UWI Cave Hill, guild reach agreement after student protests

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus has pledged to address student grievances after protests erupted on Thursday, with the Guild of Students demanding reforms on funding, accommodation, and transport.

Management met with guild representatives yesterday afternoon and reported that a plan is now in place to address student concerns.

“A team of University officials met with guild representatives and both sides have agreed to collaboratively compile a list of action items for execution within a mutually agreed timeframe,” a university statement read.

The protests stemmed from a range of student concerns, including adjustments to the access of funds allocated to the Guild of Students.

The university explained that these adjustments were implemented following a management audit that revealed financial irregularities.

“These stricter financial controls followed the discovery of financial irregularities. This decision was not taken lightly but reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of resources,” the university stated.

But the university acknowledged that the current system may not adequately balance the guild’s desired independence with the necessary financial oversight.

“Notwithstanding this commitment, the campus does acknowledge that there is scope to engage with the guild to find a mechanism to balance the independence sought by the guild with the need for financial control,” the statement continued.

The university has pledged to work with the guild to establish a new mechanism that allows for a “reasonable measure of independence” in funding student activities while maintaining responsible financial management.

The protestors had also issued a list of urgent demands, including a full audit of guild finances during administrative oversight, improved student accommodation services, and a more efficient shuttle transport system, as well as the reinstatement of guild autonomy in executing its duties as an elected representative body, among other things. (BT)