Dear Editor,
The recent protest action by students of my alma mater, President’s College, was the culmination of what I consider to be the emergent neglect of the institution by the relevant authorities- a realization I struggle to accept given my splendid years at the college.
Of critical importance is the fact that water, our most basic human right, had stopped flowing at the institution and instead of appeasing students by supplying clean water, the authorities chose to ignore the situation hence the protest. I support the move by students to voice their concerns over this most troubling state of affairs but this should not have happened. President’s College, like every other secondary school in the country, is rearing this nation’s future leaders therefore issues pertaining to their health and upkeep at the college should be addressed in a timely manner.
To my dismay, the principal at the institution accused students of colouring the water during the protest action. Having conversed with a few current students at the college, this charge proved to be false. The key support of the institution’s head, which was needed to spur the necessary action and have the issue resolved without delay, was seriously lacking.
President’s College is regarded as the school of excellence, and students who have walked those halls and those currently there, understand fully and accept the challenges the college faces. But to deny the current batch of students a regular supply of water is unfair and too much to ask of them.
I am cautious not to comment on the situation surrounding the dismissal of the institution’s former head cook but having known her for seven years I offer my best to her in what must be a difficult period. The joy I got from her hot meals paled in comparison to her warmth and generosity.
Yours faithfully,
Iana Seales
