CXC confirms leakage of Math Paper II originated in Jamaica

The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) confirmed on Friday that a recent leak of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Mathematics Paper Two originated from an exam centre in Jamaica.
On Wednesday, CXC launched an investigation following concerns that the paper was leaked prior to the administration of the exam.
“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,” said CXC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Wayne Wesley during a virtual press conference.
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, clarifying that Police authorities have not yet been involved but are 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.
As such, the examination body is ensuring that all countries within the Region take the modified approach to this subject’s exam.
Dr Wesley also assured that CXC is continuing to enhance their 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.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand in a video recording encouraged students who are still sitting their exams to avoid letting this issue interfere with their work.
“Don’t let this interfere with anything else that you are doing right now. You’re sitting for other exams, you are still preparing for other exams, go ahead and do that to the best of your ability,” Manickchand said.
“Put this behind you and trust us to make sure your Paper Ones and SBAs are properly counted,” she added.