EDUCATION MINISTER Karl Samuda has explained the decision by his ministry to accede to the request by the Caribbean Examinations Council to bring forward the date for external exams even as the Opposition continues to level criticisms.

Samuda, who addressed the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, said that the new start would still allow for students to get a breather before the 2020-2021 academic year.

“The earlier start date will facilitate the completion of the examination by August 3, enabling the students to have a one-month break before the start of the new school year,” Samuda told the House of Representatives.

“The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has engaged in consultation of principals of secondary schools, the Association of principals and vice-principals, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, the ecumenical church group, the Parent-Teacher Association, and the Jamaica Prefects Association,” Samuda stated.

She argued that such a decision would adversely affect students’ chances of getting into universities overseas for the 2020-21 school year,” said Samuda, as he apologised for misunderstanding surrounding an initial statement.