Garcia relieves parents ’ anxiety

THE EDITOR: As a parent, I am relieved to have learnt of Education Minister Anthony Garcia’s announcement that our Forms Five and Six students will be writing the CSEC and CAPE exams from July 13.

I commend Garcia for easing the anxiety felt by many parents who were concerned about whether or not their children would even be able to sit the exams this year, given the covid19 pandemic that resulted in the lockdown of the country.

In my view, the minister displayed compassion towards both parents and students who have been experiencing anxiety due to the pandemic, which has forced the premature closure of schools for more than two months.

Students now have a definite timeline to work with to further prepare themselves for the two exams by doing additional revision of their subjects and to complete their SBAs to ensure their academic success.

I also think the minister must be praised for sticking to his guns, despite pressure from TTUTA, which expressed its displeasure with having the exams in July, which is vacation time for teachers.

The minister also assured teachers that they could assist students writing the exams. However, he said his ministry is not mandating them to do so. This indicates that he is aware of their concerns and is prepared to meet them halfway, which is good leadership under these difficult circumstances.

DARYLL COOPER

San Fernando

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"Garcia relieves parents ’ anxiety"

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