Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn congratulated the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) for the role the organisation plays in educating persons throughout the Caribbean region.

Honourable Walwyn made his congratulatory statement at the BVI-CXC Launch of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Financial Services Syllabus on November 3 at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.

He said, “I take this time to congratulate the leadership of [CXC], those past and present for their commitment, dedication and foresight to continually present opportunities to confirm the education of our citizens, and also to embrace and lead dynamic changes in education for the citizens of the Caribbean.”

The education minister also said, “I am comforted by knowing that through the halls of the parliaments in the Caribbean, we have [Caribbean-educated] leaders…In businesses on our islands, United Kingdom, America and Canada, we have Caribbean-educated individuals developing businesses and providing services and job opportunities to the world.”

CXC Registrar, Mr. Glenroy Cumberbatch said that CXC was established to ‘Caribbeanize’ the education in the region and it is necessary to tie education to economic opportunities available. Mr. Cumberbatch said that BVI identified that connection, which led to the development of the CAPE Financial Services syllabus.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Connie George told the gathering that the launch signified a ‘proud moment’ for BVI, especially after including financial services in both the primary and secondary curriculum. She added, “It is certainly a good opportunity to showcase even beyond the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level, the capabilities of our students.”

Acting Premier, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering; Interim Executive Director of BVI Finance, Mrs. Lorna Smith, OBE; and CXC Assistant Registrar, Dr. Annette Piper also delivered remarks at the launch.

Persons can watch the event via YouTube link - https://youtu.be/3AO1Adx9kfQ. Follow the Government of the Virgin Islands on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for event photos, and updates on Government activities and programmes.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to ‘Creating a Culture of Excellence’.

NOTES TO EDITOR(S): Photographs are attached.

1. Honourable Myron V. Walwyn speaks at the BVI-CXC Launch of the CAPE Financial Services Syllabus on November 3. (Photo credit: GIS/ Ronnielle Frazer)
2. Students attending BVI-CXC Launch of the CAPE Financial Services Syllabus on November 3. (Photo credit: GIS/ Ronnielle Frazer)
3. Official speakers at the BVI-CXC Launch of the CAPE Financial Services Syllabus on November 3. (L-R) Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Connie George; CXC Registrar, Glenroy Cumberbatch; Assistant Registrar, Dr. Annette Piper; Acting Premier, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering; Interim Executive Director, Mrs. Lorna Smith, OBE; and Assistant Registrar, Mr. Cleveland Sam. (Photo credit: GIS/ Ronnielle Frazer)