Printer failed to meet deadline
THE national school examinations scheduled to start next week will be delayed for another week after the government contracted printer, Pacific Printers, failed to meet the deadline for printing the papers.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development James Bosamata confirmed this to the Solomon Star last night.
“All examinations for grade six, form 3, form 5 and form 6 will be delayed for a week after the printer failed to meet the deadline,” Mr Bosamata said.
“This decision was based on recommendations from the National Examination and Assessment Division (NEAD) formerly NESU,” he added
The exams were earlier scheduled to start on Monday 30th of October.
With the delay, they will now start on November 6.
“Pacific Printer failed to print all the exam papers on time.
“They only completed printing seven subjects. There are still nine subjects to be done of the 16 subjects.
“So based on the NEAD recommendations forwarded to me today afternoon, I endorsed the examination to be delayed for a week to give ample time for Pacific Printers to complete the printing,” he said.
He clarified that the ministry did its part; it’s the printing firm that failed to meet the deadline.
“Exam papers should be distributed whole of this week to schools throughout the country.
“But with the printing delay, it is unrealistic for the exams to commence as earlier scheduled, forcing the NEAD to reschedule the examination dates,” the acting PS said.
Mr Bosamata said in total there are 16 subjects from grade six to form six and a quarter of the printing is contracted to Provincial Press.
“Provincial Press has completed their printing on time and the examination papers are all set.
“But we have to wait for the set of papers printed by Pacific Printers,” he said.
He said a public message will be delivered this week notifying all school establishments throughout the country about this delay and rescheduling of the examination date.
The Solomon Star understands Pacific Printers, which is owned by Isabel Development Company, had gone through a turbulent financial situation in recent months.
No spokesman from the printing firm was immediately available last night for comments.
By TEDDY KAFO
