KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed concern about the future of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination following the resignation Minister of Education, Youth and Information Senator Ruel Reid this morning.

The Ability component of the examination, which has replaced the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), was sat by over 40,000 students on February 26.

The performance tasks – Language Arts and Mathematics – are expected to be administered on March 27 and 28, respectively, while the final component of the assessment – the curriculum tests, to include Language Arts, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies – are slated for April 16 and 17.

Member of Parliament for St Ann North Western Dr Dayton Campbell a short while ago told OBSERVER ONLINE that he is concerned especially because “the ministry has changed permanent secretaries three times and now the minister”.

“We hope that the Government will take steps to ensure that the administration of the exam is not hampered,” Campbell said.

Meanwhile, the MP expressed concern in relation to the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMU), which he said “should be operating in some level of accountability and corruption robs us of that opportunity”.

The party on Monday called on Auditor General, Pamela Monroe-Ellis to immediately investigate allegations of breaches and misuse of public funds, involving the ministry and the CMU.

Party Leader Dr Peter Phillips in the news release, made serious allegations regarding how funds allocated from HEART/NTA to the Ministry for the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) and the TVET Rationalisation Programme are being utilised.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced this morning that Reid has resigned after having met regarding certain allegations in the public domain.

Reid has also resigned from the Senate.