Carib Scope

分类： education

  • Professor Mohamed winds down as UG Vice Chancellor

    Professor Mohamed winds down as UG Vice Chancellor

    The University of Guyana (UG) has initiated a comprehensive international search for a new Vice Chancellor as Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin prepares to conclude her groundbreaking six-year tenure. The institution’s first female Vice Chancellor, appointed in June 2020, has publicly endorsed the recruitment process while encouraging qualified candidates to apply for the position.

    UG’s governing Council has established April 17, 2026, as the application deadline, seeking a transformational academic leader capable of positioning the university as a center of research excellence and regional influence. The advertisement emphasizes the need for someone who can navigate Guyana’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, characterized by unprecedented energy production growth, infrastructure modernization, and increasing global engagement.

    The ideal candidate should possess experience within Caribbean regional contexts or developing country environments, though distinguished international academics are also encouraged to apply. The incoming Vice Chancellor will be expected to strengthen governance clarity, enhance accountability, and support strategic reforms aligned with the university’s statutory mandate.

    Professor Mohamed-Martin’s departure follows recent high-level appointments at UG, including Dr. Randy Persaud as Pro-Chancellor and Guyana-born diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders as Chancellor. Her distinguished 19-year career at the institution included serving as Chair of the Transitional Management Committee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

    The university emphasizes its critical role in supporting Guyana’s economic transformation through advanced human capital development, expanded research capacity, and strengthened innovation ecosystems. This leadership transition occurs during one of the most dynamic periods of economic growth and structural transformation in the Caribbean and Latin American region.

  • Caribbean poetry contest winners announced by Macmillan Education

    Caribbean poetry contest winners announced by Macmillan Education

    Macmillan Education Caribbean has unveiled the distinguished winners of its regional ‘Language Tree New Branches’ Poetry Competition, highlighting exceptional literary talent across the Caribbean educational landscape. The prestigious contest attracted 99 remarkable submissions spanning 13 nations, organized into three distinct categories: Primary School Students, Lower Secondary School Students, and Educators.

    The competition showcased impressive participation metrics with 30 young primary poets, 21 lower secondary students, and 48 educators contributing original works exploring diverse themes including natural environments, culinary traditions, cultural festivals, marine life, and meteorological phenomena. Julia Sander, the presiding competition judge, noted the exceptional quality across all categories, particularly praising the inventive linguistic expression, creative originality, and palpable joy evident in the submissions that made the selection process notably challenging.

    In the Primary School category, Celine Rolle from St. Andrews Anglican School in Exuma, Bahamas claimed top honors with her culinary-themed poem ‘Let’s Make Tropical Conch Salad,’ celebrated for its vibrant sensory imagery, masterful poetic techniques, and dynamic rhythmic quality. Bahamian student Bethany Barr secured second position while third place was jointly awarded to Antoinette Kissoon (Trinidad and Tobago) and K’Ronjae Liburd (Nevis).

    The Lower Secondary division crowned Shakeir Tafarie Thomas of Antigua Grammar School for his environmentally conscious poem ‘Nature,’ which artfully contrasted natural beauty with human environmental impact while concluding with optimistic resolution. Second place was awarded to Denae Tehya Laelle Bontiff (Antigua and Barbuda) with third position going to Adryanna Fowler from Jamaica.

    Educators demonstrated equally impressive poetic prowess with Sasha Maynard of Charles E. Mills Secondary School (St. Kitts and Nevis) earning first place for ‘Christmas in Saint Kitts,’ which brilliantly intertwined religious significance with cultural celebration through sophisticated rhythmic and rhyming structures. Jamaican educator Ambrosia Oladele secured second position while Cheyenne K. V. Maynard (St. Kitts and Nevis) received third place recognition.

    All winning entries have been commemorated in a special limited-edition anthology published by Macmillan Education, serving as a testament to the region’s creative educational excellence. The competition organizers extended congratulations to all participants, reaffirming the event’s mission to enhance literacy standards, stimulate creative expression, and foster enduring appreciation for poetic arts throughout the Caribbean community.

  • Three hundred regional educators gather in Jamaica for CXC events

    Three hundred regional educators gather in Jamaica for CXC events

    Jamaica is poised to host a landmark gathering of over 300 Caribbean education stakeholders, including multiple Ministers of Education, from March 16-19 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. The event represents a collaborative initiative between the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) and Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information.

    Originally scheduled for October 2025 on Jamaica’s northern coast, the conference was rescheduled due to Hurricane Melissa. Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, emphasized the event’s critical timing as the region accelerates efforts to equip learners with electronic devices, adapt to generative Artificial Intelligence, and implement electronic assessment systems alongside online teaching methodologies.

    A central focus will be the Ministerial Forum led by Dr. Eduardo Ali, CXC’s Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO, who highlighted ongoing collaborations with regional employers. The forum will feature the signing of a groundbreaking Partnership Engagement Agreement (PEA) with the Caribbean employer coalition, establishing a framework for addressing future workforce needs through CXC’s Skills and Employability Signaling System.

    Jamaican Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has endorsed the event, noting its alignment with Jamaica’s TREND education strategy that positions ICT integration as fundamental to achieving world-class education standards. The minister will deliver a keynote address during the four-day proceedings.

    The conference will feature distinguished speakers including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles (CXC Chair), Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin (University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Luz Longsworth (Sandals Corporate University), and representatives from CARICOM and the Commonwealth of Learning. The event enjoys support from multiple sponsors including Stephen Austin & Sons Ltd., Hachette Learning, and Vretta Inc.

  • Caribbean Education Leaders to Meet in Jamaica for CXC® Conference and Ministerial Forum on Learning in the Digital Age.

    Caribbean Education Leaders to Meet in Jamaica for CXC® Conference and Ministerial Forum on Learning in the Digital Age.

    Jamaica will host a landmark gathering of Caribbean education leaders this March as over 300 stakeholders converge in Kingston to shape the future of digital education. The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) and Jamaica’s Ministry of Education have partnered to present the Regional Education Conference and Ministerial Forum from March 16-19 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

    Originally scheduled for October 2025 on Jamaica’s north coast, the event was rescheduled due to Hurricane Melissa. Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, expressed appreciation for the sustained regional interest in addressing critical digital transformation challenges. “This conference brings together the finest minds in Caribbean education at a pivotal moment,” stated Dr. Manning. “We’re scaling efforts to equip learners with electronic devices, adapt to generative Artificial Intelligence, and embrace electronic assessment and online teaching modalities.”

    The ministerial forum will feature a significant milestone as CXC® signs a landmark Partnership Engagement Agreement with the Consortium of Caribbean employer groups. Dr. Eduardo Ali, Pro-Registrar and Deputy CEO of CXC®, emphasized the importance of employer collaboration: “As global education systems evolve, we must integrate employer stakeholders’ counsel to implement an effective approach for teaching and assessment in our digital environment.”

    Jamaican Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon endorsed the conference, noting its alignment with Jamaica’s TREND education strategy. “The use of ICTs within our education system represents a key pillar for achieving national goals toward world-class education and a technology-enabled society,” the Minister stated.

    The event will feature prominent speakers including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of CXC®; Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana; and representatives from CARICOM and the Commonwealth of Learning. The conference receives sponsorship support from Stephen Austin & Sons Ltd, Hachette Learning, Vretta Inc., and other educational technology partners.

  • UG to stage reading of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s literary works

    UG to stage reading of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s literary works

    The University of Guyana has announced a special literary reading event to commemorate the life and intellectual legacy of the late Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who passed away on February 23, 2026. The event will celebrate the multifaceted contributions of what the university describes as “an outstanding intellectual member of its community” who served as both educator and statesman.

    Dr. Roopnaraine (1943-2026) is being remembered as a true Renaissance figure—a scholar, poet, political activist, and cricketer who seamlessly bridged academic excellence with grassroots engagement. As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and former member of the University Council, he later ascended to the role of Guyana’s Minister of Education, demonstrating his commitment to both intellectual and public service.

    His academic journey began at Queens College, which led him to Cambridge University on a Guyana Scholarship where he studied Comparative Literature. After holding a position at Cornell University, he returned to his homeland in 1977 to join the University of Guyana faculty. Roopnaraine was renowned for his oratorical brilliance, teaching Continental and Romance Literature alongside Kafka, Dickens, Whitman, and the leftist theories of Terry Eagleton.

    The scholar’s activism was equally noteworthy, particularly his alignment with Walter Rodney in the 1970s struggle against totalitarianism—a commitment the university likened to the Jacobin cry for “liberte, egalite, fraternite.” His creative output included poetry collections such as “The Web of October: On Re-Reading Martin Carter” (1989) and “Suite for Supriya” (1993), significantly expanding Guyana’s national creative corpus.

    Roopnaraine’s groundbreaking documentary “The Terror And The Time” (1979), produced with the Victor Jara Collective, explored working-class struggles through the lens of Martin Carter’s poetry. His critical work “Primacy of the Eye: The Art of Stanley Greaves” (2003) demonstrated his sophisticated engagement with visual arts, while “The Sky’s Wild Noise” (2013)—winner of the OCM Bocas Prize for Non-Fiction—showcased his essayistic brilliance.

    The university specifically honors his role in developing a distinct Guyanese aesthetic perspective and advancing critical discourse around national arts and literature, recognizing his profound impact on shaping the country’s intellectual consciousness.

  • UEH/ARES : Research missions abroad, call for projects

    UEH/ARES : Research missions abroad, call for projects

    The Belgian Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) has launched a significant initiative under its 2022-2027 Institutional Support Program to enhance research capabilities at Haiti’s State University (UEH). This program provides funding for UEH researchers to conduct international research missions, primarily targeting laboratory collaborations in Belgium and Cuba, though other international destinations are also considered.

    The research missions enable Haitian academics to spend approximately two weeks developing collaborative research partnerships and preparing proposals for international funding opportunities. This initiative is jointly coordinated through a bilateral partnership between Haitian representative Jean Waddimir GUSTINVIL from UEH’s Research Department and Belgian counterparts Barbara MARCHI and Pierre CORNUT from the University of Mons.

    The program features a structured timeline with two additional funding calls scheduled before 2027. Each call will support two research missions, though the program maintains flexibility in duration and number of missions based on applicant profiles and project requirements.

    Key dates for the current application cycle include a March 30 submission deadline, with selection of awardees scheduled for April 7. Successful applicants will begin organizing their missions from April 15 onward. The program will culminate in a peer training workshop scheduled between January 2026 and June 2027.

    Interested researchers can access complete application details and guidelines through the official program documentation available in French format via the HaitiLibre platform.

  • CXC conference set for Jamaica

    CXC conference set for Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark initiative for Caribbean education, over 300 regional stakeholders will assemble in Jamaica this March for the inaugural CXC Regional Education Conference and Ministerial Forum. The high-level gathering, originally scheduled for October 2025 but postponed due to Hurricane Melissa, will now take place from March 16-19 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston.

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), in partnership with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, is orchestrating this unprecedented convening of education ministers, policymakers, and academic leaders. The conference arrives at a critical juncture as Caribbean nations accelerate efforts to integrate digital technologies into their education systems.

    Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, endorsed the conference and will deliver keynote remarks. She emphasized the alignment between the conference objectives and Jamaica’s TREND education strategy, which prioritizes information and communication technologies as fundamental to achieving world-class education standards and building a technology-enabled society.

    Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, highlighted the urgent need for regional collaboration: “This gathering of the Caribbean’s finest educational minds comes at a pivotal moment when the region is scaling up efforts to provide electronic devices to students, adapt to generative artificial intelligence, and implement electronic assessment and online teaching modalities.”

    The conference will feature distinguished speakers including Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of CXC; Dr. Wayne Wesley, CXC Registrar; Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana; and representatives from CARICOM and the Commonwealth of Learning. Their discussions will focus on transformative strategies for teaching, learning, and assessment in an increasingly digital educational landscape.

  • Caribbean teachers get help to better support students with epilepsy

    Caribbean teachers get help to better support students with epilepsy

    In a significant stride toward educational inclusivity, over 50 educators from Barbados and across the Caribbean have acquired critical lifesaving skills to support students with epilepsy. The specialized training workshop, titled ‘Bright Futures, Safe Classrooms: Strengthening Epilepsy Knowledge Across Caribbean Education Systems,’ was convened at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus.

    Dr. Laurette Bristol, Director of the UWI School of Education, emphasized the workshop’s mission to provide educators with practical knowledge for confidently managing seizures in classroom settings. The program focused on demystifying epilepsy, understanding its mechanisms, and implementing effective response protocols, while simultaneously working to dismantle longstanding social stigmas associated with the condition.

    Beyond immediate seizure response, the initiative addresses broader educational challenges. Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education, Dr. Henderson Carter, noted the training’s applicability extends to supporting students with various neurological and developmental conditions, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.

    A particularly significant aspect of the workshop involved bridging the historical divide between educational and medical sectors. Dr. Bristol highlighted the critical need for improved collaboration between teachers and healthcare professionals to create more responsive referral systems and co-designed solutions for learners.

    The event represents a collaborative effort between UWI Cave Hill School of Education, the International League Against Epilepsy, and the Epilepsy Society of the Caribbean. Medical experts including Dr. Simeona Jacinto, Consultant Neurologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Dr. Mishka Duncan, a Vincentian paediatric neurologist, underscored the urgency of creating safe, supportive learning environments for children with epilepsy.

    Looking forward, Dr. Bristol announced plans for a Summer Institute that will offer practical training and microcredential certification, enabling participants to become in-school trainers. Future phases will expand the initiative to include parents and communities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to epilepsy awareness and support throughout the Caribbean region.

  • COMMENTARY: Round two of Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition begins today

    COMMENTARY: Round two of Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition begins today

    Eight secondary schools in Dominica have secured their positions in the highly anticipated second round of the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition after a rigorous initial elimination phase. The tournament, which commenced on January 22nd, witnessed exceptional performances from student debaters addressing various contemporary issues.

    St. Martin Secondary School emerged as the frontrunner with debater Shanaiyah John achieving the highest individual score of 341 points. Close behind was Wesley High School, propelled by Hephzibah Abenole’s impressive 328-point performance. Other qualifying institutions include Orion Academy (Taya Charles, 320 points), Convent High School (Sienna Andrew, 317 points), Portsmouth Secondary School (Maliah Ettienne, 302 points), Castle Bruce Secondary School (Isaac Roberts, 299 points), and Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (Kianna Aaron, 288 points).

    These seven schools will be joined by defending champions Dominica Grammar School, creating an elite lineup for the upcoming debates scheduled for February 25-26 at the UWI Global Campus Auditorium.

    The second round features compelling motion discussions addressing pressing social and health issues. On February 25th, Wesley High School will propose while Portsmouth Secondary School opposes the motion: ‘Parents, not schools, should be primarily responsible for disciplining students for acts of digital peer-to-peer violence committed outside of school hours.’ Later that day, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School and Convent High School will debate the same proposition.

    February 26th will shift focus to public health with the topic: ‘Nutrition education is more effective than food restrictions in preventing NCDs among teenagers.’ St. Martin Secondary School will face Orion Academy, while Dominica Grammar School debates Castle Bruce Secondary School on this critical health matter.

    Event organizer Trudy Christian anticipates exceptional competition, noting that participants have demonstrated thorough preparation. Christian extended gratitude to headline sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. and supporting organizations including Central Cooperative Credit Union, DOMLEC, ICWI, KFC, Lindo Mart, and Dominica Social Security for their educational investment.

    All debates will commence at 2:30 PM daily and will be broadcast live through Dominica News Online and EmoNews platforms, allowing nationwide audience engagement with these intellectual exchanges.

  • Beyond Textbooks: Sacred Heart College’s Whole‑Student Mission

    Beyond Textbooks: Sacred Heart College’s Whole‑Student Mission

    Nestled in the hills of San Ignacio, Sacred Heart College has established itself as an educational institution committed to developing students beyond conventional academic metrics. With an enrollment exceeding nine hundred students, this Catholic high school integrates spiritual formation, artistic expression, and athletic development into its comprehensive educational philosophy.

    Under the leadership of President Dr. Berta Cambranes, the institution maintains that its Catholic ethos guides a mission focused on creating well-rounded individuals. The curriculum extends beyond traditional academics to include robust arts programs, mandatory physical education, and weekly liturgical celebrations. Annual spiritual retreats further reinforce the school’s commitment to faith-based development.

    The campus ministry program, directed by Emmanuel Mangar, demonstrates this holistic approach through the evolution of the school choir. What began with minimal equipment has grown into a technically supported ensemble of twenty vocalists and multiple musicians. Participants report significant growth in leadership capabilities and public speaking proficiency through weekly performances before audiences numbering nearly a thousand.

    Student Fernando Mesh attested to the program’s impact: “Being in the choir helped me develop musically and provided opportunities to host community events outside school.”

    Beyond musical development, the college offers diverse extracurricular engagements including chess, drama, Red Cross, and Interact clubs. Chess enthusiast Bianca Reyes recalled winning best female player in a regional Blitz Tournament, highlighting the institution’s support for diverse student interests.

    The counseling department, led by Amanda Dixon, provides essential support systems addressing academic challenges, peer relationships, family issues, and identity formation during adolescents’ critical developmental years.

    Student leadership receives particular emphasis, with elected representatives Lyna Silva (Student Council President) and Chloe Martinez (Head Prefect) embodying the school’s values of excellence and pride in the institution’s traditions.

    According to Dr. Cambranes, Sacred Heart ultimately strives to produce graduates who become contributing community members, representing the institution’s success in shaping grounded, confident young adults prepared for life beyond secondary education.