KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica's government has expressed concern regarding the “unauthorized” disclosure of information regarding the selection process for the principal of the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Professor Dale Webber (File Photo)The incumbent, Professor Dale Webber, has already indicated that he would not be renewing his contract when his tenure ends on July 31, this year.
“I intend to go back to have all that I can do in terms of research to facilitate, help and grow the campus, this country and this region,” said Webber, who was appointed principal in August 2018, and served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for graduate studies and research between August 1 2015 and July 31, 2018.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education and Youth said that while the government values transparency and integrity in all its operations, “leaked reports undermine the professionalism of the selection process and introduce unnecessary speculation which could compromise the process”.
It has requested that the UWI does a thorough investigation into the matter and that it is “hopeful that those who continue to attempt to compromise the process recognize the damage they are doing to the university and will refrain from this type of action”.
Media reports have identified UWI Pro Vice-Chancellor Densil Williams, who is the principal of the Five Islands campus in Antigua and Barbuda, as the front runner to replace Webber.
The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper reported that the University Council, UWI’s highest governing body, had been expected to approve Williams at its annual meeting last week Wednesday.
However, following a lengthy discussion, a final decision was put on hold after Jamaica’s Education Minister Fayval Williams reportedly requested additional time to consult on the matter, the paper said.
