By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE two students involved in the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) matter should both be given gold medals when President Paula-Mae Weekes host the award’s ceremony on Monday.
This is according to Freedom Law Chambers representing the parents of Ameerah Beekhoo, former Standard Five pupil of TML primary school in San Fernando who was publicly announced as the top pupil in 2020.
Aaron Subero who attended Maria Regina Grade School, had his marks for English Language Arts Writing reviewed and it was moved from 18 marks to the full marks of 20 which placed him as the student with the highest marks for SEA 2020.
“To deny either child the gold-medal prize for first place would be unfair and wrong in principle… Quite deservingly, both students will therefore receive a gold medal. We see this as the best solution that will mitigate against any further damage and loss of public confidence in the process. Moreover, such an approach is likely to prevent unnecessary litigation and utilization of time, resources and costs,” the letter stated.
The Chambers is suggesting one for Top Male and Top Female pupil be awarded.
According to the Law Chambers, the Ministry of Education has mishandled the entire matter regarding the selection of the top SEA pupil for 2020 causing much pain and grief to the minors involved.
Subero’ parents also threatened legal action against the ministry.
Freedom Law Chambers stated, “We wish to place on record our deep disappointment and concern over the Ministry’s handling of this matter. It was unprofessional, lacked transparency and has damaged public confidence in the administration of the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exam administration.”
The Chambers listed in chronological order, the events that led up to the ministry’s public statements this week.
The Chambers stated, “No one from the Ministry had ever contacted her to indicate any change in the status quo. In the event that there was such a change, our client should have been immediately notified. This was not done. Almost two years passed since she was announced as the top performer with no word to the contrary.
“Ameerah was never informed that after the reviews were completed, another student had attained a higher mark. Had the Ministry simply informed our client of this material change in circumstance, she might have similarly applied for a remark of her SEA exam script, accepted second place, or agreed to share 1st place. Sadly, the Ministry’s silence has precipitated a crisis of such magnitude that even the Office of the President is now in the picture frame.”
Referring to the ministry’s policy, Freedom Law Chambers stated, “We strongly recommend that the Ministry undertake an urgent review of the policy and procedure and publish a clear policy and criteria for future use to guide all concerned.”
