Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Dominica

The Chief Education Officer (CEO) leads the Curriculum & Measurement Unit of the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training & National Excellence. Appointed by the Public Service Commission under the Education Act of 1997, the CEO oversees the development and implementation of policies affecting pre-primary, primary, secondary, and special education. Duties include managing national assessments such as the Grade 6 National Assessment (G6NA), promoting inclusive education, supervising curriculum development, regulating school infrastructure standards, and coordinating with regional education initiatives.

Historical Background and Structural Development

The CEO role was formalized in the Education Act of 1997, although an equivalent position functioned under colonial administration. The position has evolved to encompass educational planning, evaluation, standards, and collaboration with regional bodies such as the OECS and USAID. Responsibilities include shaping national curricula, ensuring compliance with education regulations, and proactively improving learning environments across Dominica.

Notable Office Holders

• Stephenson Hyacinth served as Chief Education Officer for approximately 12 years leading up to mid‑2013. During his tenure, he managed national assessments and curriculum standards across the primary sector.
• Melena Fontaine was appointed as Acting CEO on 5 July 2013, bringing extensive experience in early childhood education and special needs programming, and holding qualifications from UWI and the University of Massachusetts. Fontaine expanded child-friendly policy focus and coordinated special education services.
• Dr. Jeffrey Blaize was appointed CEO in August 2022. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and has led reforms including G6NA redesign, development of an Early Childhood Development policy, promotion of inclusive education, and harmonization of curricula within the OECS .

Policy Development and Educational Reforms

Throughout its history, the office of CEO has guided major initiatives:

• G6NA Reform: Under successive CEOs, assessments have been reviewed to reduce stress and modernize formats. Emphasis has shifted toward formative evaluation and continuous learning. Dr. Blaize reaffirmed this need, stating that the exam had “outlived its purpose” and should be restructured.
• Early Childhood Education: The CEO’s office led the creation of Dominica’s first draft Early Childhood Development Policy, promoting integrated play-based learning and family-centered approaches from birth to age six.
• Inclusive Education Approaches: A priority has been expanded access for students with disabilities, including curricular adjustments, teacher training, and resource support within mainstream schools.
• Curricula Harmonization: The CEO collaborates through OECS frameworks, such as the Curriculum & Assessment Programme and the Early Learners Programme, to ensure education is regionally aligned and internationally benchmarked.

Public Engagement and Systemic Oversight

The Chief Education Officer also oversees:

• School Accreditation and Standards: Ensuring primary and secondary institutions meet prescribed criteria, with routine inspections and audits.
• Professional Development: Coordinating with teacher training colleges and OECS experts to provide continuous learning opportunities and performance feedback for educators.
• Educational Technology Integration: Leading digitization efforts in classrooms, examining curriculum delivery through ICT, and assessing remote learning needs.