Following reports of alleged nepotism in the selection of its athletics team for the FISU University Games in China, the University of Guyana (UG) has commenced reviewing the selection process. This announcement was made in a press release issued by the university yesterday.
According to the release, the University’s Vice Chancellor (VC) has declared that sweeping reforms will be the likely outcome of the investigation. The Office of the VC, it noted, was prompt in its response to allegations by launching an internal investigation on Monday.
“The investigation is focusing on any breaches in the regulations, ethical guidelines, selection protocols, and disclosure expectations of the University…” the release said.
Further, the release said that the University is deeply disturbed by the questions raised surrounding the selected team members.
“The University holds itself to very high standards and has been deeply concerned by reports about this matter. All efforts are being taken to verify, understand and responsibly address the matter”.
The press statement also disclosed that the investigation is expected to be concluded within two weeks of the team’s return to Guyana.
In a report in yesterday’s Stabroek News, the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS) had issued a call for an investigation into what is alleged to be an occurrence of nepotism during the selection of student athletes for the FISU World University Games.
The body responsible for the selection process was the Sports Depart-ment of the University of Guyana.
President of the UGSS, Shaquawn Gill, told this newspaper that based on information received, one of the individuals selected to represent UG in the games is a close relative of someone on the selection team.
“The reports are that people who were responsible for the selection of the teams, one did not select the teams in the best interest of the students who would be able to get exposure, and to further develop themselves. Not just in that regard, but also the fact that it was not in the best interest of the University itself, because one of the persons who were selected to go did not even participate in any of the activities that were outlined, that she was supposed to be participating in,” Gill explained.
The UGSS President believes that a thorough investigation needs to be conducted into the matter to determine whether or not the allegations are true. Gill noted that the reports came from competent athletes who had been training in order to be selected.
