the coronavirus (COVID-19), The Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®) is
well placed to facilitate continuous learning through the CXC® Learning Hub.
The CXC® Learning Hub is the Council’s e-Learning platform that
provides a single collaborative and engaging space where learners, educators,
parents and employers can access multiple high-quality resources. These
resources support teaching, learning and assessment of the entire CXC suite
of offerings: CPEA™, CCSLC®, CSEC®, CVQ, CAPE® and CXC-AD®.
In addition to providing access to learning support resources, the CXC®
Learning Hub provides the opportunity for continuity for thousands of
teachers and learners across the region who are preparing for examinations.
Through the CXC® Learning Hub, teachers are able to create virtual
classrooms where they can interact directly with students, in real time,
incorporating content available on the CXC® Learning Hub as well as their
own content developed to support teaching and learning.
Resources previously offered on various CXC® websites are now
consolidated in the Learning Hub including past papers, interactive syllabuses
(including specimen papers and mark schemes), digital toolkits, subject
reports, and exemplars. Exemplars are actual candidates’ responses which
are annotated with feedback from CXC® Examiners to show how the response
can be improved. The resources within the CXC® Learning Hub cater to
varying learning styles, as users can explore written content as well as videos
and slideshows.
CXC® makes Exam Preparation
Easier with Centralised
LEARNING HUB
In preparation for
examinations, learners,
parents and teachers can
visit the CXC® Learning
Hub, at learninghub.cxc.org
to access a comprehensive
collection of resources.
There is no cost to sign-up,
the content is available on-
demand and the Learning
Hub is optimised for mobile
devices.

NEWS
CARICOM Heads of Government
approvedtheestablishmentoftheTribunalat
their 30th
Inter-Sessional Meeting in St. Kitts
and Nevis in February 2019. The CCAT is an
impartial and independent judicial body that
will provide staff members of the CARICOM
Secretariat and Regional Institutions, subject
to the CCAT’s jurisdiction, with a forum for
the final settlement of employment disputes.
The Community and its Institutions, as
international organisations, enjoy immunity
from lawsuits brought in national courts.
Previously, staff members were without
recourse to an appropriate and effective
judicial mechanism that could determine
the legality of decisions with respect to
an employment-related dispute. After
exhausting the internal dispute resolution
mechanisms of their organisations, staff
members still aggrieved by the outcome,
The Caribbean Administrative Tribunal
(CCAT) launched at CXC® HQ
The Caribbean Administrative Tribunal (CCAT) was launched on
Monday 17 February 2020, at a ceremony at the The Caribbean
Examinations Council® (CXC®) Headquarters in Barbados.
will be able to appeal to the CCAT for
settlement.
The CCAT is bound by principles of
due process of law and its decisions are
to be consistent with the principles of
fundamentalhumanrightsandinaccordance
with international administrative law. In
exceptional cases, judgments of CCAT can
be appealed further to a Review Committee
made up of five judges of the Caribbean
Court of Justice (CCJ) after leave is granted
by the Review Committee.
The Tribunal consist of five Members
who are appointed for a four-year term by
the Regional Judicial and Legal Services
Commission (RJLSC), with consideration
given to an equitable geographical
distribution and an appropriate gender
balance. The Members are required to
be of high moral character, intellectual
and analytical ability, sound judgment and
integrity and must:
• have held, hold or be qualified to hold
high judicial office in a CARICOM State;
or
• be jurisconsults of recognised
competence with experience as such
for a period of not less than ten years;
or
• be jurisconsults of recognised
competence with particular experience
in the field of labour relations for a
period of not less than ten years.
The five members: Mr Patterson
Cheltenham, QC, President of the Tribunal;
Ms. Lisa M. Shoman, SC; Mr Westmin
James; Ms Dancia Penn, QC and Mr J.
Emile Ferdinand, QC. were sworn in by the
President of the CCJ, the Hon. Mr Justice
Adrian Saunders. (SOURCE: CARICOM.ORG)
Appointed Judges: Mr Patterson K.H. Cheltenham, QC, President of the Tribunal (right). Left to right: Mr J. Emile Ferdinand, QC; Ms Dancia Penn, OBE, QC; Ms. Lisa M. Shoman, SC; and Mr Westmin R.A. James

The Caribbean Administrative Tribunal (CCAT)
The winner of the Caribbean
Administrative Tribunal (CCAT) logo
competition was announced on Monday
17 February 2020, at the The Caribbean
Examinations Council® (CXC®) Headquarters
in Barbados. Ms Dionne Hunte, Graphic
Illustrator and Typist at CXC® was presented
with her winning prize following the unveiling
of her winning logo during the launch
ceremony.
The CCAT logo competition received
several entries from across the CARICOM
territories.
Ms Hunte explained to the Caribbean
Examiner, the rationale behind her logo
design and the colours selected.
The logo comprises a laurel, the scales
of justice, a star and the abbreviated letters
of the CCAT. The laurel is symbolic of peace.
Peace is what the CCAT would seek to bring
about among the parties involved in any
arbitration before the Tribunal.
The Scales of Justice relate to the
fairness of the judicial process. Every party
would want that they are heard and that
they are treated fairly in all matters. The star
is representative of wisdom. There is only
one star and it speaks to unity – we are all
in this together.
The light blue and dark blue colors
used on the Scales of Justice and on
the abbreviated letters respectively, are
reminiscent of those used by CARICOM.
These colors are also representative of the
beautiful sky and sea, which all Caribbean
islands enjoy. The green of the laurel is
symbolic of growth and peace. The color
gold is a color of compassion. Along with
fairness and justice, those making decisions
of the CCAT, should employ compassion
when dealing with matters before them.
MS DIONNE HUNTE
WINNER OF THE CCAT
LOGO COMPETITION
Hon. Mr Colin Jordan, MP, Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Barbados (right), joins Ms Dionne Hunte, Dr Wayne Wesley,
Registrar and CEO, and Dr Carol Granston, Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO, for a photo by the winning logo.

New Syllabuses to meet
REGIONAL
HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
NEWS
In response to research on emerging skills and careers in high
demand, the organisation has developed two new syllabuses
- Digital Literacy for learners working towards certifications
for the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence
(CCSLC®) and Design and Technology for learners at the
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE®) level.

As a member of CARICOM, the
Caribbean Examinations Council®
(CXC®) plays an integral role in regional
Human Resource Development. Most
recently, in response to research
on emerging skills and careers
in high demand, the organisation
developed two new syllabuses. The
courses will be introduced for learners
working towards certifications for the
Caribbean Certificate of Secondary
Level Competence (CCSLC®) and at
the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examination (CAPE®).
The syllabus in Digital Literacy was
introduced in schools in September
2019 and learners began to explore the
subject as one of the requirements to
earn their CCSLC® certification.
The syllabus was guided by several
factors which are of significance
in this dynamic technological era.
Technological innovations influence
all areas of life, from the daily lives of
individuals, to the work of business
and government, to interactions on a
global scale. These innovations help
meet basic human needs and provide
opportunities for improving the lives
of people. The use of technology in
everyday life is second nature to the
digital natives that are presently in
classrooms across the region. These
digital native learners must be prepared
to thrive in a constantly evolving
technological landscape and this new
syllabus will contribute to meeting their
needs.
Additionally, the reach and rapid
evolution of digital technology demand
a curriculum that will enable learners
to become digitally literate, that is,
able to understand, work with, and
benefit from a range of digital media,
software applications, and hardware
devices such as computers, mobile
phones, and internet technology. They
must also have the ability to critically
understand digital media content
and its applications and possess the
knowledge and capacity to create with
digital technology.
This syllabus will also help learners
to develop some fundamental skills and
competencies such as critical thinking,
creativity, problem solving, and the
ability to do research, communicate and
collaborate. These skills will help them
to take a full and active part in social,
cultural, economic, civic and intellectual
life. Further, learners will acquire the
skills to create, use, remix, and share
content in a manner that is respectful
of the rights of other users.
CCSLC® is a competency-based
programme comprising a core of
subjects – English, Integrated Science,
Mathematics, Modern Languages,
Social Studies and now Digital Literacy.
Through this exposure to these core
subjects the learner should acquire
the knowledge, skills, competencies,
values and attitudes that are in keeping
with the philosophical, psychological
and political perspectives embraced
by the Council, that are considered
to be desirable in a secondary school
leaver. Learners can also gain additional
benefit through special programmes, at
the national level, that may be added as
electives to the core.
Beginning in September 2020,
learners at the CAPE® level are
scheduled to be introduced to Design
and Technology, a course of study which
will provide opportunities for them to
be engaged in a process where they
capture creative, innovative solutions
that are functional and aesthetically
pleasing while contributing to wealth
creation. Design is a discipline that
focuses on the creation of a plan
or convention for the construction
of an object, system or measurable
human interaction. It encapsulates
designing of architectural blueprints,
engineering drawings, business and
manufacturing processes, circuit
diagrams, and fashion, textiles and
apparel construction through design
thinking and the application of the
elements and principles of design which
are common to most, if not all fields
and industries. Technology meanwhile,
focuses on the advancements
and evolution of a modern digital
society based on technological and
experiential innovation.
The multidisciplinary nature of the
syllabus will also prepare students for
further studies or immediate entry into
theworldofworkthroughemployment
or entrepreneurial ventures that
allow for the fusion of art, science,
technology and engineering on a
blank canvas to create processes or
products that can be commercialised.
The syllabus will also emphasise
the design thinking principles which
bring together what is desirable,
from a human point of view, with
what is technologically feasible and
economically viable. This approach
will also allow for the use of creative
tools to address a vast range of
challenges from varied context.
Central to the design philosophy is the
role of brainstorming and prototyping
where focus is placed on the three
‘Rs’— doing it rough, rapid and right.
The syllabus promotes engagement
in the engineering design process
and the use of prototypes to
accurately communicate the design
ideas to all stakeholders involved.
Consequently, within the authentic
learning environment, teachers are
encouraged to use a range of teaching
and assessment strategies to include
rapid prototyping, brainstorming,
probing questions and research, that
will enable students to gain a level of
independence and cooperative skills
as they develop their practical skills
and apply the elements and principles
of design.
Through this study of Design
and Technology, students will also
develop transferrable critical thinking,
collaboration, communication,
innovation, artistry, digital, scientific,
environmental and solutions oriented
focused skills that are relevant to
aesthetic, economic, and socio-
political development in the Twenty-
first Century.

ENVIRONMENT NEWS
In the Caribbean,
the majority of this material is not
recycled or disposed of appropriately,
and hazardous chemicals that are released
from these items can migrate into the
environment, causing pollution.

Consider this all-too-familiar scenario
– a cell phone dropped, broken beyond
repair. You get another phone, but what to
do with the broken one? Most likely you
would throw it in the trash with a sigh of
regret. A common occurrence, but one that
can have severe environmental impacts in
every Caribbean country.
E-waste is any non-functional or
obsolete electrical or electronic equipment.
This can include televisions, computers,
cellular phones, stereo equipment, even
refrigerators, microwave ovens
and car parts. These are all
familiar items in our homes – not
things that are generally
considered
hazardous. Once the item is no longer useful
however, it becomes e-waste and it can be
a problem. Many of these items contain
hazardous chemicals like halogenated
organic compounds or heavy metals. In
addition, there is a lot of e-waste out there.
As technology becomes more advanced and
more widespread, the volume of e-waste
increases. Worldwide, as much as 50 million
tonnes of e-waste is generated annually. In
the Caribbean, the majority of this material
is not recycled or disposed of appropriately,
and hazardous chemicals that are released
from these items can migrate into the
environment, causing pollution.
So where do these hazardous chemicals
come from? The plastic components
of computers, for example, may contain
halogenated compounds. Computer casings
may contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC), while
printed circuit boards may contain brominated
flame retardants. E-wastes often also contain
a wide variety of metals, like lead, mercury,
copper, and even gold. In fact, one tonne
of e-waste can have more gold than one
tonne of gold ore! The environmental impact
of the chemicals in e-waste is greatly
increased with poor handling and disposal
practices, as this allows the chemicals
to enter the environment. E-waste items
in a landfill are subject to leaching, and
once contaminants are dissolved in water,
they are able to travel long distances in
groundwater, rivers and lakes. Organisms
that come into contact with these chemicals
may experience bioaccumulation; which is
when the organisms absorb the chemical
of interest into their bodies, becoming
themselves contaminated. For example,
certain types of oysters accumulate lead to
such an extent, the flesh of an oyster can
have up to 3,300 times more lead than the
contaminated water to which the oyster
was exposed. When these contaminated
organisms are eaten by others higher in
the food chain, biomagnification occurs,
resulting in the organisms at the higher
levels of the food chain having greater
concentrations of the original contaminant.
Exposure to metals found in e-waste like
lead, mercury and cadmium can have
serious effects on a number of human
organ systems including kidneys, liver,
brain and nervous system.
So what can you do to avoid adding
to the e-waste problem? One of the best
ways to reduce waste is not to produce it.
If your cellular phone, tablet or computer
still works, consider wiping its memory and
donating them to local NGOs, schools or
other organisations that can use them. If
the device no longer works, do not throw it
in the trash, but investigate suitable disposal
options. Your local solid waste management
organisation is a good place to start. The
persons there can guide you on how to
dispose of your old device without adding
to the global e-waste problem. Finally,
consider a lifestyle change – reduce your
consumption. The manufacturers of cellular
phones, tablets and televisions would love
for you to get the next best thing as soon
as it comes out. But do you really need a
new cell phone every year? Think again –
your wallet and your environment will thank
you for it!
By Dr Denise M. Beckles
Lecturer Department of Chemistry, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad
E-Waste and U

‘Natural contaminant threat to drinking
water from ground water’! ‘World’s sandy
beaches under threat from climate change’! ‘Air
pollution is one of the world’s most dangerous
health risks’! 1
These are all titles used to
describe what is happening in the world today.
While being unsettling, it is safe to say that this
is our reality. The question though is how do
we mitigate against these issues? As citizens of
the world what role are we expected to play?
It is important to note that we are all
members of a global economy with a plethora
of issues that threaten the environment in
which we live. These include, but are not
limited to, climate change, pollution, waste
disposal and deforestation. Our forests,
biodiversity, water and air quality are all
being impacted by the rising temperatures
that have come about as a result of global
warming. It is therefore important to preserve
our environment for ourselves and for future
generations. This underscores the need to
educate the populace about the issues that we
face and equip them with the requisite skills to
implement best practices to lessen the impact.
The Caribbean Examinations Council®
(CXC®) recognises that the environment and
natural resource base of the Caribbean are
critical to the welfare of the Caribbean people.
We also recognise that achieving sustainable
development requires an appreciation of
the value of natural resources and the
environment, combined with the development
of the knowledge base and skills required
for effective management. As a result, the
Council, being mindful of the role it plays in
educating the region, remains committed to
developing syllabuses that address these
issues and contribute to the development of
the conceptual ‘Ideal Caribbean Person’ who,
in addition to the other tenets, has respect
for human life and an awareness of living
in harmony with the environment. These
syllabuses ultimately provide opportunities for
learners to learn how to do, learn how to know,
learn to be, learn to live together and learn
to transform themselves and society. CAPE®
Environmental Science is one such avenue that
will provide these benefits to learners. As an
interdisciplinary subject, which draws on the
content of several disciplines, Environmental
Science is one of the tools being used by
the Council to educate learners throughout
the region on the value of preserving the
environment. It offers a balanced scientific and
holistic perspective of environmental issues as
well as the interactions between people and
the environment.
The CAPE® Environmental Science
Syllabus was developed in 2004 and first
examined in 2005. Since its introduction,
there have been concerns about the number
of trained teachers and instructional resources
available to support the implementation of the
syllabus. Additionally, the pool of Caribbean-
centric resources (electronic and print) that
show good alignment to the objectives and
content in the syllabus is very limited and for
some topics, non-existent. The creation of
gender-responsive Digital Toolkits to support
the implementation of CXC® products with
specific emphasis on the teaching and
assessment of CXC® syllabuses such as CAPE®
Environmental Science, is part of a broader
e-learning strategy to create and increase
access to Caribbean-centric interactive
learning resources and systematically improve
student outcomes. It is anticipated that
with the introduction of the Digital Toolkit,
paired with teacher training to use them and
the increased priority being placed on the
environment and environmental issues by
regional governments, the number of entries
and the number and quality of passes should
trend upwards.
To facilitate the development and
implementation of the Digital Toolkit, CXC®
has received financing from the Caribbean
Development Bank (CDB). A portion of the
financing was designated for a consultancy to
develop a Digital Toolkit which will be available
to students and teachers who are engaging
with the CAPE® Environmental Science
Syllabus. The Toolkit will comprise a diverse
range of Caribbean-centric learning resource
materials that will reflect the diversity of the
region including, inter alia, age, sex, ethnicity
and special educational needs.
The prototype for the Digital Toolkit
has been developed and has gone through
validation from experts in the field. To facilitate
implementation, Teacher Training Workshops
are being held in the five host countries of
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana,
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. These
workshops commenced in February 2020
and aim to train teachers in the use of the
Toolkit to facilitate teaching and learning. It
is anticipated that by equipping teachers and
learners through the provision of a source to
gain access to information, they will have the
necessary tools to educate themselves and
others.
Science plays a major role in the evolution
of knowledge. It arouses our natural curiosity
and encourages our ability to enquire, pose
questions and conduct research to derive
solutions. These skills have proven to be
invaluable in combatting the issues that
threaten the environment. Through this
joint CDB and CXC® resource development
initiative, CXC® is seeking to provide resources
to support the development of these critical
skills needed to create innovative solutions to
environmental issues.
1
ScienceDaily. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/environmental_science/
Facilitating
Environmental
Change Through
Accessible
Learning Resources
By Latoya Wedderburn-Rose
Manager – Syllabus and Curriculum Development Division
ENVIRONMENT NEWS

Food security is said to exist when
everyone can physically and economically
access sufficient food at any time to serve
their nutritional, physiological and lifestyle
needs. The Sustainable Development
Goal (SDG) 2 aims to erase hunger in all
countries but this can only be achieved
through a reasonable mix of food imports
and domestic production. Producing enough
food is fundamental to food security, as
physical availability of food in sufficient
quantities underpins all other dimensions
of food security.
Recently, there have been strong
calls to boost local food production in
Caribbean countries. In Barbados, for
example, boosting local food production
has been emphasized as an effective path
to reducing the large food import bill (which
is in excess of $300 million). However, land
and water are two resources required for
producing sufficient food. In cereals, for
example, the formation of yield depends
largely on water. While higher and stable
yields are important, total food produced
depends on total land area available for
the production of different types of crops.
As Small Island Developing States (SIDS),
Caribbean countries have small land areas,
and by extension, small water resource
base. Being tropical countries, production of
annual crops require additional water supply
(irrigation) to maintain higher yields. It is not
difficult, therefore, to imagine that both land
and water could easily limit food production
in the Caribbean.
Based on the ratio between available
water to population, a country is considered
absolutely water-scarce if the water available
per person per year is less than 500 m3;
water-scarce if the available water per
person ranges from 500 to 1000 m3; water-
stressed if the range is 1000 to 1700 m3 and
no stress if more than 1700 m3.
Based on this indicator, seven
Caribbean countries rank among the
top-most water-scarce countries in the
world: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados,
Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis,
St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad
and Tobago. Barbados, for example, has
absolute water scarcity. The latest (2019)
figures from the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
indicate that the agricultural water
withdrawal, as a proportion of total water
withdrawal, was approximately 16 per cent
(Barbados), 68 per cent (Dominica), 51 per
cent (Jamaica), and 8 per cent (St Kitts
and Nevis). While there are strong calls
for increasing domestic food production
in Barbados, arable land area keeps
decreasing. For example, data from the
World Bank indicates that arable land area
as a share of total land area of Barbados
has fallen from 44 per cent in 2000 to 23
per cent in 2016. These indicate tension
and a need for a reasonable balance
between food security ambitions, through
increased domestic food production,
and the availability of critical resources
underpinning production.
In the face of this tension, Caribbean
countries need to define for themselves
thresholds of agricultural capacity, and
related land and water requirements for
maintaining this capacity. By so doing,
top quality arable lands, for example,
could be protected from irreversible
conversion to other land uses. Strategic
focus on production of certain quantities
of certain foods is important for not only
food security but also national security.
These measures should also be
important components of adaptive
responses to potential deficits in global
supply of certain food commodities in
the future due to global environmental
change. The Caribbean has fertile lands
and agriculture is part of her rich history.
The full force of policy, regulatory and
institutional power should therefore
be brought to bear on land and water
management to guarantee a defined
threshold of agricultural capacity in the
Caribbean.
Securing Caribbean
Agriculture and
Food Security
By David O. Yawson
Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES)
The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados

The Caribbean Region faces increasing environmental
challenges arising primarily from the exploitation of natural
resources, inadequate management of urbanization proliferation
and adverse impacts of climate change. These issues are
increasing in complexity and impact on virtually every sector.
They influence the economic, physical and social dimensions of
a country, diminish the quality of life of its citizens and impede
sustainable development of the Region. Additionally, the global
slowdown in economic growth has reinforced itself in reduced
prices of energy products produced in the Region and has
contributed to serious revenue constraints which will inevitably
impact Governments’ abilities to foster development in the way
they have been doing over the past decades.
The post-2015 development agenda, which promotes
equality; conservation of land, air and water; energy efficiency;
and responsible consumption and production, as impressive as it
is, requires significant resources.
These factors necessitate the optimisation of the approach
towards development in an environmentally sustainable manner,
to make better use of resources and to rethink and reengineer
the paradigms of developmental approaches.
Improved development outcomes have always been
associated with an increase in generation and transmission of
innovations and technology. These have greatly contributed
to enhancements in quality of life: improving access to critical
services and facilities including food, choice of different
goods and services, improving mobility, improved sanitary
conditions, clean water, improved health care and a multitude of
entertainment and recreational services. However, in the pursuit
to improve quality of life, the impacts of anthropogenic activities
on the physical environment – within which the boundaries of
vital ecosystems are found have been historically ignored.
There is the need for a more holistic perspective on
environmental challenges which recognizes that an increase in
human population and activities with the concomitant complexity
of its possible positive and adverse impacts, has made it no
longer feasible to view human beings along with their built and
social environments, as separate entities from nature.
Environmental
Behaviour
By Dr Samantha Chadee
Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies,
The University of Trinidad and Tobago
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
PROMOTE POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR

One of the recognized operationalization pathways for this approach is
understanding and promoting positive environmental behaviour. The positive
environmental behaviour of individuals is increasingly recognized as a key
contributor to the realization of improved environmental quality. Through
their roles as citizens, consumers, investors, educators and members of
environmental organizations, the environmentally-related choices individuals
make can significantly influence decisions of policymakers, corporations and
businesses, and even the attitudes of the general public.
A systems approach to the analysis and promotion of environmental
behaviour is a requisite as the different spheres also intersect and influence
each other. For example, citizens can compost waste, recycle and carpool;
but can also exert pressure on businesses to upgrade and enforce their
environmental policies through abstention of certain products while
purchasing more sustainable ones; awareness of bad practices and even
best practices can be raised by simply sharing credible information on social
media; and similarly, individuals and groups can utilize social media to lobby
Government for environmental change.
Efficacy in environmental management and ultimately realisation of
sustainable development can only be achieved when there is greater
awareness and understanding that each individual has a critical role to play
…this is our responsibility and this is our challenge.
Citizens can compost
waste, recycle and
carpool; but can
also exert pressure
on businesses to
upgrade and enforce
their environmental
policies through
abstention of certain
products while
purchasing more
sustainable ones;
PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

NEWS
The Ministry of Education (MOE) in St Lucia has
taken the decision to implement the Caribbean Primary
Exit Assessment (CPEA™) in September 2020, with the
expectation that the first examination will be administered
in 2022. Consequently, the CXC® team initiated the
implementation protocols which provide the support
required for a smooth transition from the Common Entrance
to the CPEA™. This included conducting a series of online
orientation sessions with key personnel from the MOE and
more recently the Stakeholder Engagement and Orientation
(Face to Face) during the period spanning 3-6 March 2020.
This initiative was led by the Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO,
Dr Carol Granston and supported by Miss Jodine Williams,
Senior Manager and Mrs Norlette Leslie Yearde, Manager,
both from the Syllabus and Curriculum Department.
During the week, the team met with Ministry Officials,
representatives of the St Lucia Teachers’ Union, parents,
principals, teachers and students. The purpose of the
sessions was to sensitize each stakeholder group about
the CPEA™, their role in the process, the available CPEA™
Handbooks and to clarify concerns raised. Issues specific
to the CPEA™ were addressed by the CXC® team members
while other issues relative to the transition and student
placement were responded to by the representatives of
the MOE.
The next level of engagement will be the Teacher
Training Workshop (which will be conducted at the Ministry’s
Summer Institute) scheduled for the 6 – 17 July 2020.
Ministry of Education in
St Lucia to implement CPEA™
The purpose of
the sessions was
to sensitise each
stakeholder group
about the CPEA™, their
role in the process,
the available CPEA™
Handbooks and to
clarify concerns raised.

Kemba Gordon
At the CXC® Staff Appreciation and Awards
Dinner in Barbados in December 2019, Ms Kemba
Gordon, Accounts Clerk in the Finance and Office
Management Department, was recognised as the
Eastern Zone Office Employee of the Year.
In interacting with external stakeholders, Ms
Gordon exhibits excellent communication and
customer service skills. She is analytical, shows
initiative, is focused on professional development
and strives for excellence. Outside of here day-
to-day role, Kemba was also recognised for
her punctuality, participation in social activities,
encouragement of her colleagues and her overall
passion for contributing to the Council.
Norlette Leslie Yearde
Mrs Norlette Leslie Yearde, Manager, Syllabus
and Curriculum Development, is the Employee of
The Year for the Western Zone Office in Jamaica.
The designation was awarded to her for her
exemplary contribution to advancing the Council’s
goals in 2018. During this period, Mrs Leslie Yearde
led the process for the comprehensive review
of the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level
Competence CCSLC® Programme.
Furthermore, Mrs Leslie Yearde provided
consultancy services support for two projects
undertaken by the Council while spearheading
the process of mapping the Caribbean Advanced
Proficiency Examination CAPE® Syllabuses to
University Courses with the aim of developing
MOUs and/or Articulation Agreements with
tertiary institutions across the region. These acts,
alongside performing a comprehensive revision of
the Modern Languages Offerings earned Mrs Leslie
Yearde the award.
T
he Caribbean
Examinations Council
(CXC®) Employee of
the Year is a prestigious
award that is presented to
the member of staff who goes
above and beyond the call
of duty in their service to the
organisation.
Consideration for
Employee of the Year is
based on overall annual
performance and is evaluated
by the Awards panel based
on the following criteria: job
knowledge; productivity;
communication skills; problem-
solving skills; interpersonal
skills; judgement; initiative/
creativity; punctuality;
attendance; attendance and
participation at social activities;
diplomacy; ability to sustain
good morale; commitment, and
the ability to satisfy customers
and their contribution to CXC®.
The organisation has made
it a policy to recognise an
Employee of the Year in each
office – Barbados and Jamaica
– as it values the efforts of its
team members and the vital
role they play in the delivery of
the highest quality service and
products to our stakeholders.
EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

Former Caribbean Examinations
Council® Chairman, Sir Roy Augier, is the
2020 recipient of The University of the
West Indies (The UWI), Chancellor’s Medal.
Receipients of this award are deemed to
have enabled The UWI to access significant
resources for the achievement of its mission.
In the case of Sir Roy, who served as
Chairman of CXC® for a decade between
1986 and 1996, he has been recognised
for his specialty area – Caribbean History.
The Chancellor’s Medal is an award of
distinction The UWI bestows on a person
who has made a substantial and likely lasting
contribution to the welfare and development
of the University.
Born in St. Lucia, Sir Roy studied at the
University of St. Andrews in Great Britain
where he earned an MA (1949) and PhD
(1954). Sir Roy joined the History Department
at the University of the West Indies, Mona
Campus as a lecturer in 1955, and was
promoted to Senior Lecturer ten years later.
In 1989 he attained Professorship and later
Professor Emeritus in 1995.
Sir Roy was honoured at a ceremony
at The UWI, Mona, in Jamaica on 17 January
2020, where glowing tributes were delivered
by his peers and the esteemed award was
presented of by The UWI Chancellor, Robert
Bermudez.
Since the inception of CXC®, Sir
Roy has worked with the organisation
to promote the instruction of Caribbean
History. He served as the Convenor of the
first Caribbean History Subject Panel which
prepared the syllabus for the first CSEC
examination in 1979. He was also involved
in curriculum development and teacher-
training workshops for CXC® syllabuses.
SIR ROY AUGIER honoured with
CHANCELLOR’S MEDAL FROM THE UWI
NEWS
We congratulate Sir Roy Augier on this honour,
one of many which have been bestowed on him for his
extensive work and dedication to the region.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (THE UWI) MONA

NEWS
NEW Appointments at CXC®
Mr Rodney Payne
Director of Technological Innovation, Information Technology Services
Effective 1 February 2020, Mr Rodney Payne assumed the role of Director of
Technological Innovation, Information Technology Services. Mr Payne joined the staff
of the Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®) in 1998 as Network Administrator, he
then acted in the post of Information Systems Manager from 2009 and was formally
appointed to the post in February 2011. In October 2017, he took on the role of Senior
Manager (Examinations Administration and Security). Mr Payne has also acted in
the role of Director of Operations from September 2019 until the date of his recent
appointment. In keeping with CXC’s strategic plans, the Director of Technological
Innovation, Information Technology Services is responsible for the development and
implementation of innovative technological solutions to advance CXC’s contribution
to the digital transformation of the region’s education landscape. A graduate of the
University of the West Indies, Mr Payne also holds a Master of Engineering degree
from the University of Victoria and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and
Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Along with several IT certifications, he also completed
the Program for Leadership Development (PLD) at the Harvard Business School’s
Executive Education Program.
Mrs Nicole Manning
Director of Operations, Examination Services
Mrs Nicole Manning joined the staff of the Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®),
on 1 February 2020 as Director of Operations, Examination Services. Mrs Manning
possesses a Master of Science in Computer Based Management Information Systems,
as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Management. She also
holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Technology and a
Post Graduate Certificate in Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management
(UK). Mrs Manning is an industry professional with over 20 years of regional and
international managerial experience in diverse industries from Test Development
& Measurement to Quality Assurance and Strategic Management. Mrs Manning’s
extensive experience in the fields of education and assessment have equipped her
with the necessary tools to strategically manage the development of examinations
services, which are delivered by the Examinations Development and Production and
Examinations Administration and Security Departments.

Ms Florette Williams
Content Administrator, Syllabus and
Curriculum Development Unit, WZO
Ms Florette Williams joined the staff of the Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®),
Western Zone Office (WZO) on 2 January 2020 in the role of Content Administrator,
Syllabus and Curriculum Development Unit. Ms Williams holds a Master of Science
Degree in Instructional Design & Technology from the University of the West Indies,
Open Campus and a Master of Arts with Honours, in Interdisciplinary Studies,
Leadership, Management and Administration, from the Caribbean Graduate School
of Theology. She also holds a Bachelor of Education with Honours and a Certificate
in Information Technology from the University of Technology, Jamaica, an Expert
Technology Integration Trainer Certificate from Mico University College & E-learning
Company of Jamaica and a Diploma in Teaching with Credit, from Church Teacher’s
College, Jamaica. Ms Williams has been affiliated with CXC® since 2011, initially as
an Assistant Examiner and then as an Assistant Chief Examiner from 2016.
Ms Nordia Wauchope
Clerk/Typist, Syllabus and Curriculum Development Unit, WZO
Ms Nordia Wauchope joined the staff of the Caribbean
Examinations Council® (CXC®), Western Zone Office (WZO) on 2
March 2020, in the role of Clerk/Typist, Syllabus and Curriculum
Development Unit. Ms Wauchope has over 25 years’ experience
in the administrative and secretarial field. She holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in Business Administration from Northern
Caribbean University (NCU). She is also a Certified Administrative
Professional (CPA) and Certified Professional Secretary (CPS). Ms
Wauchope has a diploma in Modern Management & Administration
from Cambridge International College, as well as certificates in
Supervisory Management, Marketing and Managerial Accounting,
from the UWI School of Continuing Studies.
Mr Marvin Spence
Human Resource Coordinator, WZO
Mr Marvin Spence joined the staff of the Caribbean
Examinations Council® (CXC®), Western Zone Office
(WZO) on 16 March 2020, in the role of Human Resource
Coordinator. Among his credentials he possesses a Master
of Science Degree in Government, a Post-Graduate Diploma
in History Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History and
Political Science, all from the University of the West Indies,
Mona. He is certified in Microcomputer Applications for
Business and Computer Networking. Mr Spence has over
a decade of experience in the Human Resource arena
including his role as a Senior Human Resource Assistant, a
post he held for three years.

NEWS
CXC®
STAKEHOLDER Engagement
Belmont Secondary School
Tours CXC® HQ
In January, 17 form five students from the Belmont Secondary
School in Trinidad and Tobago, received an inside glimpse of
the workings of the Caribbean Examinations Council® (CXC®).
The students, who ranged in age between 16 and 18 were
on a tour of various institutions, based in Barbados, to gain a
greater appreciation and better working knowledge of regional
integration.
This is the second such occasion in recent times that the
school has brought a group of students to learn more about
CXC’s work. The students toured each department, speaking to
representatives who explained the activities which the department
carries out and their strategic role in the organisation.
CXC® Western Zone Office
supports Wolmer’s Boys
School Career Day
Members of the Western Zone Office in Jamaica,
participated in the Wolmer’s Boys School Career Day
for Grade 9 (3rd Form) students on 25 February 2020.
The Career Day was held to share information on
the requirements for various career fields. Our team
provided guidance on the subjects and certifications
currently offered by the organisation.
The team focused on introducing students and
parents to the CXC® Associate Degree. Our booth also
featured information on our wide range of qualifications,
the new generation Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examination® (CAPE®) subjects and demonstrations of
the new Learning Hub e-Platform – learninghub.cxc.org.
CXC® discusses CCSLC at Annual
PTA meeting in Barbados
CXC® responded to an invitation from the Combermere School Parent
Teachers’ Association in Barbados, to make a presentation on the
Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC®) at their
annual general meeting on Saturday 1 February 2020.
Dr James Young, Manager, Measurement and Evaluation, EDPD
and Mr Richard Rose, Corporate Communications Manager participated
in the event. Dr Young walked participants through a presentation
explaining the benefits of the CCSLC® as a secondary level qualification
aimed at preparing candidates for further study or entry-level
employment.
During a lively question and answer session, the team shared
information about CCSLC® and other qualifications in CXC’s suite, which
are recognised both regionally and internationally for matriculation to
higher education programmes across the world. The CCSLC® is awarded
jointly by CXC® and the Ministry of Education in respective territories.
ACCA Most Outstanding
Candidate for Principles of
Accounts receives award
Dr Carol Granston, Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO, CXC®
(left) and Ms Maria Sookdeo, Manager – Partner Relations
& Communications of ACCA Caribbean (2nd from right)
paid a visit to Miss Rhea-Simone Lawrence, student of
the St Andrew High School for Girls, on Wednesday 29
January 2020 to present her with the award for being the
Most Outstanding Candidate in the 2019 May-June CSEC®
Principles of Accounts examination.
Miss Rhea-Simone Lawrence was proudly joined by her
father, Mr Wray Lawrence and Acting Principal, Ms Keeva Ingram.

CXC® Stakeholder Engagement
CXC® meets with US Embassy
Officials and visiting HE
Administrator
In March, Corporate Communications Manager, Richard Rose and
Dr James Young, Manager, Measurement and Evaluation, EDPD
attended a meeting with US Embassy officials and a visiting senior
higher education administrator to discuss CXC’s role in the Caribbean
and possibilities for collaborative working through articulation
agreements.
Ms Vilma Fuentes, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Santa Fe College, USA; Mr Larry Socha, Public Affairs Officer, and Ms
Amanda Martinez, Information Resource Center Coodinator from U.S.
Embassy Bridgetown participated in the meeting.
CXC® has been working with institutions which attract
Caribbean students to establish articulation agreements. An
articulation agreement is an officially approved agreement
that matches coursework between schools/institutions. These
are designed to help students make a smooth transition when
transferring with a CXC® CSEC® and CAPE® qualification to
a degree-granting institution. Higher education institutions
interested in learning more about articulation agreements
should contact CXC® by calling + 1 (246) 227-1700 or by email at
cxcezo@cxc.org.
CXC® supports UWI Science &
Technology Festival, Barbados
In March, members of the CXC team participated in the 2020
Science & Technology Festival, jointly hosted by the Faculty of
Science and Technology of The University of the West Indies
(UWI), Cave Hill Campus and the National Council for Science
and Technology within the Ministry of Innovation, Science and
Smart Technology. The event, which was themed “Science and
Technology: Gateway to a New Barbados”, was held over three
days at The UWI, Cave Hill Campus.
CXC® highlighted to visiting students, teachers, parents and
the general public, the syllabuses and certifications which would
qualify candidates for further study and careers in the exciting
fields on display at the festival. Booths showcased various areas
such as astronomy, food science, horticulture, medical science,
meteorology, renewable energy, robotics and sound engineering.
CXC® qualifications on display
at Hilton Career Showcase, Barbados
Over 200 secondary and primary students learned more about CXC’s certifications
when Public Relations & Marketing Officer, Folayan Taitt, attended a career showcase
coordinated by the Blue Energy Committee of the Hilton Barbados Resort in March.
Ms Taitt shared information about the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level
Competence® (CCSLC®), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate® (CSEC®),
Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examination® (CAPE®) as well as a range of new generation CAPE® subjects including
Tourism. Students in attendance were either already involved in hospitality studies
or were at a pivotal stage, where they would soon be making decisions about CXC®
certifications.

The Caribbean Examiner Vol 19 Issue 1 2020

The Caribbean Examiner Vol 19 Issue 1 2020

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The Caribbean Examiner Vol 19 Issue 1 2020