Outgoing Vice Chancellor says UWI affected by perception of crime in Jamaica

Jamaica's climate of  violence and the perception of  insecurity are reportedly having an adverse impact on the capacity of  the University of the West Indies (UWI) to attract some foreign students and staff. 

This has been acknowledged by Professor E. Nigel Harris, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the university.

According to Harris, in May 2010, just after the security operation in West Kingston, the UWI’s Mona campus was badly affected by the perception of insecurity in Jamaica.

He then reported that one foreigner who had been offered a job had turned it down.

Fast forward to 2015, and according to Harris, it is not the memories of 2010 that are currently haunting the university's prospects.

Rather, he said, in an interview this week, that "there is a general problem with attracting academics and students," based on perceptions regarding the state of crime and violence in the country.

It was important, he said, to emphasise that "the country itself is much safer than the news would carry, and indeed the (Mona) campus itself is vastly a secure place to be."

He also said the Mona campus is adding new living space, which will allow more students to enjoy the security of the university.

Professor Harris demits office at the end of this month, after being in the post for eleven years.