The Board of Governors of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has formally approved the Council’s existing Disaster and Business Recovery Protocol, aimed at ensuring the continuity of examinations in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press conference at the Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) in Kingston by CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Wayne Wesley. He explained that the protocol outlines six key steps designed to guide the Council’s response when emergencies disrupt normal examination operations.
“One, CXC initiates response and a statement of support for the affected participating State. Secondly, CXC then coordinates with the Ministries of Education in the assessment and recovery efforts,” he shared.
The approval comes as Jamaica and several other Caribbean countries continue to assess the impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread damage across the region and affected a number of schools and examination centres.
Dr. Wesley said that CXC has agreed on a coordinated plan of action with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information to minimise disruption to candidates. Under the arrangement, CXC will administer examinations in their normal format where possible, while applying a modified approach for schools directly affected by the hurricane.
“For Jamaica, special consideration will be given to School-Based Assessments (SBAs) in impacted schools,” Dr. Wesley noted.
As part of the measures, affected candidates will be allowed to register late for examinations without incurring late registration fees. In addition, extensions will be granted for the submission of SBAs to provide schools and students with additional time to complete assessment requirements.
The Council also indicated that it will continue to work closely with national education authorities across the Caribbean to monitor conditions and provide further adjustments if necessary.