The Editor, Sir:

In total disbelief, I read The Gleaner article entitled 'Thumbs-up given to UWI campus security'. I believe this article totally misled readers into believing all is well at the UWI, Mona campus where security is concerned.

Students live and go to class in constant fear. Time after time we hear stories of students being robbed at gunpoint plus incidents of attempted rape. Yet, the security system (or lack thereof) remains the same.

It is quite unfortunate that a student was stabbed on the hall on the weekend - my condolences - and it is true that in this incident the security could do little to safeguard her. But once again this story only brings to the fore the plight of university students. Year after year the calls have been the same: "We need improved security." Year after year, the promises remain just that ... promises.

The Gleaner story mentioned distribution of two-way radios to 'security personnel', but how can a two-way radio protect against attackers armed with guns and knives? The fact of the matter is that the security guards are given limited resources (if any) when their opposing force is far greater.

Since Sunday, there has been an increase in security presence (and I'm using the term loosely) on the campus, but that's like déjà vu; I have seen it all before.

In a few weeks, all this will be watered down and students will once again continue to live and study in perpetual fear.

I am, etc.,

Disgruntled third-year student

ty_gyb@yahoo.com

Chancellor Hall

UWI, Mona

Via Go-Jamaica