The government of Antigua and Barbuda has completed full payment of Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) fees for all students sitting exams in 2026, a move officials describe as a direct investment in young people and financial relief for families.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said during Friday’s post-Cabinet briefing that the policy fulfills a commitment made during the 2026 Budget presentation.

“The government has completed the full payment of all Caribbean Examinations Council, CXC examination fees — that’s CSEC and CAPE — for students preparing to sit examinations during the May to June session,” Merchant said.

He added that parents and guardians who had already paid examination fees have been refunded.

“All monies previously paid by parents and guardians to the Ministry of Education and to schools for their examinations have been refunded,” Merchant said.

Responding to questions about the long-term financial implications of the policy, Merchant made clear that the government does not intend to recover the expenditure.

“The government does not plan to recoup the cost,” he said. “The government is utilizing its resources to invest in the education of its young people.”

He described the measure as both an education policy and a social relief initiative.

“If you are within the system and you have a child who has reached that stage of his or her educational development, you would know that some parents would have had to save for months to meet those fees,” Merchant said. “For some parents, particularly single parents, it has been a challenge.”

Merchant noted that the policy applies broadly to students enrolled in Antigua and Barbuda, not only to nationals.

“All students in Antigua and Barbuda,” he said when asked whether the benefit was limited to citizens.

He also highlighted the rising cost burden faced by families whose children take multiple subjects.

“There are some parents who have exceptional children who don’t take the traditional eight or nine subjects — are taking 20 subjects plus these days — and it comes at a considerable cost,” Merchant said.

The government first announced the initiative during the December budget presentation, pledging to absorb examination fees beginning with the 2026 cycle.

Officials have not yet disclosed the total cost of the programme but indicated that further details may be provided.