After reading the statement allegedly made by Prime Minister Keith Rowley, which was reported in an article written by Ria Taitt and carried on page 17 of the April 14 issue of the Express newspaper, I decided to share my views on this matter, having had an association with The UWI St Augustine for many years.
It is important to enlighten, in some cases, and remind in others, that the scholarship procedure or process is not, in any way managed or administered by The University of the West Indies, but by the Scholarship Committee, which is set up by the Government of T&T.
So the Prime Minister’s declaration that, and I quote “I don’t think that I need to tell anybody what happens at the level of our University of the West Indies in the scholarship selection for doctors” implies that the process is either flawed, bias, unreliable or inefficient.
Whichever one it may be, it must be properly noted that The UWI has no influence, authority or jurisdiction over the administration of these scholarships. And this is no secret, especially to our Prime Minister. We must be reminded that the UWI is an institution that has existed for almost 70 years, and has earned a sterling reputation that is now recognised internationally. Casting aspersions on this regional institution, can be damaging, not only to its image, but by also creating doubt in the minds of the students who patronise it.
If as Prime Minister you have some reservations or legitimate concerns about the function of the Scholarship Committee or their selection process, then you certainly have the direct authority to improve the way that their mandate is dispensed.
As many are aware, being admitted to the faculty of Medicine at The UWI, and many other international universities is extremely competitive. The UWI system for admission is based on a points system. In addition, as I understand it, an “Admission Committee” evaluates all applicants and acceptance is based on merit. In essence, students must have straight A’s to be admitted in to UWI’s faculty of Medicine.
While this is commendable and demonstrative of the very bright students that we have, it is heart-rendering to see bright students who are turned away. Unfortunately, only a specific number can be enrolled, and that should be the focus of your attention Prime Minister. Maybe Prime Minister, your government can set as an immediate target, the expansion of the faculty of Medicine at The UWI. This will certainly be a positive approach to solving this nagging problem.
As Prime Minister, you can now act, and make changes where it is necessary, and hopefully refrain from making declarations that are usually characteristic of electioneering behaviour.
Our population now looks forward to positive, distinguished leadership, by having a Prime Minister and a government that make things happen through their actions and not by their words. You have earned that right and you are well able to deliver what is required for the people of T&T.
Achieving this with calm, decorum and dignity is the only way that your success can be truly respected, acknowledged and appreciated.
Nigel Dillon
Former Administration officer,
UWI St Augustine