Time to align educational strategies with global landscape demands – PM

…as CSEC top student says success rooted in perseverance

Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips has drawn focus to the pivotal role of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in the Region’s educational framework, urging sustained support and investment.
On Thursday evening, the Education Ministry joined the Caribbean Examinations Council to host the 2023 Regional Awards Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre. The top performers in the May-June 2023 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) received awards.
There, the Prime Minister advocated for a transformative educational paradigm to enhance the Region’s global competitiveness.
He affirmed that despite the Region’s small size and economic constraints, it has consistently invested in developing its human capital, producing exceptional scholars who bring glory to the Caribbean.
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding organisations that advance the Caribbean community, Prime Minister Phillips pointed to the CXC as a prime example of successful collective nation-building that should be vigilantly preserved.

“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…The CXC continues to be a beacon for the rest of the Caribbean. Our Caribbean civilisation can point to the CXC as one of the many success stories of regionalism,” Phillips outlined.
Addressing the need for a paradigm shift in education, the Prime Minister spoke to the importance of aligning educational strategies with the demands of the global landscape. He further stressed the need to view education as a fundamental factor of production in the Caribbean’s transition towards knowledge-based economies.
“Our educational strategies must align with the demands of the global landscape. It is incumbent upon us to educate our populace in a manner that equips them with the essential skills required to thrive and compete effectively on the global stage…Being the preeminent examinations body in the Region, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) stands at the forefront of a transformative role in reshaping regional education. By collaborating closely with regional governments, the CXC can spearhead the repositioning of regional education.”

Perseverance
Alex Muntaz of Anna Regina Secondary was named the Region’s Most Outstanding Student at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) this year and it is a feat he credits to his unwavering perseverance in preparing for the examination.
Muntaz clinched 23 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos at the examination. Hailing from the Cinderella County of Essequibo, he is the youngest sibling in his family. Going through the examinations and emerging at the top spot regionally, the young lad described his journey as “gratifying”.
“I was able to increase the breadth of my knowledge and attain a variety of abilities, including critical thinking, problem solving and study techniques. It took a tremendous deal of dedication, perseverance and motivation to remain focused and steady,” Muntaz shared in his acceptance speech.”
The top student lauded the Education Ministry for working towards enhancing the sector and catering to the needs of students across the country. To those sitting the CXC exams, he called on them to maintain a “well-balance existence” as they forge ahead with their studies.
“I encourage my fellow awardees to persevere in their chosen fields, set ambitious goals and relentlessly pursue them until they become a reality…I also want to urge all the inspiring candidates getting ready for these exams to keep working hard, give it your all and be innovative in all that you do to make sure you succeed.”
This year, Guyana secured top spots for both CAPE and CSEC regionally. Naresh Jagnanan of Queen’s College was named the Most Outstanding Student overall at CAPE. (G12)