Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
Students of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) at Passley Gardens
in Portland depart the campus yesterday after the board of directors instructed them to leave with their belongings by noon yesterday. The decision was taken following days of protest by the students.
Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
The administration of the Portland-based College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) yesterday shut down the institution following days of protest by students.
The unrest began on Tuesday, following the administration's decision to revoke the boarding rights of a male and female student who were discovered living together in a dormitory.
In addition, the students said the administration is ineffective and has failed to address the poor conditions of the facilities on the campus.
The students were given notice yesterday morning to vacate the campus by noon.
Management rebuffed
Jasher Mais, director of student affairs, remains adamant that the college is closed until further notice.
Mr. Mais said the administration attempted to meet with the students on three occasions, but were rebuffed on each instance.
"It (the closure of the college) has been effected to bring back discipline to the institution," Mr. Mais said.
Meantime, Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education, Youth and Culture, told The Gleaner yesterday that the board of directors has the autonomy to close the institution.
She disclosed that the board referred the situation to the ministry, which felt that it was wise for the administration to close the institution and re-engage the students in meaningful discussions.
When a Gleaner news team visited the institution yesterday, scores of students were seen leaving the dormitories with their belongings.
Students refuse to leave
But some defiant students told The Gleaner that they would not leave the campus. Among them is Rhona Whitely, Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students representative .
Another student, Shanique Grant, who hails from St. Elizabeth, said she was not leaving because she has no money to go home, and notice was too short.
Azzelia Weater, the student from the Cayman Islands said it would have been impossible for her to leave the island yesterday as she has no relatives in Jamaica to stay with.
The students are concerned that the closure will affect their examinations, which are scheduled to begin on May 9.
While Mr. Mais admitted
that examinations are likely to be affected in terms of access to materials and classes, he said
it was most likely that the examinations will take place on the scheduled date.
