Education Minister Fayval Williams says her ministry is set to meet with representatives from regional examination body, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and education ministers on June 4, amid a notice of the discontinuation of key subjects.

These are mechanical engineering, green engineering, agricultural science (double option), as well as electrical and electronic technology. The examination body cited low registration and economic costs as reasons for the discontinuation.

However, at Wednesday’s (May 29) post-Cabinet press briefing, Williams said the matter has caused much anxiety to teachers, students, and parents as it was announced before stakeholders were engaged.

“CXC was established by member countries of the Caribbean to serve member countries, and so decisions like the continuation of subjects ought to be rightfully discussed with education ministers from these member countries prior to public announcements. Having registered the concerns of our principals and other concerned Jamaicans, in no uncertain terms we will be meeting with CXC along with other regional education ministers, and this meeting is set for Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to address concerns with respect to the discontinuance or suspension policy,” the education minister said.

She said CXC has indicated that it would like to address critical matters relating to the administration and the release of results for the May/June 2024 examinations.

Meanwhile, Williams said other education ministers across the Caribbean have also expressed concerns about the discontinuation decision and have decided to take the matter to the Council for Social and Human Development Committee of CARICOM.

“I want to say to our principals and our students that the Ministry of Education and Youth understands the value of these subjects, especially in light of the recent declaration of Jamaica as a STEM island. During a meeting with principals on May 21, our prime minister unanimously agreed that these subjects should be continued. We will engage further with our principals to hear from them about the support they will need. We will increase awareness of these subject areas under the STEM and TVET agendas and the value of the subjects to our national development and advancing career opportunities,” she said.

Williams pointed out that her ministry is in full support of the continuation of these subject areas.