No cancellation of exams

The Editor, Sir:

During the week, I listened to the introduction of objection, to the holding of examinations during the unrest related to the state of emergency. The protagonists expressed themselves with emotion, vigour and anger, which gave the impression that enough thought had not been given to the issue.

I draw attention to the following:

a. Kingston and St Andrew are not Jamaica! How many students outside Kingston are prepared and ready?

b. Is there a fear that the country schools might outdo the city ones?

c. Is there similar fear as to a comparison of traditional city schools with their Caribbean counterparts?

d. Are they aware of the conditions under which of many of the students from these schools study - at school, at home and under street lights?

The guns cracked in such a manner that staff and students had to hide under benches and tables. One student on the television news indicated that she was not perturbed as she was accustomed to it. Of course, schools untouched by these acts would be unaware of what many know. I have addressed this problem in many fora and, at one such forum, I was told: we have to live with it. Can these views enter the mix so that the process might find success?

More questions

e. What of the setback and upset for many outside? A change in examination venues is small in comparison to the postponement for next year and supplementary examinations, along with the lateness that the Ministry of Education suggests. The minister also suggests a solution to which consideration can be given. Do we not seek to dissipate the energy, destroy the enthusiasm and blur the focus of students?

Finally, provide the students with transportation to the new centre, give the support and counsel that will stabilise them. The schools' administration could have been more focused on assisting children to get to their centres rather than the general agitation that upsets.

Are we aware that many of our children do not need self-pity but guidance, motivation, encouragement and confidence in self as basic ingredients for life?

Let us help our students to prove themselves even in the face of adversity. They can be stronger than we allow them.

I am, etc.,

R.A. YOUNG

grupyoung@cwjamaica.com