Exam commission laments ‘shameful act’
Written CXC Math papers stolen at St James High; OEC concerned, supportive of affected students
Published:Thursday | June 15, 2023 | 1:41 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE OVERSEAS Examination Commission (OEC) has labelled the stealing of a filing cabinet with Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Math Paper 1 written papers from St James High School as “a shameful act” and has expressed concern and support for the affected students.
The regional overseas body, through its executive director, Hector Stephenson, and chairman Brian Bennett-Easy, made the remarks while giving assurances in a statement released yesterday that they would ensure that no student is disadvantaged, .
In expressing concern and support for the affected candidates and institution, Bennett-Easy said: “This is a shameful act and the first incident of its kind for us as a country. We will not be deterred from our mission of fairness and transparency in the examination process and are doing everything within our power to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged as a result of this.
“We are appealing to anyone who has information about this incident to do the right thing for our students and contact the police immediately,” he added.
A number of CXC papers, including Math Paper 1 written on Tuesday, were taken by thugs, according to the school’s administration. It has been alleged that the CXC papers and cash from copying and printing services were stolen in a break-in and robbery that occurred on Tuesday night.
“Two filing cabinets were stolen from the administrative office, one containing CXC documents, including Math Paper 1 for more than 100 students who sat on Tuesday,” Joseph Williams, the school’s principal, told The Gleaner.
Williams said that the second cabinet, which included data about the school’s tuck shop, was abandoned at the main door after security raised the alarm and requested reinforcements.
He said the break-in and robbery were reported to the CXC and the police, who are now conducting separate investigations.
When asked about the impact of the stolen exam papers, Williams responded: “We have reported the matter to CXC. It is they who will determine how the disappearance of these written papers and others will affect the students’ examination.”
Gravely concerned
A release from the CXC, which is led by chief executive officer Dr Wayne Wesley, stated that they were gravely concerned.
“This is of grave concern to CXC,” the regional examination body related in the statement issued yesterday.
“CXC is determining the course of action and will communicate with the (regional) ministries of education today (Wednesday),” the release stated.
Williams, in the meantime, expressed optimism to The Gleaner that the stolen file cabinet and its contents would be recovered in one piece “for the benefit of the kids who had worked so diligently to reach this point in their lives”.
The OEC apologised for “any inconvenience or potential anxiety that may be caused by this unforeseen event and asks for your patience and cooperation as we seek to resolve the matter in the best interest of all affected”.
It also said that the investigation, which is ongoing, is being treated with priority at the highest levels and noted that they were also working closely with the principal of the institution and the CXC to determine the full extent of the loss and the possible impact on the examination process.
Stephenson, in the meantime, gave additional assurance, stating in the release that “the OEC is committed to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the examinations in Jamaica and will update stakeholders on the status of the papers as soon as more information becomes available”.