Some teachers and Ministry of Education staff have criticised the government’s decision to reimburse parents for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination fees, arguing that the move highlights misplaced priorities ahead of the next general election.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew has said the reimbursements for fees already paid for the 2026 examinations — estimated at about $1.2m — should be ready by Monday.

However, several educators say they have waited for extended periods for reclassification payments and back pay owed by the Ministries of Education and Finance, and question how funds could be made available so quickly for the reimbursement programme.

Some teachers described the administration’s actions as politically motivated, saying their patience and professionalism had been taken for granted.

The government has also announced plans to cover CSEC fees for all candidates from next year. Educators have raised concerns about the long-term cost of the policy, warning it could lead to higher taxes or an increased education levy.

Others fear the move could reduce students’ motivation to perform well academically if parents are no longer required to pay exam fees.

Several teachers suggested that financial support should instead be means-tested, or limited to core subjects such as English, mathematics, business studies and information technology.

Meanwhile, staff at the Ministry of Education have also raised concerns about poor working conditions at their offices, citing air quality issues, mould and other health risks that recently forced employees to leave the building.

Workers say the conditions have affected productivity and are questioning where their welfare ranks among the government’s current priorities.