WITH unconfirmed reports that action has been taken against teachers at the St Ann-based Steer Town Academy for alleged breaches of protocol during the 2022 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Exams, the Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) has issued a stern warning to principals.

“The ultimate responsibility for the security of question papers, answers booklets, scripts, and all other examination materials for an examination centre rests with the head of each institution,” said Executive Director of the OEC Hector Stephenson on Thursday in a reminder to principals, heads of centres, examination coordinators, and administrators.

“We continue to urge all schools to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities as examination centres and to implement all necessary security measures to prevent any irregularities,” added Stephenson.

In the meantime, the OEC said it provides comprehensive guidelines and training to schools on these regulations annually and will continue to do so to encourage compliance.

The OEC added that over the last year it has further strengthened its partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth in the implementation of improved strategies to maintain order and credibility in the administration of examinations in 2024.

“The academic integrity of a nation rests with the OEC’s capability to enforce fairness and transparency in the administration process at all levels while ensuring that appropriate penalties are given for non-compliance.

“The OEC remains committed to working with schools and keys stakeholders to maintain the highest standards expected for fair examinations. The commission remains confident that through continued collaboration with and compliance by all centres, its legacy of providing secure and reliable administration systems and standards for the proctoring of examinations for Jamaican students will continue to be preserved,” the entity said.

According to the OEC, while it has been made aware of a decision with respect to investigations carried out at Steer Town Academy, it will not comment on that decision at this time.

“The OEC is steadfast in upholding a culture of integrity and trust. We are dedicated to administering examinations under conditions that are not only fair and safe but also transparent and equitable for all stakeholders involved.

“The OEC prides itself in over 136 years of excellence in the proctoring and administration of local, regional, and international examinations. We take seriously any allegation of examination irregularities and are committed to upholding the highest standards and international best practices in exercising our duty as examination proctors,” added the entity.

In the meantime, Brian Bennett-Easy, chairman of the OEC, underscored what he said is the critical necessity for all schools to rigorously follow the established Examination Centre Regulations.

Bennett-Easy pointed out that the established regulations are guidelines “approved by the commission, are instrumental in averting any breaches and guaranteeing equitable and secure testing conditions for students throughout the island”.

He also cautioned school administrators about the broader regional consequences of any deviations, while he emphasised their pivotal role in upholding the integrity of the examination process.