Sankat beefing up UWI security

Principal of the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine campus, Professor Clement Sankat, has expressed sadness in the wake of the robbery of several medical students at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope, during a morning class last week. Ten students and their lecturer had been at a class seminar on Thursday morning around 9.30 when two armed men entered and robbed them of their laptop computers, cellphones, jewelry and cash.

In a press release, Sankat said he was outraged that criminal elements would attack students in their classroom. He admitted, however, that despite general security, public access was fairly open at the facility. This, he said, made it difficult to maintain the kind of security vigilance that management would like to implement.

Nonetheless, Sankat assured that UWI would be following this up with the authorities to ensure security efforts are tightened, especially around teaching and learning areas. Sankat also thanked the campus’ police and the staff of the Faculty of Medical Sciences for their efficient and caring response after the incident. He also expressed hope that along with the support of the campus, the students would recover fully from this ordeal and continue with their work.

Speaking on behalf of the dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Professor Samuel Ramsewak, who is abroad, deputy dean Dr Ian Sammy said immediately after the incident, students were assisted in contacting relatives, reporting the incident to the police and given counselling. He accompanied the students to the St Joseph Police Station, adding that a few lecturers had also offered their support. A suspect has since been held in connection with the incident.