| – as 15% pass rate deemed “unacceptable”Five land surveyors were yesterday sworn in after passing the 2015 Sworn Land and Survey Examination. But the moment was especially noteworthy as those five represent the remnants of a batch of 32 students.Minister of State Joseph Harmon certainly did question the statistics as he addressed the graduates and attendees. He called for a review of the process because as he put it, the 15 percent pass rate was unacceptable.“If you have 32 persons entering for an examination,Jerseys NFL Wholesale China, usually if you are well taught you will expect at least thirty two persons will pass.”“So when we have a pass rate of 15 percent, something has to be examined. Is it that the programme is prepared in such a way that at the end of an exercise people just start dropping off, at such a rapid rate?” he queried.“I consider that to be something which requires further examination,” he said. “Because a fifteen percent pass rate at an examination clearly requires some rethinking.”He made it clear that he expects that following future examinations, there can be a more positive number of students standing before him. Harmon also noted that if it is a tradition that five surveyors be graduated annually, it would have to be reviewed.He did admit that in certain professions, limiting new entrants is one method of maintaining the standards of the profession.The Minister also stressed the importance of surveyors being immune to bribes. Acknowledging that bribes may be offered during the course of their careers, he called on the surveyors to rebuke such attempts.“People will do that and when they do that, they are challenging your integrity and all that you have learnt. You have to rebuke them; you have to show that you respect your oath. We serve the public…do not accept bribes,” Minister Harmon told the graduates.The graduates were also urged to observe the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) outlined by the Lands and Surveys Commission.The work of the surveyors is administered under the Land Surveyors (Profession) Act No. four of 2014.There are penalties and offences laid out in the Act, including penalties for posing as a surveyor when not licensed or registered, and misuse of seal including use for personal gain.“Every time you deviate from that, you create a problem. Understand (the Standard Operating Procedures) and stick to them, as this is the only way the public will have confidence in the service,” Harmon said, adding that while they were professionals, they also needed to continue demonstrating humility.Elton Prashad, who was the valedictorian of the batch, expressed gratitude for the patience exhibited by the trainers, leading up to the examination.He noted the many times he had felt like quitting but ultimately never did, thanks to the encouragement he received. He also pledged to exercise his duties with credibility and sound professionalism within the framework of the Commission.The other graduates were Dexter Sam, Veith Mendonca, Travis Fields and the lone female, Amanda Bowman.Land surveying is the mapping and measurement of lots through the use of mathematics, specialized technology and equipment. Nor is surveying limited to the land, as construction, mining and even underwater operations also utilize their services.Completing their work in both the office and the fields, they have access to the latest technology including Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and aerial/terrestrial scanners (air and land). Photography also plays a role.They then draft plans and map using the onsite measurements. They are also experts in determining land size and measurements. They liaise with engineers, architects and developers. |
