Security at the University of Guyana is being reviewed again and immediate steps are being put into place to curb the problem of on-campus revelry that involves alcohol and loud music.
The administration is currently awaiting a report from security personnel on the ground, and is in discussion over what steps to take in the wake of a stabbing incident last week that resulted in the death of student Dennis Edghill. Reports are that Edghill was stabbed after he went to the aid of a female friend who was being assaulted by her boyfriend.
Deputy Registrar Vincent Alexander said yesterday that university rules prohibit alcohol consumption and loud music but pointed out that some students break the rules. He said the university is moving to clamp down on such behaviour, which had persisted for sometime now.
But of critical concern, Alexander said, are the many non-students at the campus on a regular basis.
He said this issue had been addressed in the past but persons continued to slip in unnoticed because some of the rules are not being routinely enforced such as the requirement that registered students wear a badge at all times while on campus. Additionally, there is no strict security measure in place that screens everyone who enters the campus via the main entrance.
After robberies at the Sophia entrance of the campus late last year that gate was closed and security later stepped up, but only at that entrance. Alexander noted that they were able to have the rules remain enforced at the Sophia entrance. The challenge now lies at the main entrance where vehicles enter every few minutes in addition to hundreds of students on a normal day.
Since the stabbing, the student body has met Alexander and others within the administration to share its concerns and offer suggestions.
According to the Deputy Registrar, the student body and the administration share similar concerns and are on the same page. He said they are currently working together.
For years, Friday afternoon gatherings at the campus have been a sore point. Students and non-students reportedly converge on the court and would openly drink and blast music from their vehicles.
The sessions have disrupted classes in the past and despite complaints they continue. Before Edghill was stabbed on Friday a similar session was in full swing at the campus.
