Carib Scope

分类： education

  • 75.1% of teachers obtain insufficient or regular results in professional tests

    75.1% of teachers obtain insufficient or regular results in professional tests

    After lying dormant for nearly 10 years, the first national teacher performance evaluation in the Dominican Republic has delivered stark results that are pushing education leaders to prioritize comprehensive professional development for the country’s teaching workforce. Data presented by the Dominican Ministry of Education to the National Council of Education shows that more than three-quarters of participating teachers received either failing or just basic ratings on the new Professional Performance Exercise, a competency-based assessment designed to measure how well educators can apply their knowledge and skills to solve everyday challenges in the classroom.

    Officials called 122,919 teachers across the country to take part in the evaluation, which was conducted in six sequential stages between October 30, 2025 and June 30, 2026. To execute the process, the ministry trained and deployed 2,418 technical support staff across all 122 national educational districts and central headquarters, ultimately achieving a 91.75% completion rate, with 112,778 teachers finishing all required stages and 109,338 receiving valid final scores.

    Breaking down the overall results, 58.4% of participating educators earned an insufficient grade, while an additional 16.7% only reached the basic regular level, bringing the share of teachers scoring below the good competency benchmark to 75.1%. Just 14.6% of participants achieved a good rating, with only 10.2% landing in the competent to outstanding range. When combining all evaluation components, the national average score across all participants came out to 85.4 points, with 22% scoring insufficient or regular, 42.3% earning good or very good marks, and 35.7% reaching competent or outstanding levels.

    The data also revealed clear performance gaps tied to both the educational level teachers work in and their years of professional experience. Among the evaluated classroom teachers, 34,663 primary school educators posted an average score of 84.2 across the three assessment sections, while 18,180 secondary school teachers recorded a slightly lower average of 83.9 points. The gap by years of service was far more pronounced: for early-career teachers with just 1 to 5 years of experience, only 13.7% scored insufficient or regular, and nearly half — 47.1% — hit the competent or outstanding threshold. By contrast, for veteran educators with 26 to 30 years of service, more than a third (34.6%) landed in the insufficient or regular categories, and just 28.5% achieved competent or outstanding ratings.

    In response to the evaluation findings, the Ministry of Education has announced a sweeping, targeted continuous training plan to address the identified competency gaps. Minister of Education Luis Miguel De Camps formally designated the national teacher performance evaluation as a top policy priority via Departmental Order 50-2025, issued on May 16, 2025. The Vice Ministry of Accreditation and Teacher Certification oversaw implementation of the assessment, which aligned with the country’s official Professional and Performance Standards for the Certification and Development of the Teaching Career.

    The new training initiative will be systematic and sustainable, with a laser focus on the specific competencies the evaluation found are most in need of strengthening. Each educator will receive differentiated training strategies tailored to their individual professional profile and teaching context, paired with ongoing pedagogical support and formal monitoring mechanisms to track improvements in teacher performance over time. Ministry officials emphasized that the evaluation data will serve as a foundational tool for the education sector: it will be used to identify specific professional development needs, guide policy decisions around teacher certification, prioritize institutional goals, allocate public resources more effectively, and measure the long-term impact of future training interventions.

  • Grenadian earns Master’s Degree from World Maritime University

    Grenadian earns Master’s Degree from World Maritime University

    A decades-long veteran of Grenada’s maritime sector has reached a major academic milestone that is set to accelerate the Caribbean nation’s push for a sustainable, competitive blue economy. Ian Noel, a maritime professional with over 30 years of frontline and regulatory experience across the industry, has successfully completed a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, with a specialized focus on Maritime Energy Management, at the World Maritime University (WMU) based in Malmö, Sweden, for the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Noel’s professional background spans nearly every critical domain of maritime operations. He has held key roles ranging from deep-sea seafaring and ship pilotage to port management, maritime safety oversight, vessel inspections, and marine accident probes. Currently, he serves as Class I Marine Pilot and Cruise Terminal Operations Supervisor at the Grenada Ports Authority, while also holding multiple regulatory and intergovernmental appointments for the Grenadian government: Flag State Surveyor, Port State Control Inspector, and Marine Accident Investigator. Beyond national roles, he acts as Grenada’s official Focal Point to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Ocean Governance Team, Deputy Chair of Grenada’s National Coastal and Ocean Governance Committee, and a national delegate to meetings of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and its Intersessional Working Groups (ISWG).

    The specialized master’s curriculum Noel completed was tailored directly to the most pressing shifts in the global maritime industry. Coursework covered core topics including international maritime law, IMO institutional governance, maritime economics, energy-efficient vessel operations, energy management for ports and onshore maritime facilities, low-carbon alternative marine fuels, maritime renewable energy technologies, and frameworks for equitable sustainable maritime development.

    This new qualification comes at a pivotal moment for both global shipping and Grenada’s national development goals. As the international shipping sector undergoes a rapid transition to align with strict new global environmental regulations, adopt new low-carbon technologies, and cut operational emissions to meet global climate targets, specialized expertise in maritime energy management has never been more valuable for national maritime administrations and port operators. For Grenada, which has prioritized growing its blue economy as a core national development strategy, Noel’s advanced training directly fills a critical capacity gap.

    In comments following the completion of his degree, Noel emphasized how the program deepened his insight into the fastest-evolving areas of global shipping. “This programme has enhanced my understanding of key developments in international shipping, particularly energy management, environmental regulation and emerging technologies,” he said. “The knowledge gained will support efforts to improve port efficiency, strengthen maritime governance and advance Grenada’s blue economy through informed, standards-based decision-making.”

    Noel also publicly thanked the two senior officials who helped make the academic opportunity possible: Javan Williams, former Permanent Secretary of Grenada’s Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, and Jerry Jermain Enoe, Grenada’s Ambassador and Special Envoy for Oceans. “I am particularly grateful to Permanent Secretary Javan Williams and Ambassador Jerry Enoe for their support and assistance in making this opportunity possible. Their commitment to strengthening technical capacity within Grenada’s maritime sector is greatly appreciated, and I intend to ensure that the knowledge gained contributes meaningfully to the continued development of our maritime industry,” Noel added.

    Grenada’s strategy to build a competitive, sustainable blue economy relies on four foundational pillars: efficient port infrastructure, reliable maritime transport connectivity, modern shipping services, and robust institutional capacity to regulate and manage an increasingly complex sector. Noel’s specialized postgraduate training directly strengthens national capacity to advance core priorities including port modernization, widespread adoption of maritime energy efficiency measures, deployment of cleaner shipping technologies, and planning for climate-resilient maritime infrastructure.

    This latest degree adds to Noel’s already impressive academic and professional credentials. He previously holds a master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, alongside professional certifications in port management, naval architecture, and marine surveying. The combination of his decades of hands-on operational experience, long-standing engagement with international maritime regulatory processes, and advanced specialized academic training positions him to make significant contributions to advancing maritime safety, port development, global environmental compliance, and sustainable blue economy growth across Grenada.

  • UWI Five Islands Guild President donates fans to All Saints Secondary School

    UWI Five Islands Guild President donates fans to All Saints Secondary School

    In a meaningful step toward boosting educational welfare and strengthening cross-institutional community ties, the president of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus Guild of Students has gifted two standing fans to All Saints Secondary School in Antigua and Barbuda. The contribution is part of a wider initiative by the student-led organization to enhance classroom learning conditions and uplift student well-being across local educational institutions.

    The two new fans have been installed specifically in the school’s LSP 2A1 classroom, where they are projected to create a far more comfortable learning atmosphere for both students and instructors. Unlike sweltering, unventilated spaces that can distract from focused learning, the addition of these fans addresses a tangible comfort need that directly impacts daily classroom experiences.

    In an official statement released on Thursday, the Guild articulated that this donation underscores its long-standing dedication to community engagement and educational advancement that extends far beyond the boundaries of the UWI Five Islands Campus. “A comfortable classroom environment can support students’ concentration and participation in learning activities,” the Guild explained in its statement.

    The student organization went on to emphasize how critical it is to provide young learners with the basic resources that lay the groundwork for academic achievement. It also highlighted the profound impact of early support and targeted intervention in helping young people unlock and reach their full potential. For the Guild, investing in secondary education is an investment in the future of the entire community, as empowered, well-supported students go on to contribute meaningfully to local development.

    The Guild reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to launching and supporting initiatives that center young people’s well-being, foster their educational growth, and set the foundation for long-term future success. This recent donation is not an isolated act of generosity; rather, it forms a core part of the organization’s broader strategic efforts to uplift local communities and build lasting, collaborative connections between the UWI Five Islands Campus and other educational institutions across Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Republic Bank supports digital learning

    Republic Bank supports digital learning

    In an effort to bridge digital gaps and empower student learning, Republic Bank has solidified its dedication to advancing education across Grenada through a meaningful donation of 13 pre-owned but fully functional Dell desktop computers to Grenada Christian Academy, a primary and secondary learning institution located in Pearls, St Andrew.

    The donated tech package, which will be integrated into the school’s library resource system, includes 13 Dell OptiPlex 7080 desktops paired with 19-inch monitors, all pre-installed with the Windows 10 operating system, alongside matching keyboards and mice. For the school’s total student population of 130, this contribution marks a significant expansion of limited existing technology resources, opening up new avenues for regular digital access that many students previously lacked.

    This donation is not an isolated act of charity, but part of Republic Bank’s long-standing, community-focused “Power to Make a Difference” programme, which targets investment in youth development and educational equity across the Caribbean nation. Beyond supporting learning, the initiative also embodies a circular economy approach: by extending the functional lifecycle of the bank’s used office equipment, the institution reduces electronic waste while putting usable technology to work for public good, delivering dual benefits to the community and the environment.

    Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Mc Kie Griffith, Retail Services Manager for Republic Bank’s Grenville Cluster, emphasized the transformative role of digital access in modern education. “We are incredibly pleased to be able to support Grenada Christian Academy with this batch of computing equipment,” Griffith noted. “Today, access to reliable technology is a non-negotiable component of effective learning. We hope these tools will give students more opportunities to build critical digital literacy, conduct independent research, and elevate their overall learning journey.”

    Eversley George, Principal of Grenada Christian Academy, expressed sincere gratitude for the contribution, noting that the new equipment would fill a long-standing resource gap in the school’s library, where student demand for computer access has consistently outstripped available devices.

    Republic Bank has long prioritized partnerships with local educational institutions and community groups across Grenada, centering its corporate social responsibility efforts on creating accessible opportunities for young people to learn, develop skills, and achieve their long-term goals. This latest donation reaffirms the bank’s commitment to driving positive, tangible change in the communities it serves.

  • ABCAS Celebrates First Short Course Graduates

    ABCAS Celebrates First Short Course Graduates

    On Wednesday, October 14, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) marked a historic milestone in the country’s education landscape, holding its inaugural graduation ceremony for its first cohort of short course graduates at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre. The event honored 100+ learners who successfully completed training across 11 targeted professional and technical programs, drawing attendees from across the nation’s education sector, public government, graduating learners, and their families.

    What stands out most about this first graduating class is the remarkable diversity of its participants. Learners ranged from sitting board members of major organizations and established mid-career professionals to small-scale farmers, janitorial staff, and security personnel, representing nearly every corner of Antigua and Barbuda’s working population. This broad cross-section of graduates underscores a core mission of ABCAS: to make flexible, skills-focused upskilling accessible to people at every stage of their professional journey, no matter their current occupation or background.

    ABCAS draws on specialized training infrastructure across five geographically distributed campuses to deliver its short course offerings, each focused on a distinct high-demand industry for the Antigua and Barbuda economy. The Eustace Hill Campus specializes in business, innovation, and information technology; the Glanvilles Campus hosts the School of Agriculture; the Harrison Centre focuses on technical and vocational education; the Muriel O’Mard Campus trains learners for tourism and hospitality roles; and the Dr. Alister Francis Campus covers education, arts, science, and industry training.

    The 11 programs that produced this first cohort reflect the college’s focus on tangible, in-demand skills for local workers: Broiler Production, Basic Household Plumbing Repairs, Crop Production, Electrical Fundamentals, Hospitality Service Excellence – Front Desk, HVACR for Technicians, Governance and Insurance for Board Directors, Professional Bartending and Mixology, Professional Desserts and Presentation, Professional Eyelash Application, and Professional Food and Beverage Service.

    In her opening welcome address, ABCAS President Dr. E. Jonah Greene laid out her long-term vision for the young institution, framing it as the go-to hub for individual workers and local businesses seeking to boost skills and knowledge. “I am ABCAS. We are ABCAS,” she stated, emphasizing the collective mission of the college’s community to uplift the nation’s workforce.

    ABCAS Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Vernon Solomon used his congratulatory remarks to highlight the agency of the graduates and the critical value of lifelong learning in a fast-changing economy. “Today, one word comes to mind: choices. You made the choice to develop a new skill when it would have been easy to remain comfortable. Lifelong learning is an important part of life, particularly as technology continues to evolve. We all have an obligation to continue growing,” he said. He also reaffirmed the board’s ongoing commitment to providing all learners who enroll at ABCAS with the support and resources they need to complete their training and achieve their goals.

    Honorable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, centered his remarks on the foundational role that accessible skills training plays in driving Antigua and Barbuda’s overall national development, aligning the college’s work with the country’s broader growth priorities.

    During the ceremony, certificates were presented to graduates by a panel including Minister Matthew, Dr. Solomon, and ABCAS Vice-President Dr. Na-Ajele Williams-Buffonge, who oversees academic affairs and the college’s short course portfolio. A highlight of the formal proceedings was the recognition of Most Outstanding Students from each of the 11 programs, honoring learners who achieved exceptional academic and practical performance throughout their training.

    Delivering the official graduate response on behalf of her cohort, Joe Anna Stevens, a graduate of the School of Agriculture, reflected on the personal journeys that brought each learner to the graduation stage. “Today represents hope, achievement and success. Behind these gowns are journeys filled with long days, demanding responsibilities and, for some of us, the fear of trying something new. ABCAS gave us an opportunity to take that step. To my fellow graduates, take what you have learnt and put it to good use. Continue to learn, apply what you know, advance and, most importantly, give yourself a chance,” she said. Stevens closed her remarks by extending special gratitude to the School of Agriculture faculty and course facilitators for their consistent guidance and support throughout the program.

  • Achievement Learning Centre advances digital inclusion through sustainable technologies partnership

    Achievement Learning Centre advances digital inclusion through sustainable technologies partnership

    A major milestone for educational equity in Dominica has been reached, as the Achievement Learning Centre (ALC) has formally taken delivery of its first batch of educational technology equipment through the national Sustainable Technologies Partnership Program. This delivery signals the end of the initiative’s multi-year preparation stage and the official start of on-the-ground implementation.

  • 117 Belizean Women Turn Ideas Into Business Opportunities

    117 Belizean Women Turn Ideas Into Business Opportunities

    On October 14, 2026, a milestone graduation ceremony took place in Belize, where 117 women entrepreneurs crossed the finish line of the Catalyze Her Potential Accelerator Program, walking away with new skills, formal certificates, and a clear roadmap to grow their businesses. This event marks not an endpoint, but the official launch of the next phase for these women, many of whom entered the program with nothing more than a raw business idea, while others joined to scale existing ventures that had plateaued without structured support.

    Organized by the International Network of Women in Business, the Catalyze Her Potential initiative is a multi-phase project designed to address systemic barriers that women face in entrepreneurship across Belize. To date, the program has supported 250 women total: 124 graduated from the project’s business incubator track in August 2026, with Wednesday’s ceremony celebrating the second cohort of accelerator graduates. According to Katia Montenegro-Hoare, president of the hosting network, the program fills a critical gap by moving beyond basic business operation training to equip participants with the tools to compete in crowded markets, scale their operations, and eventually create job opportunities for other Belizeans.

    Following the celebration, the program will move into its next phase of targeted support. Roughly 100 participating graduates will advance to a one-on-one mentorship track, before gaining access to the initiative’s fourth and final component: seed capital to fund business growth. Dr. Yasmin Andrews, a consultant leading the project, outlined that the mentorship phase will begin with a detailed mapping analysis of each graduate’s specific goods and services, allowing organizers to match participants with industry experts whose experience aligns with their business goals. During this phase, mentors will also guide participants through two critical foundational steps: formal business registration and development of a viable, investor-ready business plan—two key priorities identified by financial industry experts who partnered with the program.

    For many graduates, the program has already delivered transformative change that extends far beyond classroom lessons. Carmelita Sanchez, founder of Caye Caulker-based tour company Knotty Tours, entered the program as a new entrepreneur navigating a fiercely competitive, male-dominated tourism sector. “Being an entrepreneur right now, I had no idea of how to run a business, what it is like to be a business person,” Sanchez explained. “And I’m so grateful for this course because this course has really helped me get to where I want my business to be.”

    Benita-Keme Palacio, owner of beauty brand Curves Royale, completed the three-month accelerator while balancing full-time employment, and used the training to build skills she is already applying to rebrand and relaunch her business. “It ranged from reforming your financials to also learning about how to promote your business, how to rescale your business or rebrand your business as well,” Palacio said. “And that is exactly what I’m trying to do with my own business right now. Trying to reform it and this has definitely helped me know how or what are the steps to do that. As well as having guidance, as a graduate I will receive guidance and mentorship after this to continue reforming my business.”

    One of the most valuable, and least quantifiable, outcomes of the program is the peer support network that has grown among participants. Palacio noted that the cohort has already built an active online community where members share experiences, promote each other’s services, and offer support through the common challenges of entrepreneurship. “We are one fifty women in all and although we weren’t able to meet everybody today, we have a chat where we share each other stories and learn about each other and recommend each other, and that’s a beautiful thing to have,” she said.

    Program organizers emphasize that the true impact of Catalyze Her Potential will not be measured by graduation numbers, but by how these women turn their training into sustainable, growing enterprises. The long-term vision extends beyond individual business success: organizers hope that the growth of these women-led ventures will create new jobs across Belize, strengthen local communities, and pave the way for more women to pursue entrepreneurship in the future. For these 117 graduates, the certificate they received Wednesday is just recognition of the work they have put in so far—now, the real work of building their businesses begins.

  • ABICE Carpentry Students Build New UWI Five Islands Campus Sign

    ABICE Carpentry Students Build New UWI Five Islands Campus Sign

    A cross-institutional collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda’s leading continuing education body and the regional University of the West Indies has produced a tangible showcase of local skilled craftsmanship, just in time for a major campus milestone. Students enrolled in the carpentry training program at the Harrison Centre, a branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE), took on the custom project to build a large new entrance sign for UWI’s Five Islands Campus. The finished marker was successfully installed ahead of the institution’s 2026 graduation ceremony, which convened on October 10.

    The initiative was formally commissioned by UWI Five Islands Campus leadership, and all on-site work was carried out under the careful supervision of Glenn Richards, the experienced carpentry instructor leading ABICE’s program. Measuring large enough to catch the eye of all visitors to the campus, the bold blue sign now anchors the grounds as a core part of the graduation event’s infrastructure, standing as a public demonstration of what local training and inter-institutional cooperation can achieve.

    In an official statement marking the project’s completion, UWI Five Islands emphasized that the collaboration brought together formal institutional partnership and emerging local talent from start to finish. Campus representatives extended formal congratulations to both instructor Richards and the participating students, praising the finished sign for its solid functionality and high-quality construction. Officials also publicly thanked the Harrison Centre for highlighting the skill and capability of Antiguan and Barbudan craftspeople, countering any narrative that skilled trades work must be sourced from outside the local community.

    Beyond the immediate utility of the new sign, the project shines a spotlight on the hands-on, practical skill development that ABICE’s carpentry program prioritizes for its enrollees. It also underscores the often underrecognized role that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays in driving sustained national development, by equipping young people with trade skills that can be immediately deployed for community and institutional projects across Antigua and Barbuda. For the Five Islands Campus, the sign will remain a permanent installation long after the 2026 graduation wraps up, serving as an enduring reminder of the successful partnership between the two education providers and the meaningful contribution emerging tradespeople have made to the campus community.

  • PetroChina financiert renovatie en modernisering Aula 7 van AdeKUS

    PetroChina financiert renovatie en modernisering Aula 7 van AdeKUS

    On a recent Tuesday, Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) celebrated the official opening and handover of its fully renovated and upgraded Aula 7, a core lecture facility completely funded by PetroChina Investment Suriname B.V. (PCIS), a local subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The opening ceremony was jointly led by Surinamese Vice President Gregory Rusland and PCIS General Director Li Guoyong, with Virginia Asin-Oostburg, chair of the AdeKUS University Board, also taking part in the commemorative activities.

    The renovation project grew out of collaborative discussions between PetroChina and AdeKUS addressing pressing needs to upgrade the university’s aging teaching infrastructure. A formal cooperation agreement laying the groundwork for the renovation and outfitting of Aula 7 was signed by both parties in March 2026. The upgraded 80-seat venue is now equipped to host lectures, seminars, academic presentations and a wide range of other university events for students, faculty and researchers across all of AdeKUS’s faculties, including postgraduate trainees.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Director Li emphasized that educational investment is a core part of PetroChina’s commitment to supporting Suriname’s long-term development. “Investing in education means investing in Suriname’s future,” Li noted, adding that the modernized lecture hall is designed to foster better knowledge sharing, cutting-edge research and the development of innovative ideas among the university community. Li expressed his hope that the new facility would benefit both current students and staff, and serve as a lasting resource for future generations of Surinamese learners.

    The comprehensive renovation touched every core system and feature of the lecture hall, including structural updates to walls, flooring, ceilings, windows, as well as full upgrades to lighting, electrical infrastructure and air conditioning. The space was also outfitted with brand-new modern seating, integrated writing surfaces, universal device charging points, and state-of-the-art audio-visual and multimedia equipment to support contemporary teaching methods.

    In a boost to the local economy, all on-the-ground execution of the project relied heavily on Surinamese businesses and local expertise. Clipper Vastgoed N.V. led all construction and renovation work, while All Interior Solutions N.V. handled the supply and installation of custom furniture and interior fittings. The entire project was overseen by a dedicated project management and supervision team appointed by AdeKUS, with technical guidance from PetroChina’s own project team and multimedia installation support from the UCIT team led by Rishi Bhattacharji.

    During the official opening ceremony, Li Guoyong and Asin-Oostburg jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the project, before Rusland and Li cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the space. Attendees included Haidy Lindveld, representative of Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Jia Jinyi, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Suriname, members of the AdeKUS University Board, and representatives from PetroChina, Staatsolie Suriname and the Confucius Institute.

    As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives in Suriname, PetroChina prioritizes investment in three key areas: education, public health, and environmental stewardship. The company currently holds exploration, development and production rights for offshore blocks 14 and 15 in Suriname, after signing production sharing contracts for the blocks with Staatsolie in September 2024. Staatsolie participates in both projects through its local subsidiary Paradise Oil Company N.V. For PetroChina, the Aula 7 renovation project marks a tangible contribution to strengthening Suriname’s higher education infrastructure and advancing the long-term development of the country’s tertiary education sector.

  • CSEC awards a first for SAASS and extend SJC legacy

    CSEC awards a first for SAASS and extend SJC legacy

    Grenada’s top secondary school graduates celebrated academic excellence at an awards ceremony hosted by the University of the West Indies Global Campus Grenada on October 9, where two standout students claimed the country’s most prestigious CSEC honors, marking new milestones for their institutions.

    Cydney Steele, an alumna of St Joseph’s Convent St George’s (SJC), took home the 2025 T A Marryshow Memorial Award, while Myah Joseph of St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) became the first student from her school to win the A A La Grenade Shield, since the award’s launch 30 years ago.

    Established to honor two influential Grenadian leaders who shaped the nation’s public life and education sector, the two awards recognize distinct areas of academic achievement. The T A Marryshow Memorial Award pays tribute to the legendary Grenadian journalist, political activist and pioneering West Indian federalist. It judges candidates on their performance in four core subjects — English A, Mathematics, Information Technology and Caribbean History — alongside their top four additional subject scores, with a requirement that the group includes either a foreign language or a science discipline.

    In contrast, the A A La Grenade Shield honors the legacy of a former Chief Education Officer and prominent educator, who was also the father of current Grenadian Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade. This award recognizes exceptional performance in technical and vocational education, paired with strong results in English, Mathematics and a science subject.

    This year’s selection process was exceptionally competitive, with 22 nominated students hailing from 8 local secondary schools, 18 of whom were young women. The UWI Territorial Advisory Committee evaluated results from the May/June 2025 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations to select the winners. Jahzara Johnson, a student from J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School, earned a rare distinction as the only nominee in 2025 shortlisted for both awards, a feat that only two students have managed to turn into dual wins in the history of the honors: Cerisse Nedd of Anglican High School in 2008 and Canaa Gittens of SJC in 2021.

    For Steele, her win extends SJC’s unrivaled legacy at the Marryshow Memorial Award, which has been awarded annually since 1977. To date, SJC has claimed the top honor 26 times, including an unmatched six-year consecutive winning streak from 1996 to 2001, and shared the prize twice, in 2012 and 2013, with other local institutions. Steele delivered an outstanding performance across 13 CSEC subjects, earning 11 Grade One passes and 2 Grade Two passes.

    Speaking at the ceremony, which coincided with Jill Viechweg–Philbert’s 10th anniversary as SJC principal, Viechweg–Philbert attributed the school’s decades of success to the core values instilled by the institution’s founding order, the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny. “To work is to pray, so we work hard, and so do we honour God,” she explained, echoing the order’s guiding principle. Steele reflected on the intense pressure of exam preparation, noting that consistent prayer helped her navigate the challenging period. She offered advice to future CSEC candidates, encouraging them to work through past examination papers and trust the knowledge they built over years of schooling. Steele is now considering pursuing further study in biophysics or biomedical engineering, with the University of the West Indies’ Trinidad campus among her top options.

    Joseph’s win is a historic breakthrough for SAASS, marking the first time the school has claimed the A A La Grenade Shield since the award was introduced in 1995. SAASS’s only previous win across either of the two top awards dates back to 1984, when former student Janice Malcolm took home the Marryshow Memorial Award. Like Steele, Joseph sat for 13 CSEC subjects, earning an impressive 8 Grade One passes and 5 Grade Two passes.

    Joseph, who has already advanced to the next stage of her post-secondary education, credited her success to the support of God, her family and her former SAASS teachers, who supported her growth both as a student and as an individual. She shared that she never expected to earn a nomination, and hopes her achievement sends a message to young learners across the country: that students do not need to be perfect to achieve academic success.

    Both winners received substantial recognition for their achievements, along with institutional honors for their schools. The Grenada Co-operative Bank awarded EC$1,000 to each student, while Ariza Credit Union sponsored a laptop for Steele, and Nexa Credit Union provided a laptop for Joseph. Each student also took home a personal trophy and certificate from UWI Global Campus Grenada, while SJC claimed the permanent Marryshow winning cup for this year’s award, and SAASS took possession of the La Grenade winning shield.

    Beyond celebrating individual student success, the annual awards serve a dual purpose: they uplift high academic standards across Grenada’s secondary education sector, while preserving the lasting legacies of two prominent Grenadians who dedicated their careers to advancing the nation through journalism, public service and education.