THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A member of the observing public, I am heartened and in fact encouraged that not all the students of the UWI (Mona), agree with the stance taken by some of their peers. I have taken this position, after reading the Letter of the Day, which was published on October 7, 2004.
The protesters claim that the action that they have taken is necessary, as the university administration is marginalising poor students, and is being elitist as they are preventing these students from receiving a tertiary education, and they "want justice."
It is ironic that there is a cry for justice coming from this group, when they in fact have resorted to using unlawful means to get 'justice'. Protest is nothing new at the three campuses of the University of the West Indies, but in my opinion the actions taken by the students at UWI Mona, under the present leadership of the Guild of Students has been steadily descending into a type of barbarism which is certainly not becoming of future leaders. These students are mirroring the same behaviour that has become commonplace in our society, where people block roads and create mayhem, which in many instances causes problems for others.
People have a right to protest, but it must be done within the context of the law. Those protesting should not endanger or inconvenience others because of their protestations.
In addition, it is unfortunate that the funeral service for the late Professor Gladstone Mills had to be relocated, as the students were hell-bent on creating chaos, in order to force the hand of the UWI administration. The sad thing about this particular matter is that the Guild President and his supporters were not even aware that the funeral service of someone who has contributed selflessly to the UWI and national life, should have taken place at the UWI Chapel on that same day.
The student leadership need to re-think their mandate and not get carried away by the hype. To whom much is given, much is expected. In every educational institution, there are needy students, the UWI (Mona) is by no means unique in this regard. However, needy students also have a responsibility to pay their tuition, and do not have a right, because of their financial status, to continue to attend the university without ensuring that proper arrangements are made to fulfil their financial obligation.
I am, etc.,
CLAUDIA THOMPSON
clrothompson@yahoo.com
Heartease, Mandeville P.O.
Manchester
