Inhumane UWI!

THE EDITOR, Sir:

WHAT IS the mandate of the University of the West Indies?

Isn’t it really to “unlock West Indian potential for economic and cultural growth by high-quality teaching and research aimed at meeting critical regional needs, by providing West Indian society with an active intellectual centre, and by linking the West Indian community with distinguished centres of research and teaching in the Caribbean and overseas”?

On August 14, 2018, the UWI (Mona) sent a notice to accepted students that failure to complete their payment of tuition fees or the establishment of a payment agreement/plan by October 5 would result in deregistration from all courses.

Prior to the start of mid-semester exams on Monday, October 5, UWI sent an email the Friday before to notify first-years that on Monday, they would be deregistered should they fail to pay the balance of their tuition fees or enter a payment agreement.

Why would any educational institution whose mandate is to “unlock the potential” of the Caribbean and educate its people be so stringent and draconian in their approach?

It is disappointing and worrisome that Professor Dale Webber, who recently became principal of Mona, will allow the implementation of such an inhumane and controversial policy so early in his tenure.

Have a conscience, Remember your mandate! UWI!