Education ministry not backing down from plans to hold exams

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is not backing down from its request to have teachers return to schools while the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) insists that returning to schools at this time can pose a threat to students and teachers alike.

It has been three days since teachers were asked by the MoE to return to their respective schools and assist with preparations for the return of students slated for next week. This request was met by many with uncertainty and the GTU after a council meeting on June 5 decided not to support the Ministry of Education’s plan to conduct classes and examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to what it referred to as Guyana’s “fluid” situation. This, in spite of assurances from the MoE that every precaution will be taken, as listed in the June 3 Official Gazette.

The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) will be held on July 1 and 2 while the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) will commence in July.

There have been no changes in the Ministry’s decision according to its Public Relations Officer, Brushell Blackman.

When contacted by Stabroek News on Tuesday, Blackman said that there are no changes in regards to the

Ministry’s request and decisions concerning COVID-19. He said that teachers and auxiliary staff have been working together since Tuesday to ensure the schools are safe to return to. He also said that while the Ministry is aware of the Union’s stand, it is not worried that teachers will not return because there has been a turnout by teachers which proves that the teachers will be assisting, and also because the Ministry has made its orders clear. He explained that it for the head-teachers of the schools to speak with their staff to ascertain their circumstances. Blackman said that the Ministry is aware that some teachers have valid reasons for not being able to return to help the students with their revisions but that should teachers decide not to show up, he stated, “Once we go to that hurdle, we will deal with it.”

A press statement was released by the Ministry informing that schools across the country have begun preparation for the return of NGSA, CSEC and CAPE students on Monday, June 15.

Stabroek News also visited some of the schools and was able to speak with some security guards who assured that the schools were being cleaned and teachers as well as cleaners were setting up the exam rooms.

One security guard from Graham’s Hall Primary School disclosed, “The whole school is getting cleaned. The school, they finish wash [it] inside out. When the school did close off, they come and wash the building inside out. Now the cleaning fresh.” She also said that from her observation, every class will be used for the exam so students can be comfortably spread out and so maintain social distancing.

“All the rooms they using. Like five children in one room. That’s how they start setting,” she explained.