The Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) says it is exploring additional safety and management strategies in response to the emergence of bomb threats as a new concern for schools across the island.

The commitment follows bomb threats which disrupted external examinations in three schools across Jamaica.

In a statement, the OEC reaffirmed its dedication to closely monitoring and collaborating with the Ministry of Education to ensure a secure exam environment for students. 

It noted that the schools affected by yesterday’s bomb threats were Kingston College, Campion College, and Holmwood Technical High school. 

The OEC said Kingston college students were relocated to neighbouring exam centers at St. George’s College, Holy Trinity High School, and the Convent of Mercy Academy.

While Campion College students were quarantined and supervised during the process while the police investigated the threat.

They were also allotted additional time to complete their exams. 

At Holmwood Technical, those students scheduled to sit the English B exam in the afternoon were relocated to the Christiana High School.

However, those students sitting the CAPE Caribbean Studies exam were unable to finish within the allotted time due to the threat being received thirty minutes before the end of their exam.

In this case, the OEC says it intends to petition the CXC to classify this as a case of extreme hardship.

The Commission says efforts will also be made to formally request that CXC consider providing compassionate accommodations for all students affected by the disruptions.