Dionne Rose and Trudy Simpson, Gleaner Writers
Spencer and Hall
DESPITE TWO days of protests by students, including some who are facing de-registration, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, said yesterday that it was sticking to the October 15 deadline, by which students should pay outstanding tuition fees.
The university, however, softened its position somewhat, agreeing to re-instate students who owe less than $1,000 and those who owed late registration fees, stressing that they will still have to pay the remaining fees. The UWI will also re-instate holders of post graduate scholarships or teaching assistantships.
GATES PADLOCKED
Yesterday, angry students padlocked the three main gates of the institution, preventing activities on the campus, including classes and the funeral of prominent educator, Professor Gladstone Mills. The funeral's venue was changed to the St. Margaret's Church in Liguanea.
The protest also had some nasty moments, especially after police tear-gassed some student protesters who refused police requests to remove the padlocks. Reports are that six students were hospitalised. Kern Spencer, parliamentary secretary in the National Security Ministry, said investigations would be conducted.
STUDENTS TEAR-GASSED
"The Ministry of National Security and the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are fully aware of the allegations of police brutality and, in specific terms, the tear-gassing. They have indicated (that they are) to meet and that they are going to order an immediate investigation into the situation," he said. Superintendent Ionie Ramsey described the incident as 'unfortunate' and also promised action.
The university's move first affected more than 3,000 undergraduate and post graduate students. The UWI said yesterday that students who are unable to pay outstanding fees will be given a leave of absence for one semester, which can be extended for up to two years, outlined Professor Kenneth Hall, UWI's principal and Joe Pereira, deputy principal, during a press briefing at UWI's Council Room.
NO EXPULSION
"We have no intention to expel students. On October 15, we will review the number of students who have been affected and we encourage all students who are registered to state why they can't pay the fees at the help desk so we can make a determination about what form of assistance and what position we should take," said Professor Hall, who also apologised for the late notice given to students.
The fees were due on September 3. Usually, students were allowed to pay part of the fees and complete payment before examinations but at a meeting of the Financial and General Purpose Committee, a sub-committee of the Campus Council, it was decided that students who did not pay by October 1 would be de-registered. This was later extended to October 15. He said preliminary information showed that close to 1,000 students have since paid fees and records were being updated constantly.
