Security at the University of Guyana needs to be "Top Priority

Security at the University of Guyana needs to be “Top Priority

Jul 28, 2019 Letters

Dear Editor,
I trust that this letter finds all the stakeholders of the University of Guyana in good health and in good spirits.
It must be noted and understood going forward, that the University uses not its own security but employs a third party.
Security has always, I say that with no regrets, been an issue of grave concern for students. If someone decides to rob us, if we realize we cannot engage these robbers in a fight, even a call for help wouldn’t suffice.
Over the past semester, the University suffered to two bomb threats, putting school out for two weeks. The Government of Guyana sent the then Crime Chief Mr. Alves and its Minister of Education Ms. Henry to address the issue going forward. None of there promises has been upkept since then.
The students are still left to be protected by old unarmed guards throughout the course of the day (which lasts for about 12 hours). Just after the above meeting with the Crime Chief, Vice Chancellor, Minister of Education, president of the UGSS, two students were robbed of their phones, laptops etc right at the back gate. The back gate remains poorly lit and guarded by elderly security staffers. Even if they spot a robbery, I say this confidently, they can’t do nothing!
The guards usually demand to see a badge of you’re a student but never check to see if it’s your badge that you’re brandishing. I can also say this confidently; many times many students have passed in various facilities in the compound with badges that do not belong to them. In short, anybody can possess one, gain access to all the students there and inflict whatever pain it is that they wish to inflict.
Just a few weeks back, I was heading to a meeting with the head of facilities at the Campus, the guard at the back gate didn’t stop me (usually they do). After being shocked by not having my greetings to the said person returned, I glanced back to see why. The boy (he couldn’t be older than 18 years old) had his head down to his phone, playing some game, (sounded like a shooting game). I continue to proceed.

This is what we, as students, have to endure while everyone continues to enjoy a merry life at the University of Guyana and it needs to stop. University is scheduled to reopen in September and that month may also shape up to be the month of our upcoming elections. I hope all stakeholders take note of same.
Sometime ago, somewhere deep down in the psyche of Guyanese, it was taught that security personnel need to be old and all that is required is sitting and asking for identification.
The University needs a new direction and all those who cannot afford to go in that direction need to come off the ship. Because while our fees increase, our quality of service continues to depreciate and that should not be the case.

Jafar Gibbon

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