The decision to cancel the exams was made due to safety concerns, as the situation in several regions of Mauritius deteriorated on the evening of October 12. The Minister of Education, Dr. Mahend Gungapersad, stated that the priority was to ensure the safety of students. He revealed that consultations were held with the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES), the Prime Minister's Office, and the Prime Minister before making the decision.
Dr. Gungapersad rejected claims that no consultations were held with Cambridge, stating that the MES contacted Cambridge by phone and email on October 12 at 11:41 PM. A video conference was also held on October 13 with representatives from the MES and the Ministry of Education to discuss the situation in Mauritius. According to the Minister, Cambridge was requested to prepare new exams, but ultimately declined, citing that they apply the same principles as in cases of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances.
The Minister of Education clarified that the Assessed Marks are not the results of mock exams, contrary to some claims. He explained that during discussions with Cambridge, the possibility of using the Contingency Paper was raised, but Cambridge stated that this is only reserved for situations where an exam has been compromised, such as in cases of leaks. Dr. Gungapersad emphasized that Mauritius was the only country affected by this situation in the exam zone.
With the support of the Cabinet, the Ministry of Education intends to review the clauses of the agreement with Cambridge to ensure that separate exams are prepared for Mauritius in the future, if necessary. The Minister reassured students and parents that equity will be respected. He stated that it would not have been possible to send students to take their exams while they were facing difficult situations on the morning of October 13.
Dr. Gungapersad revealed that he had informed Cambridge that Mauritius was willing to assume potential additional costs to allow for an alternative solution. However, Cambridge remained firm in their position, citing existing arrangements with the MES. The Minister reaffirmed his intention to review these arrangements. On a separate note, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Financial Services Institute, organized a workshop on strengthening financial governance, ethics, and accountability in public procurement.
The workshop, which was attended by 150 officials from the Ministry and representatives from parapublic organizations under its supervision, aimed to strengthen the public procurement system and improve the skills of concerned officials. The training covered principles of effective and transparent procurement, ethical and moral considerations, legal aspects, and implications related to combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Key points
- Dr. Mahend Gungapersad to review agreement with Cambridge
- SC and HSC exams cancelled due to safety concerns
- Ministry of Education to strengthen financial governance and accountability in public procurement
