Cave Hill campus remembers Daquan Roberts

Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Cave Hill campus of The University of the West Indies, Dr Ronnie Yearwood, was overcome with emotion during a heart‑wrenching tribute on Saturday, as the institution held a walk and vigil in remembrance of law student Daquan Roberts, who was fatally shot recently.

Speaking during the emotional gathering on campus, Dr Yearwood reflected on how what was meant to be a season of academic celebration had been transformed into a period of deep mourning for the university community.

“This year was to be a celebration of life, of students, of passing out,” he said, visibly shaken. “As a teacher, all of our students are dear to us. In some ways, they become extensions of our family; they become our children.”

Dr Yearwood highlighted the unique bond between educators and their students, describing the faculty’s role as one of nurturing and instilling values in the next generation. He admitted the tragedy has left the department “broken” on a deeply personal level.

“I cannot really express how sad and how broken I am, how broken we all are,” he said. “Having a son myself, I can only imagine what this must be like. I am so, so, so sorry for your loss.”

A sombre atmosphere hung over the campus throughout the gathering, as faculty leadership struggled to put into words the depth of loss felt across the institution.