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of the approach CXC would use going forward to inform its stakeholders of the changes to the
Assessment Policy. She also enquired how CXC would reconcile what was done previously with
the changed syllabuses for the upcoming examinations and the response provided to stakeholders
as it relates to the changes.

51. The Registrar informed the SUBSEC that the process of taking recommendations to
SUBSEC or other committees for approval will not change. He explained that, in developing a
syllabus the assessment component must look a particular way. That is, there will be multiple
choice questions, compulsory questions and a school-based assessment or an alternative to SBA
or practical paper. Therefore, when a syllabus is put before the SUBSEC for approval, members
can ensure that the guidelines of the Assessment Policy has been followed. The Registrar also
informed the SUBSEC that decisions taken at its meetings would be communicated to Ministries
and members of the SUBSEC copied to Local Registrars. Information will then be disseminated
to schools and examination centres.

52. Ms Yasmin White, Montserrat representative agreed with Dr McLean and spoke on behalf
of Local Registrars who were dissatisfied with what they described as dictatorial, the way CXC
shared information on changes and the untimely manner in which it was done. She informed the
SUBSEC that there was a serious breakdown in communication between CXC and Local
Registrars.

53. The SUBSEC heard an apology from the Registrar on the breach in the way information
was communicated to stakeholders as well as a commitment that there would not be a recurrence.
The Chairman asked that the concerns expressed by Dr McLean be included in the list of items for
discussion and resolution.

54. The Chairman ask that CXC isolate its relationship with Local Registrars and expose it to
special treatment in the immediate future. He further asked that the Registrar develop a strategy
specifically targeting conversations with Local Registrars to identify the specific nature of their
challenges and work to resolve them. The strategies to be employed should be forwarded to the
Chairman.

ITEM 11: REPORT OF THE FINAL AWARDS COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD FEBRUARY 2017

th
55. The SUBSEC received the report of the 68 Meeting of the Final Awards Committee held
21 February, 2017. Members’ attention was drawn to specific areas of the report related to Cheat
Watches, Administration of the May-June 2016 examinations, Irregularities and the outcome of
the investigations. Members considered the contents of the document and accepted the report as
presented.

56. Members’ attention was also drawn to Page 4 of the report: paragraphs 18 and 20.
Paragraph 18 recorded strong support of the need to expand concerns over electronic devices such
as Cheat Watches which are banned from examination rooms. It was reported that with technology

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