CXC delayed exams. That was a prayer answered for some. For others, it was a deeply vexing decision. No matter what the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) does, it is highly likely that someone somewhere will have been better off if it had acted differently. That's even more often the case these days as CXC - the regional curriculum and examination agency - tries to accommodate multiple concerned groups in various Caribbean countries, all impacted differently by Covid-19.  

The agency was roundly criticized for not being accommodating enough in how exams were administered in 2020, and about the students subsequent grades. For 2021, it got off to an early start meeting with national policy makers, and getting feedback from schools about what needed to change. Recommendations were taken. Timetables were set. 

But by exam time this year, different groups in different countries were asking for additional changes. Many were dealing with special circumstances. St. Vincent and the Grenadines had been coping with the disastrous eruption of the volcano there since April 9th. In Barbados, COVID lockdowns and ashfall from St. Vincent had complicated things. Other countries had grappled with lockdowns as well, with varying effects. 

In light of the pressure from some, many of whom were calling for a reformatting of the exams to make them easier, CXC announced a two week delay. Many rejoiced. Some thought the delay ought to be longer. Some still preferred the idea of reformatting. And many were vexed, having already endured weeks of exhausting preparation amidst the worst teaching conditions of their careers, or the worst learning conditions of their student lives, and having been eager to put this year's exams behind them. We discuss all this and more in this episode. 

The host is Kieron Murdoch. The guests are:

This programme first aired on NewsCo Observer Radio 91.1 FM on May 30th, 2021. Get the latest news from Antigua and Barbuda at the Antigua Observer online.