CSEC to continue as scheduled despite stolen exams papers in Jamaica – CXC

Even though several examination papers for the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) were stolen in Jamaica, the regional examinations body has decided that tests will continue as scheduled.
In a press release issued by the Council on Wednesday, it was revealed that fireproof cabinets containing examination papers for nine CSEC subjects scheduled to be administered this week were stolen from a school in Jamaica.
However, on Thursday, the regional exams body highlighted that there has been no confirmation as to whether the stolen cabinet has been compromised, and as such, it advised that exams continue as per their original schedule.
“The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) advises all stakeholders, that following consultations with Ministries of Education from across the region this morning, the regional examinations will be administered as scheduled. To date, there has been no confirmation that the secured fire-proof cabinet containing examination papers, which was stolen from a school in Jamaica has been compromised,” the council said.
They reassured that the interest of their candidates is a priority of the organization, adding that the council will continue to monitor the security of the regional examinations.
Following the incident on Wednesday, the Education Ministry in Guyana stated that all students writing their CSEC examinations will continue to prepare for their respective subjects, despite the current challenges.
On May 17, reports swept the region of the CSEC Mathematics Paper Two being leaked on the morning of the exam; and, days later, CXC confirmed that the leak originated from an exam centre in Jamaica.
At the time, CXC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Wayne Wesley said, “The security measures which CXC put in place has led to us locating the country as Jamaica, and [an] examination centre [there] where the leak originated.”
Dr Wesley added that CXC is working collectively with the Education Ministry in Jamaica to determine the next steps in regard to the specific source of the leak. He clarified that Police authorities have not yet been involved, but that is being considered.
“As a result of the breach and the compromise of the examination, as well as consideration for the mental health and wellbeing of our candidates, timely release of results, and matriculation requirements, CXC has determined that for this examination, the modified approach will be used to award fair and valid grades.”
This modified approach entails assessment of the School Based Assessment (SBA) or Paper 03 for private candidates, and Paper One, disregarding the Paper Two portion of this Math examination.
While the CXC CEO was unable to identify which specific countries the leak extended to, he explained that with the use of technology and common chat groups that involve students from multiple countries, it is likely that a number of countries may have gained access to the paper prior to the exam.
During that press briefing, Dr Wesley had also assured that CXC is continuing to enhance its security measures to ensure that no future breaches occur, but stated that the integrity of the individuals entrusted with these exam papers and enforcing the rules cannot be fully controlled