In what appears to be an indirect response to concerns raised by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA), the Ministry of Education is assuring that all health protocols are being followed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as students attend classes in preparation for their Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examinations.

Earlier on Tuesday, TTUTA said  it is “uneasy” regarding the rise in local COVID-19 cases, and is calling on the Ministry of Education to discontinue SEA preparation classes as a precaution. 

See the Education Ministry’s full statement below:

All primary schools across Trinidad and Tobago, which are facilitating preparation classes for the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) on August 20^th are strictly adhering to health and safety protocols as issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. Assurance is being given to the general population that schools have implemented thermal scanning, hand washing, the wearing of masks and social distancing. The Ministry affirms that in any school where there is deemed the possibility of risk to the health and safety of students, all necessary steps will be taken.

With the resumption of classes on July 20^th teachers and parents have already expressed the change in attitudes, performance and mindset of students upon return to the physical classroom. The psychological benefits of students being able to prepare for the SEA in a simulated physical space has been reported to have many positive benefits for students. The Ministry of Education interacts with the comments and concerns expressed by stakeholders daily in the various forms of media and continues to be guided to facilitate the best outcomes for all.

The Ministry is urging citizens yet again, to fact check and be extremely cautious when sharing information surrounding the positive cases of COVID-19 and to only share information from reputable sources such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Communication. While stakeholders attempt to take all precautions to safe guard children, misinformation is being shared about children being positive for COVID-19 in schools. Such information is even being printed in daily newspapers as editorials, which can cause mass panic and concern if citizens are not accurately informed.

As the country maneuvers the new cases of COVID-19 the Ministry of Education remains resolute in providing students with the psychological and emotional relief of completing the examination that was previously carded for April 2^nd. The Ministry’s objective at this time is to allow students to make the next step in their academic journey with the completion of the SEA and achieving this through the adherence to best practice in health and safety protocol.