The University of the West Indies, (UWI) Mona is aware of a spate of rumours sweeping the campus since the start of the week on various incidents – rapes, abductions etc. - reportedly taking place on the campus. None of these rumours has been verified by the Police or Campus Security nor come to the attention of relevant persons on campus such as medical staff or Counsellors. The UWI notes that the University of Technology has had a similar spate of rumours relating to their campus, which they ascribe to mischief makers. It is strange that both universities have been subjected to similar rumours at the same time.

The only incidents that have been confirmed are two incidents off-campus: the abduction and rape of a student in Mona Heights on the night of Saturday, November 1, and the attempted abduction and robbery of three young women, two of whom are UWI students, on Mona Rd at the corner of Blue Castle Avenue on that same Saturday evening.

Although both these incidents have taken place off-campus, the University has provided counselling and other support for the persons involved. The U.W.I. appreciates that there is a heightened sense of insecurity among students resulting from both the incidents and the rumours, and wants to reassure the campus community that the Campus Security is on high alert, has responded to all claims of incidents, and continues to be prepared for rapid response if necessary and as appropriate.

The Administration is taking the following steps:

• Stepping up a programme of sensitizing students to security precautions and to the need for them to be responsible for assisting in keeping the campus secure. Meetings are part of the sensitization effort. Security tips have also been circulated electronically.

• Continuing to install security cameras and to monitor key areas across the Campus. Other electronic controls are being introduced.

 • Increasing the escort service capacity on the Campus. Students can call for a security escort at night if needed.

• Introduced an additional shuttle service operating between Irvine Hall and Papine from 3.30 p.m. 9.30 p.m. week-days to assist students to connecting transport points.

• Assessing the viability of introducing a shuttle route to take off-campus students to surrounding communities at night.

The U.W.I. reminds students that they need to be particularly aware when they take taxis, in particular to avoid the white-plate illegal taxis and to check on the licence number and driver ID of the taxis they take.

The UWI recognizes that the security situation is a national problem and is calling on the Government to implement the necessary measures to bring the situation under control.