The Ministry of Education and Youth will make good on its promise to continue paying for students to sit four subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination level, despite the National Commercial Bank's (NCB) decision to stop paying for two business subjects.
The Government has been paying for students to sit CSEC mathematics, English language, information technology and a science subject since 2002.
In 2003, NCB announced that it would pay for students to sit Principles of Accounts and Principles of Business, complementing the Government's four subjects.
Re-examining assistance
However, Sheree Martin, NCB's assistant general manager for Group Corporate Communications said less than 70 per cent of students attended examinations, which were paid for, causing the bank to re-examine assisting students in this area.
"We were disappointed to note that less than 70per cent of students sat these exams. This has caused us to look at exploring other ways in which we can help with much needed financial assistance for students," said Ms. Martin.
Ms. Martin said NCB is proud to have funded approximately 42,000 student entries for the two CSEC subjects, from 153 public secondary schools and 40 independent secondary schools across the island, at a cost of $47 million.
Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education and Youth told The Gleaner yesterday that the ministry could not afford to pay for the two business subjects because it had submitted its budget for the payment of the four subjects earlier this year.
Sylvester Anderson, president of the National Association of Parent Teachers, said some parents were aware that NCB would discontinue paying for the subjects, noting that it was discussed at several PTA meetings that he attended.
Mr. Anderson noted that it was unfortunate that some persons who are scheduled to sit the examinations next year will not be able to do so because of a lack of funds.
Payment for fees are due next month. The cost for each subject is approximately $1,200.
- P.F.
