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Administrators at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus say they are “taking decisive action to enhance security” at the institution amid a spate of robberies and other criminal activities.

UWI, in a statement on Thursday (February 13), denied ‘erroneous’ reports that suggested a gun-related incident had taken place at any of the commercial banks on campus, adding that no student was held at gunpoint in the last few weeks.

The response follows increased student complaints on social media about safety on campus, many of whom are openly decrying the constant state of dread.

“Let me tell you something, this is not the type of videos I post on here, but as a UWI student, I am genuinely concerned about what is going on safety-wise on campus (sic). Luckily by the grace of God I am able to live at my house and I am able to commute but why are there so many robberies
(sic)? Why robberies happen every day at the ATMs? Why are people getting raped on campus and there is nothing being said in the media (sic)?” asked TikTok user @agirlinmedschool.

“But UWI will email you down if you owe even one cent but nothing is being done about security. But no. Everything is fine at UWI, there’s no crime in Ba Sing Se, there’s no crime at UWI Mona—unnu be for real,” she added in reference to a scene from ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender‘.

Frustrations with the seeming lack of urgency from UWI leaders continue to fester among students, who refuse to remain at ‘ransom by criminals’ and can no longer stay silent.

WATCH:

@agirlinmedschool Admin we are waiting for you to respond #medtok #mbbs #preclinical #uwimona #uwiguild #jamaicatiktok ♬ original sound – Bexs

@_j.a.d.i.a_ No because why has there been multiple reports after we were assured that there has been reinforcements #tiktokjamaica #tiktok #halllife #collegelife #fyp ♬ son original – 𝐊𝐞𝐤𝐞 🤵🏾‍♀️

@naaomirc moving like spain @Lia ♬ Shake It To The Max (FLY) – MOLIY & Silent Addy

The medical student’s angst reflects a growing sentiment among UWI students who lament the lack of care shown with regards to safety. Female students living on campus bemoan the general sense of insecurity at night.

In response, UWI administrators acknowledged these legitimate concerns while assuring that they have “engaged our stakeholders to implement measures to strengthen security on campus with the Guild of Students to address these issues”.

According to the tertiary institution, chief among them is the appointment of a new manager by contracted security partner King Alarm who will “oversee campus security operations and ensure the effective implementation of these measures”.

“The university assures students, staff, and the wider public that safety remains a top priority and immediate measures have been implemented to reinforce campus security,” added UWI Mona.

UWI Mona noted that its implementation of measures to enhance security on campus includes but is not limited to:

• Increased security presence: “We are actively increasing the patrols of Campus Police officers and contracted security teams from King Alarm to enhance surveillance, response times, and overall crime prevention efforts.”

• Enhanced quick response teams: A dedicated security team from King Alarm is poised to respond swiftly to security threats. We have also engaged King Alarm to provide a secondary team to bolster our response.

• Strengthened perimeter security: Entry points along the campus perimeter have been assessed with better-equipped personnel being stationed and patrol units circulating more frequently to provide re-enforcement.

• Improved lighting: Immediate assessments and upgrades to lighting across walkways, parking lots, and less-trafficked areas are already underway.

• Greater support from Jamaica Constabulary Force: “Our security office has contacted the Jamaica Constabulary Force who have assured increased police presence from both the Mona and Matilda’s Corner stations. Patrols along Garden Boulevard and Mona will provide additional enforcement and deterrence against criminal activities.”

• Increased mobile patrols: Additional King Alarm patrols and a new security vehicle for the Campus Police will ensure broader coverage, particularly during high-risk hours.

• Controlled access measures: The Garden Boulevard gate will remain locked with access limited to staff and students and discussions regarding a semi-closed campus model are ongoing.

The university concluded that it remains steadfast in fostering a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders and urged the campus community to stay informed through official university channels and to report any suspicious activity to the Campus Security Office.