Karlene O'Connor, Gleaner Writer

Several Portland students from communities such as Buff Bay, St. Margaret's Bay, Anchovy, Manchioneal and Hope Bay, were yesterday prevented from sitting their Caribbean Council Exams (CXC) as roadblocks were mounted in protest over deplorable road conditions.

The students, several of whom were scheduled to sit biology in the morning and information technology in the afternoon, were left stranded after irate residents, taxi-men and mini-bus operators mounted extensive roadblocks.

According to Hector Stephenson, director of the Overseas Examination Office, from as early as 9:00 a.m some schools called to indicate that they were hosting CXC students from other institutions.

Accommodated stranded students

Among institutions which facilitated stranded students were Buff Bay High that accommodated eight students from Happy Grove and Titchfield High which accommodated candidates from St. Hugh's High.

"This is not a problem," Stephenson stressed, pointing out that students would use their respective centre numbers as scripts are packaged accordingly "Our chief concern would have been for students trapped between Hope Bay and St. Margaret's Bay, but no report has been received so far."

This concern, he explained, is due to the unavailability of a CXC centre between both points. The Ministry of Education and Youth in a news release yesterday stated tha arrangements will be made for affected students and requested that its office be contacted. However, according to Stephenson, "From all accounts, it seems students were able to sit their exams, as so far my office has received no calls to say otherwise."

Other mechanisms

He further stated that in the event that students were unable to sit their exams, there are mechanisms in place to assess them. Biology students would have already done paper two. An estimated merit order coupled with their School Based Assessment (SBA) grades would play significant roles.