PRIVATE students writing the CXC exams at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) have had their possessions stolen while in the exam room.
Yesterday, Shelley Ann Dookram, who was writing Biology Paper 1 and 3, left her bag in a room designated for such a purpose, as did other students. Her possessions were still intact after the break. It was after the exams that she discovered her cellphone had gone missing. This was a newer and more expensive AT&T brand, costing over $100,000, which had been a gift from her grandfather.
Her grandfather, with whom she lives, works in the hinterland and the number on that phone is the only means by way of which he can contact her to ensure her welfare. She also lost $3,000.
Other students also reported missing money and property.
Parents are concerned that if the children are required to leave behind their valuables before entering the examination room, then the authorities should ensure that their possessions are not left unguarded.
It is being speculated that these thefts are habitual, with the strategy of removing the items after the break so that the students do not miss them and complain so that timely searches could be made, thus allowing the perpetrators opportunity after the exam to escape with their booty.