LaTonya Linton, Gleaner Writer
Professor Neville Ying, chairman of the Overseas Examination Committee (OEC), performs the symbolic ground-breaking exercise for the new offices of the OEC at 2a Picadilly Road, St. Andrew, yesterday. Looking on are Hector Stephenson (right), executive director of the OEC, and Phyllis Cargill, a former director. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE OVERSEAS Examination Committee broke ground for its new office building yesterday on the premises of the Overseas Examination Office at Picadilly Road, St. Andrew.
Professor Neville Ying, chairman of the Overseas Committee, said the total cost of construction is projected at $121 million but it could escalate to $134 million.
Funding is being realised through a development fund that was created by the Overseas Examination Office.
The committee was established in 1969 by the Ministry of Education and was charged with the overall responsibility of administering the overseas examinations taken by candidates in the Jamaica Secondary Education System.
Professor Ying said the construction of the new building could not have been more timely.
"No one can deny that having taken a look at the building which we currently occupy that we are operating on borrowed time, because of the imminent danger posed by fire or natural disasters," he said.
"With our rapidly growing clientele we need to ensure greater customer satisfaction and the construction of this building could not be more timely."
Construction of the new office building is set to begin in August and should be completed in 10 months.
