The Caribbean Examiner - New CXC Headquarters - Not Just A Building

“This building is not just a building – it is more than just
glass, concrete and steel. It is the architectural expression
of more than 25 years of aspiration by the Council to
find a home that was fit for purpose; an environment
whose design was predicated on the processes of quality
assurance, efficiency and productivity. Today is when a
building is an annunciation of a future.”
– Dr Didacus Jules. SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 14
THE NEW CXC
HEADQUARTERS

“CXC has added directly to the economies of the region.
Over the last five years, CXC has contributed almost 24 million
Barbadians dollars annually to the local economy. In terms of
human resources development, for the 2015 May-June sitting,
CXC has granted over 120,000 certificates for CSEC: 29,000
for CAPE: 5,200 for CCSLC and 1,202 for CVQ. However, it does
not end there. CXC has provided several opportunities for
practitioners in education to improve their practice in teaching,
curriculum development, assessment and data analysis.
CXC has changed the landscape of education in the region.”
– Mr Glenroy Cumberbatch, Registrar of CXC

THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINER
www.cxc.org MAY 2016 5
IN THIS ISSUEIN THIS ISSUE
THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINER is a publication of the CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL © (CXC)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Mr Glenroy Cumberbatch • EDITOR: Mr Cleveland Sam
LINE EDITORS: Dr Sandra Robinson, Dr Victor Simpson PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO:
The Caribbean Examiner, CXC, Prince Road, Pine Plantation Road, St Michael, Barbados
e: cxcezo@cxc.org • w: www.cxc.org • ISSN 2071-9019
ABOUT THIS ISSUE: Wednesday 14 October 2015 was a
red letter day in the history of the Caribbean Examinations
Council (CXC). It was the day CXC officially opened its
own home, the new CXC Headquarters. This issue
commemorates the opening of the CXC Headquarters
with some of the speeches and plenty of the
photographs from the big day. It also celebrates
the academic achievements of the 2015
Regional Top Awardees and their momentous
trip Belize to receive their prizes and
chronicles their “UnBelizable” experience.
FOCUS: CXC HEADQUARTERS OPENING
6 Persistence in the Journey:
Pursuing Excellence
The Right Honourable Freundel J. Stuart, Q.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Barbados
12 A Wonderful Caribbean Moment
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles
Chairman of CXC and Vice Chancellor,
The University of the West Indies
14 When A Building Is
An Annunciation of A Future
His Excellency, Dr Didacus Jules
Director General, Organisation of
Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
19 Guests’ View
Event Planner
Michael Turton – FedEx
Walden University, Suriname
Tim Downie – RM Results
Joy Adamson - Deputy Chief Education Officer,
Barbados
24 Photo Gallery - Opening of Headquarters
CXC REGIONAL TOP AWARDS
26 A Fine Example of Regionalism
32 “UnBelizable” Experience
Regional Top Awardees in their own voice
42 Vote Of Thanks
Brandon Judnarine
CXC NEWS
44 CXC Makes first-time
Appointments
46 New Features on
Redesigned Website
By Ayodele Pompey
48 Launch of CAPE Animation
and Game Design Syllabus
50 New Syllabuses Place
Emphasis on Entrepreneurship

6 MAY 2016 www.cxc.org
FOCUS: OPENING OF CXC HEADQUARTERS
Persistence in the Journey:
PURSUING
EXCELLENCE
Address delivered by
Prime Minister of Barbados
When CXC was looking for a feature speaker to deliver the key note address at the historic opening of its Headquarters,
several names swirled around, but The Right Honourable Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados was an obvious
choice. Prime Minister Stuart duly delivered a key note address worthy of the historic occasion. The Caribbean
Examiner is pleased to share with you the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion of the Official Opening of the New
Headquarters of the Caribbean Examinations Council in Barbados on 14 October, 2015
I should like to thank the Registrar
for the kind invitation extended to me
to deliver the feature address at this
evening’s ceremony. It gives me the
greatestpleasure,bothasPrimeMinisterof
Barbados and as the current Chairman of
CARICOM, to be with you on this occasion
as you inaugurate the new Caribbean
Examinations Council headquarters
building, for this Council, one of the most
important symbols of the independence
of Commonwealth Caribbean countries.
In the period between the early 60s
and the early 70s, several CARICOM
countries proceeded to independence.
Having achieved political independence
our leaders were cognizant of the fact
that it was equally important to focus on
creating institutions that would contribute
to the economic and social development
of the people of the Caribbean region.
Our leaders clearly understood the
trials that would come with breaking
with the past, and with responding to
the imperative of establishing a truly
regional identity to further our goals. The
first regional body to be established in
1969, the Caribbean Development Bank,
was followed in 1972 by the introduction
of CARIFESTA and the Council of Legal
Education.
It should surprise no one here
today that the fourth regional body to
be established in that “growing up”
period for the region was the Caribbean
Examinations Council (CXC), set up in 1972
with its inaugural meeting held in 1973.
So the establishment of CXC forty three
years ago predated the signing of the
Treaty of Chaguaramas which gave birth
to CARICOM in 1973. This bestows on the
CXC a very special place in the history of
our regional integration movement.
The Caribbean Examinations Council
was expected to play a pivotal role in the
creation of a cadre of people equipped
with the knowledge, skills, attitude and
certification that would not only propel
the development of the Caribbean region,
but also that would make it a force to be
reckoned with on the world stage.
In his speech at the CXC inaugural
ceremony, the late Right Excellent Errol
Walton Barrow, then Prime Minister of
Barbados, made the following observation:
“This new institution forges another link in
the chain of Commonwealth Caribbean
integration, a chain whose links have been
increasing in number and in strength over
the past ten years”.
It was always understood that
the need to set for CXC the highest
standards possible, and to pursue, without
compromise, a commitment to excellence
at all levels, would be key to the success
of this undertaking.
Since the establishment of the
CXC, almost 40 regional institutions and
associate institutions have been created in
anumberofareasoffunctionalcooperation,
from education to development funding,
export development, meteorology, disaster
management, media, tourism, climate
change, security, public health, justice, and
now, renewable energy, with the launch
of the Caribbean Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency Centre scheduled for
October 28th.
As your fourth speaker for the
afternoon I will not repeat the already
known facts about CXC. I should remind
you though that the establishment of
CXC was more than an assertion of
independence. In terms of the creation of
a regional identity, the mere act of securing
the paraphernalia of formal Independence
from the colonial powers was not enough.
Far more was needed. Decolonization of
our politics was one thing; decolonization
of the minds of the people of the region
quite another. The challenge, put aptly
by the late Robert Nesta Marley, was
to emancipate ourselves from mental

“CXC is a
shining example
of what our
region can
do, and its
achievements
are simply
outstanding.”

slavery for none but ourselves could free
our minds.
Several of us here today grew up
under the old system of syllabuses
and examinations, the old GCE Oxford
and Cambridge exams, and later the
Cambridge exams. The certificates of
these examining bodies were an important
featureinourassessmentofourselvesand
of our abilities.
The “O” and “A” level examinations
with their resulting certificates were seen
as our passport to a fulfilling adult life, to
a career, to employment and to further
education. These certificates, based
on a culturally specific syllabus, were
what, at that time, certified to the world
and to us that we had the necessary
knowledge at an acceptable level, to fulfil
our promise, to build our future and to
develop our countries. As a reflection
of the measurement of our capacities
and aptitudes, they were the key to the
dreams of success which we had for our
people and our small nations, whose main
resource was and still is our multi-talented
populations.
But we had long acknowledged that
there was a gap between the reality of
those who set those examinations and our
own. For example, an “A” level examination
paper in 1970 required Caribbean students
to translate the term “terrace houses”
into Spanish- in a situation where very
few students had travelled to the United
Kingdom and knew that terrace houses
meant a row of houses joined by a party
wall, as that term was not then used in the
Caribbean.
The fact that CXC came into being so
early reflects the recognition by our leaders
of our capacity to impart knowledge
through suitable and more relevant
curricula and to manage and administer
a key requirement in the area of education
measurement, education itself in all of its
aspects being the cornerstone of our
future development. More importantly,
it was a visible demonstration of our
confidence and belief in ourselves, and
our ability to run our own affairs. The CXC
has also been a boost to our regional
culture, incorporating into its syllabuses
the work of writers with which the region
has been blessed, writers including, of
course, two Nobel laureates.
The going for the CXC was not easy,
and in the early days there were many
negative perceptions by naysayers who
doomed the institution to failure. The
Council, however, persevered in the
face of challenges to the recognition of
its certificates from both regional and
international tertiary level institutions.
It had to remain relevant in the context
of regional and global changes and
demands in education. It had to
consistently pursue excellence in all of
its undertakings.
Prime Minister Freundel
Stuart and Dr June Cuddle,
a CXC resource person
sharing a light moment

The fact that the Caribbean
Examinations Council has stood the test
of time, persisting in the face of myriad
and sometimes daunting challenges, is
testimony to the vision and resilience of
our region, reflected through successive
Heads of Governments, Ministers of
Education, the management and staff of
the Council, teaching professionals and
the people themselves.
Let me at this point, on behalf of the
Heads of Government, in my capacity
as current Chairman of the Conference,
warmly congratulate the present and
past Chairmen, Registrars and staff
of the Council, as well as the region’s
dedicated and committed teachers and
other educationalists for having the stick-
to-itiveness of which we continue to be
the proud beneficiaries. The contribution
of the CARICOM Secretariat and the
CARICOM Council on Human and Social
Development (COHSOD) over the years is
also to be applauded.
I thought it necessary today to
revisit the origins of the CXC only to
show the road we have travelled. The
relationship that has developed between
the contributing territories and CXC has
proven to be generally beneficial to all.
Over the past four decades the Council,
through the provision of various services,
has expanded its programmes far beyond
those originally envisaged.
M a n y h ave b e e n t h e CXC ’s
achievements, reflected through the
expansion of programmes and products,
types and levels of certification, and the
increase in and development of staff. In
addition, the Council’s assessments have
gained international recognition and as
such can compete with examinations
offered anywhere else in the world. But
perhaps one of the greatest achievements
has been the provision of Caribbean
quality assessments and certification
that can facilitate the movement of skilled
and qualified people across the region,
for the benefit of the various territories.
As teachers, for example, moved from
territory to territory correcting scripts,
a greater regional togetherness was
cemented.
In terms of numbers the Caribbean
Examinations Council has grown from a
fledgling institution that assessed fifty-
eight thousand, seven hundred and nine
(58,709) candidates in five subject areas in
1979, when the first CXC exams took place,
to an institution that now offers a wider
range of subjects, I am told as many as
35, at different proficiencies to a greater
number of candidates; an institution that,
as a result of the increased popularity
flowing from its high quality assessments,
had subject entries surpassing the one
Shone Gibbs, President of the
Barbados National Council of
Parent Teacher Association Inc
being escorted to the ceremony by
Ms Pamela Brathwaite of CXC

hundred thousand mark in 1997, reaching
nearly 200,000 in 2014.
Today, regional candidates can
choose to be assessed in a range of
subjects at the levels of Caribbean
Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC)
and the Caribbean Advance Proficiency
Examination (CAPE). Further, in an effort
to cater to the needs of the countries in
the Region, CXC now offers assessments
in the form of the Caribbean Certificate of
Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC),
the Caribbean Vocational Qualification
(CVQ) and the Caribbean Primary Exit
Assessment (CPEA), as well as the
CXC Associate Degree. An impressive
achievement indeed!
You would wish to be aware that the
Barbados Government pays the entry fee
and subject or unit fees for CSEC and
CAPE subjects for each Barbados public
school student – a considerable amount.
Another important contribution of
CXChasbeenthegenerationandprovision
of data of immense benefit to schools,
Ministries of Education and Governments.
The analysis of data about subject entries,
candidate entries and performance
informs the decision-making process in
schools as well as decision-making at the
level of policymakers. The assessment
data generated by CXC also contributes
to educational planning and development
across the region.
This data also supports comparative
analyses and helps us to make decisions
which can positively impact on the delivery
of instruction in schools across the region.
Of course, given the increasing emphasis
on evidence-based decision-making
required by international lending agencies,
such data is indispensable. I note also the
increasing application of technology to
the operations of the Council, in particular
the introduction of e-marking and the new
CAPE Digital Media Syllabus. This new
emphasis is aimed at potential content
creators, animators, web developers,
graphic artists and mobile app. developers.
The CXC’s website, Facebook and Twitter
accounts allow for real-time interaction.
This evening we are gathered to
celebrate the move of the Caribbean
Examinations Council to a new home. As
PrimeMinisterofBarbados,Iampleasedto
be presiding over the official delivery of this
building to the Caribbean Examinations
Council (CXC). Over the years, each of
our countries in the region has been
Representatives of RM
being escorted by Ms
Pamela Brathwaite of CXC

required to make its contribution to the
regional effort. Barbados has considered
it important not only to pay its assessed
contributions to the CARICOM Secretariat,
but also to participate actively in the
many areas of functional cooperation. In
addition to the CXC, Barbados plays host
to several other CARICOM agencies and
associate agencies.
When Barbados provides the
headquarters for a CARICOM institution,
it assumes payment of the rental and
related charges. In 2014, Barbados paid
approximately BDS$20 million in total
contributions to CARICOM institutions
whichincludedanamountofapproximately
$6.6 million for CARICOM agencies based
in Barbados, some thirteen (13) in number.
Of this sum the largest amount was
related to CXC which was ($1.8 million)
including rent.
I say that to highlight the effort that
Barbados has been prepared to make
in the interest of regional integration,
in all areas of functional cooperation
and particularly in education. When,
therefore, Barbados’ commitment to
CARICOM is questioned, examples like this
spanking new CXC building and Barbados’
support for CXC overall must be given
appropriate prominence. The human
resource development of the region, in
all of its aspects, is vital for all CARICOM
countries. Barbados has always placed a
high priority on education, because our
main resource is our human capital.
The Government of Barbados has
remained committed to its obligations
as a financial contributor to CARICOM’s
institutions despite its current economic
challenges. Of course, given the prevailing
economic circumstances we urge the
institutions to which we contribute to
remember that it is necessary for us all to
be prudent in terms of expenditure.
CXC is a shining example of what
our region can do, and its achievements
are simply outstanding. Along its 43
year old journey, it has earned the
reputation of being more than a mere
examination body, and an assessor and
provider of certification. The institution
has risen to the challenge of fostering
regional cooperation and integration by
contributing to the development of the
people of the Caribbean.
The expansion and modernization of
theinstitution’sHeadquartersmustalsobe
highlighted since it is a signal achievement
for both the Government of Barbados and
the Caribbean Examinations Council. All
of us will agree that this new and much
improved accommodation was long
overdue. I express special thanks to the
members of staff of the institution for their
continued commitment and dedication
during the years when they were required
to maintain high levels of productivity, in
what may have been considered less than
ideal working conditions. The students of
our region, both young and old, have been
the beneficiaries of your patience, your
endurance and your dedication!
Based on what I have observed, this
newfacilitylocatedhereinthePineappears
to be both spacious and comfortable. I
hope that the new accommodation will
inspire and motivate all of you who work
here to even higher achievement, as you
continue to provide quality services to the
people of the Caribbean.
The pursuit of excellence must
continue as the institution charts a path for
sustained growth throughout the twenty
first century and beyond. I have no doubt
that as you apply the technology of this
new world, the delivery and expansion of
your programmes will continue unabated.
CXC must continue on its quest to improve
the quality of its measurements while
responding to the needs of the people of
the region.
In 2014, the first Strategic Plan for
the Caribbean Community 2015-2019
was adopted, inspired by its vision of “ a
Caribbean Community that is integrated,
inclusiveandresilient;drivenbyknowledge,
excellence, innovation and productivity; a
Community where every citizen is secure
and has the opportunity to realise his or her
potential with guaranteed human rights
and social justice; and contributes to, and
shares in, its economic, social and cultural
prosperity; a Community which is a unified
and competitive force in the global arena” .
That Strategic Plan proposes a range
of targeted interventions applied to
address critical gaps over the period to
meet the desired outcomes of strong
economic growth and reduction in poverty
and unemployment; improved quality of
life; reduced environmental vulnerability;
and an integrated Community with equity
for all.
To address the broad development
objectives over the planning period to
2019 a set of integrated Strategic Priorities
within the context of a Resilience Model
are proposed along the broad lines of:
Building Economic Resilience; Building
Social Resilience; Building Environmental
Resilience; Building Technological
Resilience; Strengthening the CARICOM
Identity and Spirit of Community; and
Strengthening Community Governance.
In “Strengthening of the CARICOM
identity and Spirit of Community” we
see the concept of the “Ideal Caribbean
Person”, first articulated in 1997 and
adopted by CARICOM, which has been
one of the philosophical underpinnings
to the thinking in the CXC as it develops
its syllabuses and curricula. Annexed
to the Strategic Plan is a snapshot of
key achievements of the community,
prominently featuring the CXC.
CXC’s role in the development of the
region’s human capital is indisputably at
the heart of our future as a viable regional
grouping of small states in a complex and
dynamic world community.
Today, Barbados is proud to play its
part in the CARICOM journey towards
excellence in all of its undertakings as
exemplified by the work of the Caribbean
Examinations Council. As the present
Chairman of CARICOM, I once again
take this opportunity to express sincere
gratitude to past and present members
of the Council, staff of this prestigious
organizationandtheteachersoftheregion,
the symbol to the world of the excellence
that the group of small developing states
which constitute CARICOM can achieve.
May God continue to bless the CXC in
all of its endeavours!
View the Prime Minister’s speech and the entire ceremony by using this link:
http://livestream.com/mycxc/events/4407231

Our honourable and distinguish
Prime Minister, members of his Cabinet,
excellencies, stalwarts and architects
of CXC, the staff, distinguish members
of the tertiary education sector, leaders
of regional organizations, friends, good
afternoon everyone.
The Prime Minister and I were just
reflecting on one of Bob Marley’s famous
statements, “that whenever Caribbean
people get together to have a good time,
either the rain or the sound man does
interfere” but we are a spiritual people and
we will consider this a blessing. Blessings
upon CXC and its stakeholders.
ThisisawonderfulCaribbeanmoment.
A wonderful moment along the way of our
development. There have been many
such moments over these past decades,
but you will all agree that this one this
afternoon is very special. It is very special
because it gives us an opportunity to give
thanks to the architects and the stalwarts
who have worked very, very hard over these
decades to establish an institution globally
recognized as fine in every possible way.
We have already made mention of a few
of our architects and our stalwarts, but I
would have to say that knowing Sir Roy as
a youngster in the History Department at
Mona Campus and knowing of his efforts
to establish the integrity and quality of
this institution, I would have to say to Sir
Roy, “it is a pleasure to be with you here
this afternoon”.
The CXC represents for all of us here
the mobilization of Caribbean resources
at its best. I have been associated with
this organization for some thirty years
and I have seen some of the finest people
from this Caribbean world dedicated to its
efforts and to its performance.
We do not take this lightly that
Caribbean people have come together
with a single purpose and of single mind
to achieve excellence. This is an example
of success in the building of an indigenous
institution dedicated to the furtherance
of our nationhood and our sovereignty,
but it reflects also the self-confidence of
Caribbean people, our commitment and
our vision for the children as well as the
adults of this region.
It reflects the quality of leadership
that this institution has had over these
decades, not only those responsible
for the functions of the board but also
the managers, the executive and all
workers who have made this institution
one in which we are all very proud; but
we must also make special reference to
the commitment and dedication of our
governments and in this instance the
Government of Barbados.
The Government of Barbados has
honoured its commitment to deliver to
this institution a quality headquarters,
reflective of our ambitions to establish an
institution that is respected beyond our
shores. We give thanks therefore Prime
Minister to the Government and people
of Barbados for hosting us here. We
A WONDERFUL
CARIBBEAN MOMENT
Chairman of CXC and Vice Chancellor, The University of the West Indies
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, in his first public address as Chairman of CXC describes the opening of the CXC Headquarters as “a
wonderful Caribbean moment” and thanked the Government of Barbados for its generosity in providing such modern accommodation
to the Council. The Caribbean Examiner presents Professor Sir Hilary Beckles’ address for your reading pleasure on the occasion of the
Official Opening of the New Headquarters of the Caribbean Examinations Council in Barbados on 14 October, 2015.
The CXC represents for all of us here the mobilization of
Caribbean resources at its best. I have been associated
with this organization for some thirty years and I have
seen some of the finest people from this Caribbean world
dedicated to its efforts and to its performance.

give thanks to your Minister of Housing,
who is really effectively our landlord.
We give thanks Honourable Minister
Dennis Kellman to you. The funding
model associated with this project relied
heavily upon the resources of the National
Insurance Scheme (NIS) and in this regard,
we give thanks to the Minister of Labour,
Social Security and Human Resource
Development, Senator Dr the Honourable
Esther Byer as well as Dr Justin Robinson
the Chairman of the Board.
This morning we discussed and
approved a number of syllabuses. Some
of these are in relation to contemporary
discourse, such as, the health and nutrition
of Caribbean people and we are happy
to report that our children will now be
exposed to syllabus dealing with health
and nutrition in order to address this
question of chronic diseases within our
communities. This is a matter which is
of utmost importance, reversal of this
pandemic.
We discussed and approved a new
syllabus in Green Engineering, we revise
our syllabus in Mathematics and all of
this work has been done because CXC
wishes to indicate to its stakeholders that
it is not only involve in the preparation of
content for examinations, but it is involved
in finding solutions that are sustainable to
some of the significant challenges facing
Caribbean people. These include but
are not limited to the issues of chronic
diseases and the issues of an ineffective
and insufficient science and technology
infrastructure in our region. The reduction
in the performance of our children in
the computational and mathematical
sciences. All of these were issues which
were discussed in detail at our meeting.
I was pleased as Chairman to indicate
that our colleagues are all dedicated to
sustaining an institution that is relevant
and committed to conversations beyond
the classroom.
I am honoured therefore Mr Prime
Ministertothankyouagain,thegovernment
and all the people of Barbados who have
made this facility possible.
OnbehalfoftheCXC,ourstakeholders,
our architects, our workers – past and
present we give thanks, we give thanks.
View Sir Hilary’s speech and the entire ceremony by using this link:
http://livestream.com/mycxc/events/4407231

WHEN A BUILDING IS AN
ANNUNCIATION
OF A FUTURE
Director General, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
Dr Didacus Jules was Registrar of CXC when the Government of Barbados committed to construct a new CXC Headquarters. It was only
fitting that during the opening ceremony Dr Jules, now His Excellency Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern
Caribbean States (OECS) was invited to speak. In his speech, Dr Jules said the new headquarters is much more than just a building on the
occasion of the Official Opening of the New Headquarters of the Caribbean Examinations Council in Barbados on 14 October, 2015.
There are historical moments when
an event is more than it appears to be
and when the material reality that we
see and touch speaks to something
deeper, something more transcendent
than the immediate. We are here today
to commemorate the official opening
of the new CXC Headquarters. But what
we celebrate today is something deeper
and what this building portends is a
greater challenge than we have previously
imagined.
This building is not just a building – it
is more than just glass, concrete and steel.
It is the architectural expression of more
than 25 years of aspiration by the Council
to find a home that was fit for purpose; an
environmentwhosedesignwaspredicated
on the processes of quality assurance,
efficiency and productivity. Today is when
a building is an annunciation of a future.
On assuming office as Registrar
in April 2008 my first courtesy call was
to the Prime Minister of Barbados Hon.
David Thompson and at that meeting I
presented Prime Minister Thompson with
a PowerPoint printout of the conditions
of work at the Garrison Headquarters
building that highlighted the lack of space,
the leaking roof, the electrical hazards
and other conditions inimical to the
guarantee of secure, error-free and high
quality examinations. PM Thompson was
appalled and immediately committed his
fullest support to the acceleration of the
efforts that were already on the table for
a new Headquarters. We remember him
today for this commitment and we also
acknowledge the faithful fulfilment of this
promise by his successor Prime Minister
Rt Hon. Freundel Stuart, the unwavering
assistance of Minister of Education
Hon. Ronald Jones and the steadfast
support of the Leader of the Opposition
Hon. Mia Mortley. This building – with the
support of all sides of the Parliament of
Barbados, with the input of staff across all
departments of the organization, with the
facilitation of public servants in Barbados
– is the reality that we celebrate today.
This building is not just a building
– it is the embodiment of the future
of educational assessment for the
Caribbean: an IT intelligent, digitally
enabled, efficiency streamlined and
collaboration supported work space.
It has been said that sometimes in
seeking to shape the future organizations
overlook their greatest assets which
resides in their past.
Theopeningofthismagnificentedifice
is a massive statement of confidence by
the Barbados Government that the future
contribution of CXC will be as significant
as its historical record of the past 43 years
has been. The historical record shows
This building is not just a building – it is the embodiment
of the future of educational assessment for the Caribbean:
an IT intelligent, digitally enabled, efficiency streamlined
and collaboration supported work space.

that the Government of Barbados was
committed to the idea of a Caribbean
examinations construct from its inception
and at every stage of the planning. Indeed
the first meeting to discuss the formation
of CXC held in Barbados in August 1964
and it was at this meeting that the offer
by Prime Minister Rt. Hon Errol Barrow
was tabled to host the CXC headquarters.
What does the past tell us about the
future?
The story of CXC is not just the story
of an education examination board. As the
recently published History of CXC written
by Professor Patrick Bryan attests, it is
ultimately the narrative of the struggle
for mental emancipation in the sphere
of education. It is an important chapter
in the struggle to free ourselves of the
hegemonic embrace of the Empire – a
struggle which unfortunately is still far
from finished.
The evidence of this lingering legacy
is seen in the persistence of self-doubt
– even in leadership circles in education
across the region who still argue about
the legitimacy of CXC certification. It is
the chokehold of Empire that is felt in
the timidity to define ourselves, despite
the indisputable historical record that we
have not just shaped certification that has
defined us to the world but which can also
contribute to the self-definition of others
with whom we share a common history.
The finger of the past points the
future to the imperative of continuous
improvement. All Caribbean organizations
– whether national or regional - need to be
on this journey if they are to properly serve
the people of this region. We must develop
a culture of intolerance to mediocrity. We
must move with passion to provide service
of the greatest excellence that meets and
exceeds the highest standards of global
competitiveness. Our people deserve no
less.
AsIhavedoneoncountlessoccasions,
I again appeal to the Governments and to
the ministries of education to rally more Dr Didacus Jules, former Registrar of CXC and his former Executive Assistant Amril Gittens are all smiles
Honourable Ronald Jones, Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Barbados and Sheldine Robinson of
CXC sharing a light moment

closely with CXC in a concerted campaign
tocreateacultureoflearningandcreativity
in the region. CXC is well placed with its
extensive records of student performance
spanning almost 40 years to create
an ecosystem with a tight nexus of
teaching, learning and assessment to
make Caribbean education world class.
The new generation certification such as
the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment
andthenewCAPEsubjectsplaceusahead
of many of the international assessment
boards.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen
and above all colleagues of CXC, this
building is not just a building. In its green
design, its fitness for purpose, its IT neural
system, it is the prototype for Caribbean
public service in the 21st Century.
This building is not just a building. It
is a hall of excellence housing the creative
talent of this region; a temple that should
feed the fires of innovation and a symbol
of a committed partnership.
This building is not just a building.
In the simple elegant profile it presents
on this rock of pride that is Barbados, it
symbolizesthefarsightednessofthevision
andtheclarityofthemission.Itisamaterial
reminder of the promise of “assuring the
global human resource competitiveness
of the Caribbean through the provision
of quality assurance in education and
comprehensive certification”. And in this
embodiment, it must be an impregnable
vaultinwhichthesanctityandinternational
currency of Caribbean certification must
be safeguarded.
David Allan Core said “It is not the
beauty of a building you should look at,
it’s the construction of the foundation
that will stand the test of time.” We say
today let us gaze with satisfaction on the
architectural beauty of this building but
look beyond this to see the foundation of
vision, the pillars of accomplishment, the
windows of opportunity that it represents.
This building is not just a building!
View Dr Jules’ speech and the entire ceremony by using this link: http://livestream.com/mycxc/events/4407231
Honourable Dennis Kellman, Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development signing the guest book, while Prime Minister
Freundel Stuart looks on. Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman, Rev. Canon DeVere Murrell and Mr Glenroy Cumberbatch, Registrar
are in the background
Dr Desmond Broomes, CXC Consultant and Justice Elneth Kentish, former High Court Judge smiling as Paul Keens Douglas
entertains the audience

G4S is the leading global integrated
security company specialising in the
provision of security products, services
and solutions. Within the Caribbean, G4S
is proud to supply security solutions to
Caribbean Examinations Council and The
University of theWest Indies, two of our key
partners in our education portfolio.
G4S Solutions for higher education
combines value with the best officers,
exclusivetechnology,supportservices and
educational expertise. We understand that
each educational institution – college or
university requires a unique set of security
and safety solutions. G4S specialises in
developing individualised solutions for
your specific organisation and campus
environment, while providing the right
people, budget-minded processes and
state-of-the-art technology.
G4S consistently delivers quality
services and integrated solutions for
educators and administrators. G4S
expertise provides our clients with new
insights and understanding about the
biggestriskstoyourcompliancemandates
and budgets, offering new solutions to
emerging trends while showing measured
improvements.
G4Sisactiveinmorethan110countries
and is the largest employer quoted on the
London Stock Exchange with over 623,000
employees and has a secondary stock
exchange listing in Copenhagen, Denmark.
We specialise in outsourced business
processes and facilities in sectors where
security and safety risks are considered a
strategic threat.
WithintheCaribbean,G4Salsoprovides
significant cash and electronic security
solutions to commercial and residential
customers. Our solutions include intruder
services, fire alarms and full suite of
monitoring and response services.
With over 40 years of experience in
the region, G4S is well poised to manage
security services for a range of sectors and
industries. With continuous improvement,
staying ahead of technology and applying
this to the region, G4S is securing the
Caribbean one sector at a time.
G4S Solutions Securing Higher Education

Finer Points Consultants (FPC) was
given the mandate to plan and manage
the opening event for the new Caribbean
ExaminationsCouncil’s(CXC®)Headquarters
withaviewtoa“professionallyexecuted.The
aim was to coordinate a opening ceremony
that would project CXC as a successful
regional institution offering world-class
products and services well-coordinated
opening ceremony that would project CXC
as a successful regional institution offering
world-class products and services.”
FPC is a Public Relations and Event
Planning Consultancy with proven
experienceintheplanningandmanagement
of various small and large events including
product launches, building openings,
corporate rebranding and image reveal
ceremonies, ground breaking ceremonies
and employee events to name a few.
Recognising that an organisation
like CXC should not let such an event
go unnoticed, FPC identified two main
objectives in order to ensure the client’s
expectations were not only met but
surpassed. The objective focused on 1)
using the event to bring the many CXC
stakeholders together and wow them, 2) to
showcase the features of the new building
that now housed all the departments
previously located in different areas.
Event Planner’s Perspective
After initial meetings and based on
the number of guests expected, FPC,
along with its technical team, designed the
event and presented a site plan utilising
the car park for the opening ceremony
with the new building as the backdrop.
Provision was made for a large shelter tent
to seat the 400 expected guests. A stage
for speeches and entertainment was built
to surround the CXC logo in front of the
main entrance door and under separate
cover mounted on a truss.
Leading up to the event, FPC attended
fortnightly meetings with the CXC
committee to advance plans. A caterer,
was selected to deliver excellent food
and service for the 400 guests in addition
meetings and site visits were held with
our technical team - Fieldtech Staging
Solutions, the police, parking marshals,
lighting, décor and sound companies
as well as the Barbados Defence Force
whose soldiers were contracted to bear
the sixteen flags for a planned precision
flag raising ceremony.
ItwasdecidedthatasCXCisaregional
institution, the ceremony should be
streamed in order to provide live coverage
for those not in attendance. As a result, the
services of a local production company
and the Caribbean Media Corporation
(CMC) were contracted to facilitate this
requirement. The event was carried live
locally on radio and TV and regionally
through the various CMC TV stations.
Entertainment for the event was
chosen based on regional appeal.
Performers included: - Natahlee Burke
(performing the Caribbean version of her
hit song Colours), the St. Leonard’s Boys’
Choir (one of the few all boys choirs in
the region), Crystal Cummins-Beckles (a
regional Queen of Calypso), Paul Keens
Douglas (well known raconteur and social
commentator) and Dancin’ Africa (the
Junior Company of a local dance troupe
that has performed throughout the region).
It was most gratifying to work with
the appointed team at CXC on an event of
such a regional profile, from the design of
the invitations to the selection of the hor
d’ouvres, to the rehearsals the day before
to the protocol arrangements required
to facilitate the attendance of the Prime
Minister and other dignitaries, this was a
great experience.
Finer Points Consultants takes an
opportunity to wish the management and
staff of CXC many happy and successful
years in their new offices.
“I wish to express my gratitude and pleasure at being invited to attend the
ceremony to open the new CXC building and for the courtesies extended to
me during the visit. Barbados has indeed provided accommodation which
highlights the importance of CXC to the region.” Mrs Irene Walter, former Registrar
Guests have their say on the CXC HQ opening
Hosting major events is now both an art and a science, and the right event planner can be the difference
between an ordinary event and an extraordinary event. Finer Points Consultants delivered the latter.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart delivering the feature address

The opening of the Caribbean
Examination Council was really a grand
occasion. Top government and the
business community officials were
in attendance; this highlighted the
importance of the facility to us as one
Caribbean people.
Theatmospherewasoneofexcellence.
I was impressed with the Barbados
Government and its role in making this
dream come through for higher education
for the region and financing such an
elaborate and well-constructed building
that house some of the most dedicated
educators in the region.
With the flags of thevarious territories,
it reflected the flavour of one people
striving for excellence. Those responsible
for putting the presentation together did a
great job and should be commended for
their effort.
Michael Turton – FedEx
Opening ceremony of the new CXC
Headquarters building on October 14, 2015
CXC demonstrated with an excellent
opening ceremony that it is up to date
with the expectation of this modern
era. At arrival, from the entrance one
was captivated by the splendor of the
ambience at the new CXC headquarters
building.
The tact of the MC to connect all
items on the programme, the touring
of the building, catering service and
network opportunities made my long trip,
from Suriname to Barbados worthwhile
as, representative Walden University Sr,
a start-up organization specializing in
accounting and financial education.
Presentations were intelligent and
entertaining and fun to listen too while
learning much about the role of CXC in the
development of Caribbean people.
The Prime Minister of Barbados
The Right Honourable Freundel Stuart
eloquently spoke about the support of
the Barbadian government to CXC in
Walden University, Suriname
CXC continues to expand the range of
products offered and this can only benefit
the region and the skills of our people.
Moving from multiple locations and
older buildings and bringing all employees
into one new building will certainly
contribution improved productivity and
staff satisfaction.
It was really a fine afternoon for me
meeting many of my clients, friends and
even competitors.
The future of regional education
looks bright and I hope with so many
young people graduating with higher
education and finding it difficult to find
work, that the focus will shift from not
only empowering young people to be
qualified, but empowering them to think
and create new job opportunities for the
next generation. We should be builders
of our fate.
financing the new headquarters building.
His message was remarkable as it shows
how Barbados is a role model in supporting
educational organizations to reach the
best level of education in CARICOM.
It was a pleasant opportunity to
meet many educators from CARICOM.
The opening ceremony and the reception
encouraged pleasant mingling of guest
and networking.
Besides meeting high officials, it was
also very pleasant to meet supporting
staff/employees of CXC who carry out
the daily duties which help CXC achieve
its goals.
The MC of the opening ceremony, (and
Assistant Registrar) Mr Cleveland Sam
tactfully connected musical presentations
andentertainmenttoseriouspresentations
of high government officials, while keeping
the audience involved.
The opening ceremony was well
organized, in great splendor, with beautiful,
arrangements fitting to a modern building.
Each aspect of the ceremony, from
transportation for overseas guests, guests
arrival and seating, and the ceremony and
reception, to the cute presents to guest
at departure were excellent. (The present
was a cute memory stick attached to a
plastic card like object, with information
about CXC).
The opening ceremony was a good
networkingopportunityfornewinstitutions
like Walden University Sr, to help make
CXC-programmes accessible to more
students in Suriname.
Ms Saskia Walden of Walden University with Honourable
Ronald Jones, Minister of Education, Science, Technology
and Innovation, Barbados

I had the privilege and pleasure
attending the official opening of the
impressive new headquarters of the
Caribbean Examinations Council in St
Michael on behalf of RM Results.
It was obvious that a huge amount
of thought had gone into the preparation
for the event. The combination of the
eloquence of speeches from the Rt.
Hon. Freundel Stuart, the Prime Minister
of Barbados, and other distinguished
speakers along with the showcasing of
the cultural talent from across the CXC
member states made for an extremely
enjoyable and insightful afternoon.
It was clear from the speeches and
remarks by the distinguished guests just
what a significant event the opening of
the new headquarters is for educators
and leaders across the region. The
symbolism of an impressive new building
demonstrating commitment to education,
quality and achievement for the young
people of the Caribbean was evident.
CXC has made significant steps
in recent years in modernising its
Tim Downie – RM Results
operations and becoming recognised as
an internationally renowned organisation
that embraces new technologies. The
new facilities are a clear milestone in this
journey. Many of the speakers referenced
the effort required to gather the support
and resources needed to build the new
headquarters at the same time as building
the capability and expertise of CXC as a
provider of high quality qualifications. The
way in which the speakers took the time
to recognise the contribution of retired
leaders and colleagues of CXC on the
journey provided a very positive insight into
the culture and history of the organisation.
I very much enjoyed the music and
dancing provided as entertainment. The
talent and dedication of the artists was a
delight to watch; I’ll certainly never forget
some of the jokes told and I may already
have claimed some of them as my own!
I represented RM Results at the
opening ceremony. RM Results provides
the software and services that enable
CXC’s markers to e-mark exams in 19
territories. RM Results is very proud of
Guests have their say on the CXC HQ opening
relationship with CXC and enjoy working
with the CXC team. The organisation
partners with the world’s leading awarding
body and assessment organisations to
enable e-marking for over 12m exams
every year. Working with the CXC team
helps RM Results to keep innovating and
developing the high quality products and
services that leading organisations such
as CXC demand.
I’d like to express my thanks to Mr
Cumberbatch for extending the invitation
to join him at the opening ceremony. It was
arealhonourtobetherewiththeCXCfamily
to mark such an important and prestigious
occasion. The new building provides a
suitably impressive headquarters for an
impressive organisation and its opening
ceremony was an important stage in the
life of CXC.
RM Results looks forward to working
with the CXC team from its new HQ as
it continues to provide the high quality
qualifications that the students and
teachers of the Caribbean expect and
deserve.
You never get a second chance to make a first
impression, and from the decor that greeted me, I
was impressed with the transformed entrance of
the CXC Headquarters.The ceremony, from National
Anthemtorefreshmentswasimpressive.TheMaster
of Ceremonies effectively managed the Programme
filled with well executed and on-point speeches and
lively and varied entertainment. I was impressed with
the programme mix of speeches and entertainment.
This was also the first time that I got an opportunity
to witness the renowned Paul Keens-Douglas in a
live performance...he did not disappoint. GOOD JOB
was performed by all, inclusive of ushers, technical
staff and tour guides at the end of the ceremony.
View Paul Keens-Douglas performance by using this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zotf9dVKSXE
Paul Keens-Douglas
entertaining the audience
Joy Adamson
Deputy Chief Education Officer, Barbados

Align Office Systems Inc. was
incorporated in September 2010 and is
owned and managed by Allan Harris and
ReneeHarris.Alignoffersacomprehensive
range of office furniture, security and
storage solutions, as well as office
relocation, and retailing and servicing of
safes. We supply, deliver and install to
each unique requirement, tailoring to suit
individual objectives and budgets. With
specialised knowledge and extensive
training we provide professional advice
and affordable office solutions that are
superior in quality and design, yet practical
and durable. We have strategically aligned
ourselves with reputable suppliers,
impressive brands and a growing
customer-base.
The contract to outfit the new
Caribbean Examinations Council’s
Headquarters include very attractive
and functional office furniture from our
supplier Global Furniture Group of Canada.
We introduced the Bridges series, a
new desking system which allows for a
collaborative team work setting for the
different departments. We complimented
this with the Foundations wood veneer
ALIGN OFFICE SYSTEMS INC.
Transforming an Empty Space
into a Stylish Functional CXC Home
tables, desks and storage for the executive
offices and conference room. With our
Bungee multi-functional tables for the
main conference room, CXC can easily
change from one meeting table to three
separate meeting tables.
Colours
It is always exciting when a client
moves away from the traditional colours,
and explore the hundreds of options
available in fabric, leather, metal, laminate
and wood. SRM Architects Ltd. did an
excellent job with the selection and
combination of colours for CXC offices.
This is especially emphasized in the 400-
plus chairs provided (mesh back task
chairs, sofas, polypropylene lunchroom
chairs/stools and visitor chairs), which are
upholstered in either white, grey, green,
blue or purple. Besides furniture, we were
also contracted to supply and deliver vault
doors as per the architect’s specifications;
these were installed by the contractor.
As the marketing saying goes “a
satisfied customer is a repeat customer”.
We were then invited by CXC in 2015 to
submit quotations for material handling
Allan Harris of Align Office System
Renee Harris of Align Office System
The cafeteria

products and storage units. Further to
the proposal, we supplied, delivered and
installed high density mobile storage for
the saving of space in limited storage
areas and wire enclosures to provide extra
security in critical areas. We also provided
library and filing solutions such as heavy
duty shelving, file carts, ladders, step
stools and hand trucks.
Behind the scenes
Align was awarded the CXC contract
in November 2013. As with any artistic
unveiling, there is a tremendous amount of
behind the scenes work that is undertaken
before the theatrical debut. Prior to placing
a specific order, numerous meetings were
held with the designers at SRM. Textile
samples and desk finishes were reviewed
until they were confident that they had the
perfect combination. Multiple checks were
done to avoid errors or exclusions when
placing the final order.
The next stage was ensuring the
furniture left the factory in Canada and
arrived in Barbados in excellent condition
and on schedule. The installation process
requires technical skills, intense labour
and a delicate touch.The installation team
has been with the company from the start
and has either been trained at or by Global
in Canada or locally. The team not only
knows the technical aspects, but also
the importance of customer satisfaction,
meeting deadlines, avoiding damages and
personal safety. To this end, Align was able
to successfully complete the installation
ontimeandwithoutanypropertydamages
or staff incidents.
The core of our business
Our customers are the core of our
business. Customer satisfaction has
been the key to our success. From the
very beginning we made the decision
to differentiate ourselves from the
competition by our service.We understand
that we exist only because of our
customers and we strive to provide the
exceptional service they not only expect
but that they deserve.
A customer purchasing one chair or
outfitting a small office may have one or
two criteria, it could be based solely on
price or perhaps the price as well as the
quality. With larger projects, especially
dealing with architects, designers or
turn-key contractors, we are assessed by
a range of factors. Factors including the
ability to meet product specifications,
warranties, certifications, price, quality,
manufacturer’s environmental policies,
experience and service record. Regardless
of size, Align is dedicated to ensuring that
the office solutions purchased will suit
the ergonomic, budget and other diverse
needs of each customer.
What’s new for Align
Align’s major plan for 2016 is to open
it’s showroom to showcase the many
products we have to offer and to make
Align the household name in Barbados
for office furniture and security solutions.
Align has also added to it’s product
portfolio a selection of flooring options
- including carpet and computer raised
floors.
Align also wants to expand it’s
presence in the region. Having recently
outfitted the newly constructed three-
story NIS building in Grenada we believe
there are more opportunities like this that
we can capitalise on.
Guest’s have their say on the CXC HQ opening
Comfy chairs in the waiting area

FOCUS: OPENING OF CXC HEADQUARTERS - PHOTO GALLERY

Chrystal Cummins Beckles
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=5e-dLvT0w4E
Natahlee Burke
watch?v=-Kd4vXLFiq8
Relive the St Leonards’
Boys’ Choir performance
watch?v=NzK_IdacPo0

Once again the Caribbean Examinations
Council (CXC) is being held up as one
of the symbols of regional integration.
This time, the comments come from the
only English-speaking country in Latin
America and CARICOM’s only member
in Latin America – Belize. The occasion
was the official opening of the 47th
meeting of Council and presentation of
Regional Top Awards for outstanding
performances in the May/June 2015
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean
Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)
examinations ceremony on Thursday
3 December 2015 at the Best Western
Hotel, Belize City.
During his delivery of the feature
address at the ceremony, Honourable
Patrick Faber, Minister of Education,
Belize used the opportunity to highlight
the role of CXC in the Caribbean. He
Commented on some of the sterling work
CXC has done since its establishment
in 1972, and described CXC as “a fine
example of regionalism.” The Minister said
CXC is a true partner with Belize. Belize
is currently working with CXC on several
projects.
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles,
Chairman of the Caribbean Examinations
Council also gave remarks at the
ceremony. He lauded the regional top
Honourable Patrick Faber
Minister of Education, Belize
CXC A Fine Example of Regionalism
awardees for their accomplishments
at CSEC and CAPE, and described
the ceremony as a “grand moment of
celebrations in the midst of challenges.”
The UWI Vice Chancellor described the
awardees as “extraordinary” said they
represent the truth of the matter, not the
negatives which we hear each day.”
The CXC Chairman charged the
16 top awardees to give back to the
Caribbean region regardless of where
their academic pursuits take them. “It
doesn’t matter where you go, it is where
your heart is,” Sir Hilary stated.
The Caribbean Examinations
Council (CXC) held its 47th meeting at
the Radisson Fort George Hotel on Friday
4 December and the meeting of the
School Committee (SEC) on Thursday 3
December 2015 under the Chairmanship
of Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice
Chancellor of The University of the West
Indies.
Mr Glenroy Cumberbatch,
Registrar of CXC in his remarks at the
opening ceremony, said the regional
top awards programme promotes
regional integration and awareness as
the awardees have the opportunity to
interact with each other and students
from the host country. In the case
of Belize, the regional top awardees
interacted with students from the
Belmopan Comprehensive School where
they were entertained by students and
they also performed two pieces for the
students. The Registrar pointed out
that notwithstanding the tremendous
academic accomplishments of the
awardees, they were well-rounded
individuals involved in several extra-
curriculum activities at their schools and
in their communities.
Regional Top Awards
During the ceremony held on the
night of Thursday 3 December, students
CSEC and CAPE regional top awardees pose with their plaques

Most Outstanding Candidate
in Visual Arts, 2-Dimensional Work
Saegel Bascombe
Bishop Anstey High School
Trinidad and Tobago
Saegel’s piece was entitled “Drought”
and is taken from the Painting and
Mixed Media Expressive Form. The
Chief Examiner said of Saegel’s work;
“This is wonderfully expressed by
thin, subtly applied layers of colour,
combined with the other design
elements such as shape, form and
repetition. The final result of this
creation is psychologically expressive
and is an impressive achievement at
this level.”
Most Outstanding Candidate in
Visual Arts, 3-Dimensional Work
Angel Neptune
Bishop Anstey High School
Trinidad and Tobago
Angel’s work is from the Sculpture and
Ceramics Expressive Form and is entitled
“Fish”. The Chief Examiner states, “This
incense burner takes the form of the
Japanese Koi fish. It is hollow throughout and
made of thin, quite delicately manipulated
clay. In the body of the fish, the clay is
perforated multiple times to allow the scents
of the incense to escape. Interestingly, the
positioning of these perforations also create
the illusion of scales; a very creative solution
to a possible challenge.”
from four Caribbean countries – Antigua
and Barbuda, Guyana, Jamaica and
Trinidad and Tobago – received awards
for outstanding performances in the
Caribbean Secondary Education
Certificate (CSEC) and in the Caribbean
Advanced Proficiency Examination
(CAPE).
Students from schools in Guyana
dominated the Regional Top Awards
for outstanding performances at the
CSEC, while students from Trinidad and
Tobago continued their dominance of
awards for outstanding performances
at the CAPE. However, this year, for the
first time, a student from Antigua and
Barbuda received the award for the
Most Outstanding Candidate at CSEC.
Brandon Judnarine won the award with
22 subjects in one sitting. Another first
this year – a student from Guyana won
the Dennis Irvine Award, the symbol of
academic excellence at CAPE. In doing
so, Cecil Cox, a student of Queen’s
College, Guyana also became the first
CSEC award to win a CAPE regional top
award. He achieved acceptable grades in
14 CAPE Units.
Caribbean Secondary Education
Certificate (CSEC)
Dr Carol Granston, Pro Registrar of CXC presenting award to Saegel Bascombe for Most Outstanding Performer in
Visual Arts 2-Dimensional workThe Mayan group performing at the awards ceremony

Short Story Writing
SHAUNTELLE EDWARDS
Glenmuir High School
Jamaica
Shauntelle’s story is based on the
following stimulus: As I step though
the front door, something felt different.
The usual smell of dinner was absent
through and I know something had
changed.
Technical/Vocation Education
ALIYAH RASHEED
Anna Regina Secondary School
Guyana
Aliyah achieved Grade I in 20 subjects:
Agricultural Science (DA), Biology,
Chemistry, English A, English B,
Electronic Document Preparation and
Management, Electrical and Electronic
Technology, Food and Nutrition, Home
Economics Management, Information
Technology, Integrated Science,
Mathematics, Office Administration,
Physics, Principles of Business, Social
Studies, Spanish, Technical Drawing, and
Physical Education and Sport.
Business Education
VICTORIA NAJAB
Saraswati Vidya Niketan School
Guyana
Victoria achieved Grade I in Additional
Mathematics, Agricultural Science,
Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry,
Economics, Electronic Document
Preparation and Management, English
A, English B, Geography, Human and
Social Biology, Information Technology,
Integrated Science, Mathematics, Office
Administration, Physics, Principles of
Accounts, Principles of Business, Social
Studies and Spanish.
Sciences
SHANNON WOODROFFE
Queen’s College
Guyana
Shannon achieved Grade I in 14 subjects:
Additional Mathematics, Agricultural
Science, Biology, Chemistry, English
A, English B, Electronic Document
Preparation and Management, French,
Geography, Human and Social Biology,
Information Technology, Integrated
Science, Mathematics and Physics.
Humanities
JOSHANNA HOPKINSON
Queen’s College
Guyana
Joshanna achieved Grade I in 18
subjects: Additional Mathematics,
Caribbean History, Economics,
Electronic Document Preparation
and Management, English A, English
B, French, Geography, Information
Technology, Integrated Science,
Mathematics, Office Administration,
Principles of Accounts, Principles of
Business, Religious Education, Social
Studies, and Spanish.
Students from schools in Guyana dominated the Regional Top Awards for
outstanding performances at the CSEC, while students from Trinidad and Tobago
continued their dominance of awards for outstanding performances at the CAPE.
Mr David Leacock, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Education, Belize presenting award to Shauntelle Edwards for
Best Short Story

Most Outstanding Candidate Overall
BRANDON JUDNARINE
St Joseph Academy
Antigua and Barbuda
Brandon achieved Grade I in 21 subjects
and one Grade II. Brandon achieved
Grade I in Additional Mathematics,
Biology, Caribbean History, Chemistry,
Economics, English A, English B, French,
Geography, Information Technology,
Integrated Science, Mathematics, Office
Administration, Physics, Principles
of Accounts, Principles of Business,
Social Studies, Technical Drawing,
Electronic Document Preparation and
Management, Physical Education and
Sport, Human and Social Biology, and
Building Technology, and Grade II in
Technical Drawing.
Mr Rudolph Davis, principal of St Joseph
Academy, Antigua and Barbuda, received
the CSEC School of the Year Award on
behalf of the school.
Modern Languages
VASHA MAHARAJ
Naparima Girls’ High School
Trinidad and Tobago
Vasha achieved Grade I in eight Units
all with A’s on the module grades:
Caribbean Studies, Communication
Studies, French Units 1 and 2, Literatures
in English Units 1 and 2, and Spanish
Units 1 and 2.
Information and Communication
Technology
DIMITRI POLLARD
Hillview College
Trinidad and Tobago
Dimitri achieved Grade I in Applied
Mathematics Units 1 and 2, Caribbean
Studies, Communication Studies,
Computer Science Units 1 and 2, Physics
Units 1 and 2 and Pure Mathematics
Units 1 and 2.
Mathematics
YOHANCE OSBORNE
Hillview College
Trinidad and Tobago
Yohance achieved Grade I in eight Units:
Applied Mathematics Units 1 and 2,
Caribbean Studies, Communication
Studies, Physics Units 1 and 2, and Pure
Mathematics Units 1 and 2.
Technical Studies
ALEX NAVARRO
Fatima College
Trinidad and Tobago
Alex achieved Grade I in Applied
Mathematics Units 1 and 2, Caribbean
Studies, Chemistry Units 1 and 2,
Communication Studies, Geometrical
and Mechanical Engineering Drawing
Units 1 and 2, Physics Units 1 and 2 and
Pure Mathematics Units 1 and 2.
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examination (CAPE)
Garifuna drummers performing during the awards
ceremony
Dr Marcia Potter, Deputy Chair of CXC presenting award to Dimitri Pollard for Most Outstanding Performance in Information
and Communication Technology

Environmental Science
PUJA RAMBERRAN
St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
Puraj achieved Grade I in eight Units: Biology Units 1
and 2, Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies,
Environmental Science Units 1 and 2 and Geography
Units 1 and 2.
Business Studies
SHONTA NOEL
St Rose’s High School
Guyana
Shonta achieved Grade I in nine Units: Accounting
Units 1 and 2, Caribbean Studies, Economics Units 1,
Entrepreneurship Unit 2, Management of Business
Units 1 and 2, and Grade II in Communication Studies
and Economics Unit 2.
Most Outstanding Candidate in Natural Sciences
THEANA HAY
St Augustine Girls’ High School
Trinidad and Tobago
Theanna achieved Grade I in eight Units all with A grade
on the Modules. She achieved Grade I in Biology Units
1 and 2, Caribbean Studies, Chemistry Units 1 and 2,
Communication Studies and Physics Units 1 and 2.
Most Outstanding Candidate in Humanities
(CXC/Hodder Education Award)
NADIA ALI
Trinidad and Tobago
Nadia won the Humanities award with Grade I in seven
Units: Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies,
History Units 1 and 2, Literatures in English Unit 1; and
Sociology Units 1 and 2 and Grade II in Literatures in
English Unit 2. Nadia will receive the CXC/Pearson
Humanities Award sponsored by Hodder Education.
Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of CXC
presenting the Hodder Education CAPE
Humanities Award to Nadia Ali

Most Outstanding Candidate Overall
in the Caribbean
CECIL COX
Queen’s College
Guyana
Cecil achieved Grade I in 13 CAPE
Units: Applied Mathematics Units 1
and 2, Caribbean Studies, Chemistry
Units 1 and 2, Communication Studies,
Computer Science Unit 1, Digital Media
Units 1 and 2, Physics Units 1 and 2 and
Pure Mathematics Units 1 and 2, and
Grade II in Computer Science Unit 2.
Principal of Queen’s College, Guyana,
Ms Jennifer Benn received the award
for CAPE School of the Year on behalf of
Queen’s College.
Courtesy Calls
While in Belize, the awardees and a
delegation from CXC and the Ministry
of Education paid courtesy calls on His
Excellency Sir Colville Young, Governor
General of Belize; Honourable Dean
Barrow, Prime Minister; Honourable
Patrick Faber, Minister of Education,
Youth, Sports and Culture; and Leader
of the Opposition Honourable Francis
Fonseca.
The awardees also visited historic
Xunantunich Maya Archaeological Site,
and Old Belize Museum. They also visited
the Belmopan Comprehensive School
where they were entertained by students
of the school and contributed to the
entertainment with two performances
of their own – a poem written by Angel
Neptune and a duet by Shauntelle
Edwards and Joshanna Hopkinson.
They also interacted with students from
schools in Belize.
Honourable Patrick Faber, Minister of Education in Belize presenting award to Mr Rudolph Davis Principal of St Joseph
Academy, Antigua and Barbuda for CSEC School of the Year.
Regional Top Awardees posing with Sir Colville Young, Governor General of Belize, and Mr Glenroy Cumberbatch, Registrar,
and Dr Carol Granston, Pro Registrar
Honourable Patrick Faber, Minister of Education in Belize presenting award to Cecil Cox, winner of the Dennis Irvin Award for
Most Outstanding Performance in CAPE.
Relive the 2015 Regional Top Award
ceremony by using this link:
watch?v=GgJCuqwUu9I

“UnBelizable”
Experience
RegionalTopAwardeesintheirownvoice
Top Awardees on top of the Mayan
temple Xunantunich, Belize

DIMITRI POLLARD
Hillview College
Trinidad and Tobago
My trip to the beautiful country of
Belize is best described with only one
expression, life-changing. I had not
known about the regional awardees
programme prior to becoming an
awardee, so it came as the icing on
the cake of my CAPE success and
the perfect way to end my year. Not
everything went perfectly, but it did flow
smoothly and I felt very safe while in a
completely foreign country surrounded
by strangers. It also felt nice to be
pampered and I would recommend
someone to aspire for the award if only
for the trip. The people taking care of
us did a splendid job and that says
something since I know I didn’t make
their lives any easier while they were
doing it. But that just left me less time
to worry and more time to focus on my
stay.
I love to travel and I share the dream
SHANNON WOODROFFE
Queen’s College
Guyana
A challenging journey with an
astounding and rewarding end is the
most appropriate abridgement of my
CSEC Regional Top Award experience,
and although I continue to advance to
further stages in my life, I retain it as
a worthwhile, unique experience and
one for which to be grateful. Already
engrossed in my CAPE studies and
tackling new hurdles in my education, I
was informed mid-October of an even
greater success in my undertaking of
CSEC. Initially, I was disbelieving but
I remain appreciative for having been
blessed with such an opportunity.
At the end of November, we finally
embarked on the highly anticipated trip
to Belize for the Regional Top Awards
Ceremony, which itself was part of the
reward for our recent successes. Being
required to overnight in Miami prior to
our intended destination, we were given
additional time to interact before our
official appointments in Belize.
The honours poured in, beginning
soon after our departure from Miami,
being acknowledged and congratulated
by our flight crew literally in mid-air. This
continued upon landing, being warmly
welcomed by officials who escorted
us through the airport and to our hotel.
Over the next few days, we were granted
the privilege of meeting the Governor
General, Prime Minister, Minister of
Education and Leader of the Opposition
of Belize. In each meeting, we were
warmly welcomed and given words of
encouragement and appreciation. Apart
from meeting with these influential and
notable people, we toured the University
of Belize and were hosted by the
Belmopan Comprehensive School where
a special assembly was held in our
honour. It was most ironic, however, that
on each visit, our hosts reiterated the
honour they felt by our visit, whereas it
was us who were visiting their country to
receive our honours for our performance
and who felt most elevated by their
warmth and enthusiasm. When our
courtesy calls were completed, we were
able to truly experience the “Beautiful
Belize,” which we were repeatedly told
about on our official visits. We walked
through the Xunantunich archaeological
site and climbed the preserved structures
of the fallen Mayan civilisation where we
were able to survey a portion of the Cayo
District of Belize from majestic heights.
Additionally, we were taken to a butterfly
farm at the Chaa Creek Resort where
we were entranced by the Blue Morpho
butterfly, and to the Old Belize Museum
where we were briefed on the rich history of
Belize amidst scenes resurrecting historical
landmarks. Finally, the official honour was
bestowed upon us at the awards ceremony,
enhanced by an enrapturing presentation of
Belize’s abounding culture. A spectacular
week had come to an end and we had
completed the purpose of our visit to
beautiful Belize on the coast of the Yucatán
Peninsula.
Belize added to our lives, giving us
an experience which took us to a new
part of our physical world and showed us
new people with new perspectives and
different lives. We as regional awardees
were brought together with a bond due to
a common achievement and placed in a
common environment from which we took
heterogeneous experiences.
with millions of people of traveling the
world before I die, and can quite happily
check off one of the places on my list
now. Belize was exotic and very different,
most notably the food. I have great
respect for the Belizean people and the
fact that they strongly support their
local cuisine to the point of having no
multinational fast food corporations. I
think it is admirable and other countries
would do well to emulate such strong
support for their culture- and what a
varied culture it was. My country prides
itself on being a ‘melting pot’ of races
and cultures but I honestly believe
that we have been thoroughly bested.
The Mayans and Maroons especially,
were unique and interesting and it
was absolutely marvellous exploring in
more detail something I only ever saw
in history books. In fact, on our final
night there we were treated to a cultural
showcase to end the actual awards
ceremony and I can guarantee that I will
never forget it. My only regret is that we
didn’t get to sight-see or explore Belize
as much as I would’ve liked, but then again,
we did meet His Excellency the Governor
General and the Honourable Prime Minister,
so I suppose it was a fair trade.
However, the truly amazing part of
this trip was meeting and socializing with
my fellow awardees. A few of them have
become my very close friends despite the
short time we’ve known each other. They
were what made this trip life-changing.
Meeting such brilliant people, some of
whom lived right in my country, and
spending time with them was priceless.
They made me laugh, they made me smile,
and they even made facing the Miami
airport worthwhile. Most importantly, they
inspired me and I would like to think that
I positively impacted their experience as
well. I would never have met some of them
were it not for this experience and so CXC
will always have my deepest gratitude.
So if I got the chance to go back and
experience my all-expenses-paid trip to
Belize again or any other regional awardee
ceremony, would I? Yes! Yes! A thousand
times yes!
“UnBelizable” Experience: Regional Top Awardees in their own voice

PUJA RAMBERRAN
St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
As Ben Carson would say, “Through
hard work, perseverance and a faith
in God, you can live your dreams”.
Words can’t begin to describe how
immensely elated I was to learn I was
the CXC Regional Top Awardee for
Most Outstanding Performance in
Environmental Science in CAPE May/
June 2015. I had no idea that my passion
for the environment and commitment
to excellence would lead me to such
a great accomplishment that would
also fulfill my desire to experience
the world in its truest form. Filled with
immeasurable thrill, I was astounded
to find out that the prize included a trip
to Belize, a country only in my wildest
dreams. Little did I know, this trip would
have turned out to be the experience
of a lifetime; one that would forever be
embedded in my memory.
Within moments of reaching the
Courtyard Miami Airport-Marriott in
Florida before arriving in Belize the next
day, a friendly bond was formed with my
fellow awardees. I had never seen them
before, yet from the moment we sat for
dinner and exchanged smiles, I knew if
I left this trip with one memory, it would
be new friends and even family. As we
reached Belize, an even stronger and
deeper bond grew with my ‘Trinis’ and
‘Scottish-speaking Guyanese’. Our stay in
neighboring guest rooms at the Radisson
Hotel allowed for late night adventures,
horse-rides through Belize City, pizza
dates by the guest pool and even
emotional, life-changing conversations.
We held an intimate connection that
was “unBelizeable!”, as we would jokingly
say, since we only knew each other for a
short space of time, what bizarrely felt like
years. Trust and admiration blossomed
easily within our small group. We knew for
ourselves that we found new sisters and
brothers on this trip, something which,
despite having with our individual families
back home, was held in high regard.
If it weren’t for the CXC Regional Top
Awardee programme, we may not have
experienced this bond that we continue
to treasure back home in Trinidad and
other parts of the Caribbean even after
the trip.
Not only was a “Belizean” family
formed, we were granted the opportunity
of experiencing pure Belizean political
and social culture, which was truly
reflected in our interactions with public
dignitaries figures, school children and
educational personnel as well as through
our encounters with local cuisine and
creative arts performances. Courtesy
calls to His Excellency Sir Colville
Young, Governor General of Belize, the
Honourable Dean Barrow, Prime Minister,
the Honourable Patrick Faber, Minister of
Education, and the Leader of Opposition
allowed us to gain insight into Belize’s
current political and social status, while
at the same time feeling honoured for
our great achievements. Visits to the
Belmopan Comprehensive School and
the University of Belize epitomized the
country’s attempts to gain academic
and holistic success for its youth,
proving to us that the Caribbean
continually values the role of education
in development of the region.
In my perspective, given the chance
to visit Belize’s historical points of
interest was the highlight of the trip.
Trekking to the Xunantunich Mayan
Archaeological Site and climbing to the
top of the temples was truly breath-
taking and fulfilling, satisfying my dream
of reaching one of the world’s most
archaic and evocative destinations. The
Old Belize Museum also exemplified
Belize’s mesmerizing history, a truly
educational yet remarkable experience.
The Regional Awards Ceremony
summed up the entire trip in a nutshell.
We were the shining stars of the night,
being commended and awarded
for our hard work, while sharing the
moment with those truly important to
us; our families, newly formed friends,
Belizean brothers and sisters, and the
CXC board without whom the trip were
impossible. The continuous support
and guidance every step of the way
from Mr Cleveland Sam, Mr Glenroy
Cumberbatch, Dr Carol Granston and Ms
Carla Alvarez, along with members of the
Ministry of Education in Belize, was truly
appreciated. My experience in Belize will
forever and undoubtedly remain one of
the best moments of my life, one that
unlocked a new avenue of inspiration in
my journey towards further success.
Awardees starting the trek up the steps of the Mayan temple Xunantunich

JOSHANNA HOPKINSON
Queen’s College
Guyana
“You are the 2015 Humanities CSEC
Awardee!” My initial reaction was neither
a scream or a shout but rather a silent
prayer to God who’d been my greatest
strength providing me with a realm of
support in my parents, my brothers, my
teachers, my friends. The moment was
justly described as the climax to one of
the most surreal periods of my life. Only
a few weeks before, I’d been made aware
that I ranked fourth in my own country’s
awardees list. Now this!
The next few weeks flew quickly
as I rushed about trying to complete
a very long checklist. Passport, check.
Uniforms, check. Toothpaste, check.
Excitement scaling off the roofs,
check. All in preparation for even more
memorable moments: a five-day
excursion to Belize to celebrate the
intelligence, diligence and dedication of
students around the Caribbean.
On 29 November 2015, I was
officially Belize-bound and charged
to enjoy the days ahead. The itinerary
promised a blast of fun but what
neither I, nor the other awardees had
imagined was us singing and speaking
and dancing in the mix, first off was the
informal dinner which we all informally
dressed up for. Because we were in
Belize!
Then there was the visit to the
Belmopan Comprehensive School. It
was this visit that allowed me to witness
a sliver of the young Belizean talent:
musicians and vocalists who astounded
not only with their voices and skill but
also with their poise. It also allowed me
the privilege of singing alongside a very
talented Jamaican writer, Shauntelle
Edwards: Best Short Story in CSEC
2015. In addition, I was able to witness
the poetic genius of the Visual Arts
2-dimensional award winner, Trinidadian
artist, Angel Neptune.
Then there was of course the
sightseeing that brought home more
than ever the uniqueness of Caribbean
society. Belize, I noticed, was almost
identical in infrastructure to my own
Guyana, yet possessing and expressing
a culture and diversity unlike any other I’d
ever experienced.
Belize offered to us awardees
an opportunity to see the world from
the towering structures of one of
its historical sites of Maya heritage,
Xunantunich. Translated: Maiden of the
Rock. Again, I use the word “surreal”
which seems even now insufficient to
encapsulate the sheer wonder of this
experience.
To think we met with the Governor-
General, Prime Minister, Minister of
Education as well as the Leader of
the Opposition of Belize, all of whom
expressed their honour and their
privilege to have the opportunity to meet
with us. Those moments, I imagine, were
a dose of what empowerment feels like.
If I tried to single out the best part
of the entire experience, I must say it
was having the pleasure to meet so
many wonderful people: the officials of
the Council who toured and dined and
shared in our delight; the officials of
the Belizean Ministry of Education who
gave us an interesting sliver of Belizean
history and culture; the chaperone
who not only shared in our excitement
but went above and beyond the call of
duty to ensure our absolute comfort;
the tour guides who held our hands to
climb to the top of the structures at
Xunanitunich; the students at Belmopan
Comprehensive School who entertained
us beautifully with their talent and all the
other wonderful people far too numerous
to mention.
To my new Trinidadian friends, keep
going for the highest of heights. To my
new Antiguan buddy, keep making your
family and your nation proud. To my new
Jamaican singing partner, the world is
your stage and to my very own Guyanese
friends, we won’t stop, we’re giving the
world all we’ve got.
To the young and aspiring students
after us, being a regional awardee is
more than a five day trip. It’s even more
than the opportunity to be granted a full
scholarship to one of the prestigious
campuses of the University of the West
Indies. It’s long sleepless nights, heavy
eyelids, prayer after prayer. It’s work. It’s
dedication. It’s putting your everything
into being the best you can be. And most
importantly, it’s not the end of the road.
It’s the beginning of a long journey to
where you really want to be. Enjoy. God
bless you my dear Caribbean.
Mayan temple, Belize

NADIA ALI
Trinidad and Tobago
My name is Nadia Phoebe Ali. I
am from the nation of Trinidad and
Tobago and I was the most outstanding
candidate in Humanities/CAPE Regional
Awardee in Humanities 2015. To sum up
my experience of Belize in December
2015, I would have to use some of their
local dialect and say that it was simply
“unBelizeable”. Ironically, I had visited
Belize earlier in August, on a cruise ship
with my family. However, this iconic
trip gave me the opportunity to explore
Belize even more and now I can say that
it has a special spot in my heart. Visiting
Belize gave me the opportunity to meet
and make friends with some of the
brightest minds in the Caribbean. It was
truly a privilege to be able to spend time
with them, experience Belize together
and create lifelong friendships with
them.
The people of Belize were so
welcoming and accommodating. The
love and warmth that they gave us were
felt throughout the trip. We had courtesy
calls with the Governor General of
Belize, the Prime Minister, the Education
Minister and the Opposition Leader.
These visits truly proved to me without a
doubt that Belize is in absolutely capable
hands. These distinguished persons
took the time to entertain us, as well as
answer our many varying questions.
We were also able to visit the city of
Belmopan, where we had the privilege
of interacting with students from the
Belmopan Comprehensive School. It
was there that I realized how diverse and
multitalented the people of Belize are
and in particular their youth. We also had
the opportunity to tour the beautiful city
of Belmopan as well as the University of
Belize which I must say was really quite
interesting and memorable.
Additionally, on our last day in Belize,
we were able to visit the Xunantunich
Maya Archaeological Site, an experience
I will cherish forever. I am passionate
about History and to be able to visit
this site was life changing. I am also
not one for climbing up to the top of
incredibly high pyramids. However, with
the assistance of my newfound friends I
was able to make it and did not regret it
at all, as the view was breathtaking and
the photo opportunities were endless.
Later that day, we were also granted the
opportunity of visiting the Old Belize
Museum, where we took a trip through
time with the absolutely amazing display
that was offered. The artefacts, sets, and
other aspects of the museum provided
a feeling of actually being present in the
various time periods. It is something I will
never forget.
I am a girl who loves food and I must
admit that Belize hit the nail on the head
every time. I have also acquired a new
love for rice and beans and fried plantain.
Whether it was the food at the hotel or
at a traditional Belizean restaurant, it
always succeeded in being absolutely
delicious. As a result, I thoroughly
enjoyed the culinary experience
throughout the entire trip.
Belize City was our home for the
week that we spent there and CXC could
not have chosen a more perfect city.
The classic charm, the waterfront, the
people and so much more, made it so
comfortable and so memorable for me. It
was the perfect place for a perfect trip.
Lastly, but certainly not least, was
the experience of our awards ceremony.
After the pomp and circumstance of
collecting the awards and hearing the
various speeches, the audience was
treated to a delightful cultural exposition,
which we were able to experience the
various creole cultures of Belize. I was
even able to dance with some of the
local dancers, which was indeed one of
the greatest highlights for me.
I would like to thank CXC for granting
all of us this enlightening and thoroughly
wonderful experience. We truly got to see
what being a part of Belize felt like and
by extension what being a part of the
Caribbean really feels like. In retrospect,
I have a newfound appreciation for
everything that CXC does for the region
and I hope that they continue the
tremendous job.
Top awardees enjoying
their tour around Belize

BRANDON JUDNARINE
St Joseph Academy
Antigua and Barbuda
It was a typical Thursday afternoon
in November when my school contacted
me and informed me that I was named
a CSEC Awardee for the May-June 2015
CSEC exams, by virtue of attaining 21
Grade I’s and a Grade II and that my
presence was requested in Belize for
the Opening of Council and Award
Ceremony. Arrangements were made
and I was on my way, two-three pounds
heavier and saturated with a sense of
achievement and anticipation.
Having never travelled outside
the region before, the journey to the
intermediary point in Florida was
daunting, but I survived. I met with a CXC
representative who then accompanied
me back to the hotel, where the other
16 awardees were already present.
My judgement being clouded by low
temperatures and anxiety, I immediately
fled to my room, daring to come back
down only after hours had passed. I then
ventured into the lobby, where among
the nasal Southern voices of the hotel
workers, a cacophony that can only be
described as utterly ‘Caribbean’ reached
my ears, and I knew that I had found my
people.
The awardees seemed perfectly
at home in the recesses of the hotel
lobby. I was particularly impressed by a
few- such as Yohance Osborne (CAPE
Mathematics), Shauntelle Edwards
(CSEC Short Story Writing), and Cecil
Cox (CAPE Everything- seriously, this
guy had a wide base of knowledge,
including (but not limited to) the lyrics of
‘Down Under’ by Men at Work, which he
hummed incessantly for the duration of
our time in Belize). Shonta Noel (CAPE
Awardee and future Minister of Finance)
was the first to greet me and I felt much
more at ease from then on.
The following day our contingent of
rogue academics departed for Belize. We
drank in the experience- it was for most
of us our first time in the country. Some
of the Guyanese among us said that the
atmosphere reminded them of home.
The flight went smoothly, and we were
shuttled into the hotel, and had a formal
dinner that night where we learned much
about each other. The next few days
would be saturated with activity–which
broadened our horizons and afforded
us a deep appreciation of the culture.
We met the Minister of Education, the
Governor General, the Prime Minster and
the leader of the Opposition. We were
greeted warmly by all and congratulated
heartily, and even thanked for serving
as inspiration to our parents and the
students that are yet to write their
examinations.
Belize has the best of both
worlds rich cultural influence from the
Caribbean and from Central America.
This manifests itself in the ancient ruins,
the architecture and, indeed the food.
Our group put on a cumulative total of
roughly 20 kg, (as per my estimate),
and indeed, the plane did seem to fly
marginally lower on the way back. The
cuisine was excellent- dishes borrowing
from Mexican culture and Caribbean
culture and other types of culture so
diverse that romanization and mention
would do them injustice. CXC definitely
took every measure to ensure that
our stay was smooth, enjoyable and
educational.
My 16 new friends and I got along
swimmingly. Our visit to Belmopan
Comprehensive School and Xunantunich
strengthened the bonds forged of
mutual respect and companionship. Our
tranquil existence would be permeated
only by repeated outbursts of ‘bruh’ and
(slightly) heated debates about which
country was the most beautiful (Antigua,
for future reference) and which country’s
culture was most vibrant (also Antigua,
and no, I’m not biased).
On the night of the ceremony, we
filed in to the plaza where the ceremony
was held. A great number of parents
and well-wishers were present to
support the awardees (my father and
Principal among them), and the event
itself was conducted swimmingly,
with indescribably beautiful cultural
expositions on the part of the Belizean
Youth and speeches by CXC officials and
Belizean Ministers. I was called upon to
deliver the Vote of Thanks on behalf of
all the awardees, and we were treated
to more cultural displays (and food). All
things being considered, the trip has
been the best week of my life, and it
will NOT be the last time I visit Belize…
or the last time I see my friends. Their
determination and drive to succeed is
a force of nature, and we will all rise to
prominence in our own countries, and
one day meet as successful persons, and
above all, we will all continue to nurture
the next generation… all of us, in all our
different countries…to build a better
Caribbean, and show the world that West
Indians are a force to be reckoned with.
There is much to teach the world, and the
CXC has provided us with the means to
express ourselves and make a difference,
and for that, we thank you.
PHOTO: www.belize-travel-blog.chaacreek.com
Traditional thatch roofs in Belize

YOHANCE OSBORNE
Hillview College
Trinidad and Tobago
The day I got word that the
Caribbean Examinations Council
(CXC) selected me as
the Most Outstanding
Candidate in the CAPE
Mathematics for 2015,
I was utterly surprised.
This came shortly after
I had received the grand
news that the Government
of Trinidad and Tobago had
offered me a scholarship
to pursue undergraduate
studies at any university of my
choice in the world. Therefore,
I was certainly lost for words to
explain how I felt at this point.
Soon, I was all set to go on an
all-expenses-paid trip to Belize,
provided by CXC. The purpose of
the one-week trip was not simply
to attend an awards ceremony,
but also to experience a speck of
Belizean society and culture, to
meet officials of the Government of
Belize and to socialize with other CXC
awardees. I was very excited since I had
never visited Belize before.
To begin, I thoroughly enjoyed
partaking in the courtesy calls on
officials of the Government of Belize. We
met His Excellency Sir Colville Young,
the Governor General of Belize; the
Honourable Prime Minister of Belize, Mr
Dean Barrow; the Honourable Minister
of Education, Mr Patrick Faber, and the
Honourable Leader of the Opposition,
Mr Francis Fonseca. We received words
of encouragement during the courtesy
calls. Recurrent themes of the speeches
of these government officials included
the notion of giving back to society and
being grateful to all those instrumental
in our academic success. They all valued
Caribbean integration highly and were
each very amiable. This is what stood out
for me at these meetings which I felt so
honoured to attend.
In addition to the courtesy calls,
I engaged in a number of pleasant,
informal activities. One such activity
involved visiting the Belmopan
Comprehensive School during school
assembly. The awardees were integrated
into a programme held at the school
called “Celebrating Intellectual Minds –
Tapping into Students’ Artistic Abilities.”
The programme presented a fantastic
exhibition of what I believe to be a small
bit of the great talent possessed by the
students and teachers of the school. I
was also granted the opportunity to see
in action some of the wonderful talent
of a few of my counterparts. Without a
doubt, I won’t forget the warm, positive
energy that I felt emanating from the
students through their bright smiles
and Belizean dynamism. Following that
programme, we went on an informative
campus tour of the beautiful University
of Belize located in Belmopan, ending
our long day by partaking in a relaxing
bus-tour of the City of Belmopan.
Finally, the day of the awards
ceremony came. Prior to the ceremony,
we visited the breath-taking Xunantunich
Maya Archaeological site during the day.
Words cannot describe my experience
in climbing the tallest monument there.
At the top you could see a boundless
body of green treetops that appear
to constitute a grand field. I also took
advantage of the acoustics of the
historical plaza to clearly communicate
with a tour guide at ground level in the
centre of the plaza! The vibration I felt
at that site was absolutely phenomenal
and it had set a good tone for the
night’s awards ceremony. I truly enjoyed
the ceremony because the audience
comprised people of so many different
nationalities and ethnicities coming
together under one roof to celebrate
Caribbean academic excellence.
I am sincerely grateful for all
that both the CXC and my parents
provided me to make this trip, the many
opportunities to meet great people and
to witness new cultures first-hand.
University of
Belize, one of the places
the top awardees visited in Belmopan

The Caribbean Examiner - New CXC Headquarters - Not Just A Building

The Caribbean Examiner - New CXC Headquarters - Not Just A Building

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