Dear Editor,

I am disheartened to say the least over the story about the failure of Hutton’s Education Unit to pay over millions of dollars in CXC fees for students who are to do CXC exams in May-June this year. It is my understanding from the reports in the media that the Ministry of Education has urged the institution to pay over the fees and has even sought an extension for this to be done by March 15.

At the time of writing, this was not paid and the March 15 deadline is fast approaching. Moreover, it is evident that failure to do so will affect over 1000 students who attend this institution and who are looking forward to complete this examination so that they can move on academically or professionally.

What is even worse is the fact that the Hutton’s Education Unit has sought a waiver of the fees owing and quite rightly (although unfortunate for the students), this request was denied by the Caribbean Examinations Council. How can Hutton’s seek a waiver of funds that were paid over to them by the students? What are the circumstances surrounding the failure of Hutton’s to hand over the funds to CXC?

This institution is a private entity that has been in the business of providing education for several years, not only for CXC but for A-levels, and as such is well aware of the council’s criteria for the registration of students. The authorities should not only urge this institution to pay up the fees but should conduct a probe to find out why it has failed to pay over the money.

Such a situation raises the questions: What alternative is there for students caught up in this predicament? Are such private entities being regulated and audited? What policy will the Ministry of Education implement to ensure there is not a recurrence?

Luciana Ramsay

lusyrams@yahoo.com