When I read the article written by Michael Harris on January 27, 2015 in one of our daily newspapers I felt moved to provide a different opinion in defence of the accusations made about the University of the West Indies and its students.
The UWI over the last many years has been extremely active not only from the stand point of academia but also with their regular contributions via newspaper articles, public seminars and lectures. Patrick Solomon, Hamid Ghany, Andy Knight, to name a few, have regularly made many such. I have personally attended many of the symposiums that are held on campus on a regular basis. Strangely enough, I don't recall ever seeing Mr Harris there!
When one casts aspersions on such a reputable, well-respected institution, it would have had more credibility if facts were presented and not simply supposition. Only this week UWI, through its Law Department, held a symposium on the Caribbean Court of Justice–there was standing room only.
Last week, former Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr Owen Arthur spoke at the newly-named Noor Hassanali Lecture hall on the topic of Caribbean integration. He went on to speak about Trinidad being considered, through researched data, to be one of the most difficult countries with which to facilitate international trade.
This lecture was also well attended. I recall seeing Mr Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mariano Browne and many other interested parties who are always attentive and present to hear the contributions of UWI.
I hope that it is not the expectation that the UWI will consistently make interjections on activities that are government-related. This approach will not be well received in this silly season but the UWI has always made supportive contributions on the fiscal, economic and social state of our country and region.More recently so, through Andy Knights (Head of International Relations) on the narcotics trade in the region.
Professor Deosaran, the criminologist, has not only made public contributions on crime in this country while chairman of the Police Service Commission, but he has researched and presented, in many forums, findings on strategies to address the current crime situation in our nation.
Last but not least, Mr Harris' accusation, to quote from the article; students "have acquired very little of the knowledge and skills that one normally associates with having a degree," can't be further from the truth. But more significantly it questions not only the hard work and dedication of our students but also the tenets of integrity and high academic standards on which the UWI has been established.
Our country would be better served if authors question the contributions or lack thereof of other local and regional institutions that more significantly impact our country's sustainability. They would certainly have more to write about.
Henry Cyrus
UWI alumnus