A record number of 21 students have gained scholarships in this year’s CAPE examinations.At the official release of the results at the Ministry of Education yesterday, Minister of Education Ronald Jones said they showed almost a 50 per cent increase between 2008 to 2010.As revealed earlier this week in the DAILY NATION, Queen’s College topped the list with 13 scholarships and nine exhibitions. Harrison College received eight scholarships and 11 exhibitions while the Barbados Community College (BCC) received eight exhibitions. Combermere had one exhibition winner.
ExcellenceThe Award of Excellence went to BCC student Cindy Williams, who studied building and civil engineering and had a final GPA of 3.90.In 2008, there were 14 scholarship winners and 25 exhibition winners.
ConcernJones expressed concern that the results appeared in the Press before they had been officially announced and said the ministry would make sure that Cabinet got the results first next year.“The information was given to the schools on Friday because there were those waiting on their CAPE results to study at local and international universities . . . . Next year that will not happen. “I want to make it absolutely clear that it will not happen next year. We will first ensure that the Cabinet of Barbados, who signs off on scholarships, will get the information before we give them to the schools,” Jones said.“Protocol should always be No. 1, and on this occasion in our desire to assist students, protocol was extremely badly damaged and I had, as minister, to take the flak and I’m never comfortable about that,” he stated.The minister said the results showed students continued to reach the awards at the established standards, noting Harrison College and particularly Queen’s College, had really outstanding results.“Students are stepping up more and more to reach the targets of scholarships and exhibitions. “Over the years the bars have been raised and students have constantly stepped up to the plate,” the minister said.Jones said it was also commendable that the males had performed quite well, offering a balance in those receiving awards. “There has been a long and continuing debate that the males are not stepping up, but it proves that they have and it augurs well for all the young men in the system,” he noted.Acting Chief Education Officer Laurie King congratulated the students for their commitment, dedication and hard work, aided by their teachers and parents. He hoped the winners would find their way back into the education system to pass on their knowledge. (CT)
