Carer fights deportation

A grandad who cares for his mother and has lived in Britain since he was two is fighting deportation.

Thailand- born Rachai Kanyakamin, 53, of Penge, south London, arrived here on his mum’s passport.

His par tner Angela Moran said: “She is 88 and would have to go into a care home.”

Glasgow Caledonian Universit y had thei r satellite base in Manhattan opened in 2014 by then first minister Alex Salmond amid a fanfare of publicity.

But, three years on, they have been unable to award a single qualification or enrol any degree students at their Big Apple base.

Despite submitting an application for degree authority in 2014, they are yet to be granted an education licence by New York State.

With no guarantee of success when the f inal decision is made next month, it’s understood university bosses may pin their hopes on being offered a lesser licence.

This would see students awarded their degrees in Glasgow – not New York.

Critics say the university should have carried out more due diligence before investing millions in the campus.

Dr Nick McKerrell, a law lecturer at the university, said: “Anything less than ful l degree awarding powers for GCU New York would blow apart the business plan approved by our governing body four years ago.

“Having spent £11.5million, including a big chunk on refurbishing a rented building, we would be waving that money goodbye. Serious questions would have to be answered and people would have to be held to account.”

The university have admitted they “do not anticipate large numbers” of enrolments in New York.

They hope to enrol just 20 students this year, rising to about 200 a year by 2022 – although almost half of those will be part-time.

GCU, who also operate in Oman, Bangladesh and London, have shelled out £2.5million on refurbishing the building and are tied into a 15-year lease.

More than £1million has been spent on wages at the campus, where they employ four members of staff.

Cara Smyth, who leads the team at GCU New York, is reported to be on a salary on £ 216,498, while dean Bob Clougherty receives a salary topping £150,000.

Glasgow Labour MSP Paul ine McNeil l said: “There has to be a serious look at the process as it looks pretty shambolic from where I’m standing.”

Four NY colleges have lodged objections to GCU’s application. John Mason, SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, said: “I find it surprising the US was the target market when other universities appear to be going to India or China.”

The university says while it has been waiting on its licence the premises has been used for research, consultancy, recruitment and cultural exhibitions.

James Mi l ler, deputy vice- chancellor of GCU, said: “The university are committed to seeking a licence to allow GCU to offer degrees in New York.

“We are deriving benefit from being in NY in many ways even without the licence.”