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42. The SEC heard from Dr Ali that he fully endorses the concept of engaging the diaspora,
he however enquired whether any market analysis was done with respect to diaspora
communities. He informed the SEC that there was a movement in the Middle East by
Caribbean citizens who wanted to see their education represented among the Caribbean
diaspora. He added that there were efforts being taken by member states through CARICOM
to look at the possibility of establishing a mission in Dubai to be represented the Middle East.
Dr Ali asked that the CXC think beyond the traditional diaspora communities and consider
migration of Caribbean people from regions where they traditionally relocate. He endorsed
a bilateral approach between the CXC and other missions abroad as it relates to diaspora
needs and stated that he believes a multilateral approach would be more productive and
should be looked at from a holistic perspective.

43. The SEC heard that the CXC has considered the diaspora in other regions and that part
of the organization’s strategy is to push teaching and assessment electronically so that
geographical location does not become an issue. The SEC also heard that the organization
had received approval on the proctoring of examinations outside of the region. The Registrar
informed the SEC that the CXC works with the diaspora groups within the Caribbean to
determine potential needs and try to formulate plans to meet those needs. He added that
the organization was currently ensuring that the descriptors given for each level on the CXC-
QS are present in the syllabus rationale so that whenever a student graduates with the CSEC
certification he or she actually meets the needs that are in the qualifications structure. The
SEC further heard that the integration of the Caribbean experience was assured through the
collection of items across the Caribbean as well as syllabuses developed from examples
drawn from across the region. The Registrar informed members that solutions were already
in place for the concerns expressed by Dr Ali. However, he questioned whether they were
being practiced enough in the institutions to be reflected in the students and assessment.

44. Professor Harris, Past Chair, stated that over the years, the CXC has been very forward
looking in terms of addressing some of the areas of concern highlighted. He cited examples
of the way examinations are set and the various certification levels introduced and added
that he does not think the problem lies with the CXC. While acknowledging that the CXC
could always do more, he stated that the degree to which the teaching system is prepared to
implement what the organization was trying to accomplish needs to be examined. Professor
Harris enquired whether the direction in which the CXC was going with e-testing would
undermine its ability to garner the out-of-school population since they may have a challenge
in participating. The Registrar reminded the SEC that the education plan for most, if not all
participating territories, signal a move toward electronic platforms. In addition, the out-of-
school population has access to devices which can be utilized for e-testing. He also pointed
out that since they would need to register at a centre equipped to offer examinations those
without personal devices would be able to use centre equipment. Members were informed
that concerns regarding e-testing would be addressed via a hotline to be established in 2017.

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