Well, well, well, it seems two of our well known academics have decided that the best way to resolve a difference of opinion is to engage in a highly public discourse. Could it be we have seen the emergence of a strain of ZR behaviour which has now ascended to Bajan academia? What kind of society are we building when our most educated would resort to exhibiting the most intransigent attitude in public? What example are they setting for the youthful minds they have been given charge with moulding?
Conflict can be good when the process is managed to achieve positive outcomes. The disagreement gone public between Principal Sir Hilary Beckles and Professor Michael Howard of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill begs the question, who is managing the current conflict to assure a positive outcome?
BU believes there is merit to the positions of both gentlemen. Professor Howard has suggested that given the harsh economic conditions being experienced by government the UWI should slow the intake of students. The result of such an action would be to reduce government spend at the UWI, Cave Hill. Principal Beckles has retorted with a strong and unexpected response which does not merit restating. The longer this matter remains in the public domain the Nation newspaper will continue to smile. This is a serious matter.
If we understand Howard correctly he wants to see a slow down in the intake of students at UWI, Cave Hill. As an economist, he has assessed the current state of the Barbados economy and has obviously concluded the government would be better served to reduce its subsidy to the UWI, Cave Hill at this time. According to Howard, Principal Beckles has been responsible for quantity and not quality. Howard’s position is supported by comments we have heard emanating from the Barbados Chamber of Commerce through the years. We have UWI, Cave Hill lecturers also supporting Howard’s point on the talk shows; historian Ann Gill comes to mind.
Professor Beckles over the years has compromised or should we say sacrificed many positions he once held when he became administrator at UWI, Cave Hill. There was a time when Sir Hilary Beckles would not be caught dead sitting on the Board of Cable & Wireless, a company which continues to be relentless in its drive to extract revenue, and to send home people from Barbados and the region despite the depressed economic conditions. BU agrees with Beckles’ position that education has been responsible for advancing Barbados up the economic ladder. Obviously the current situation calls for Beckles, Howard and relevant stakeholders to resolve their differences away from the public glare. As head of the UWI, Cave Hill, Beckles would have erred when he went public with this matter. He would have succeeded in creating a toxic environment which has only served to polarized this matter.
What BU finds interesting is why should this matter have escalated even though Prime Minister Thompson is quoted in the media agreeing with Beckles that the government should do all that it can to not compromise the intake of students at Cave Hill. Is there more to this matter? Is this a case of the old way conflicting with the new?
There is the old saying one must know when and where. God help us!
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