“Fyah, fyah, fyah, fyah” are the words of popular Jamaican Dance hall artist Mavado, but this is just one expression that could be used to explain the vim, vigor and vitality of the commuting students this year. The ‘Commutaz’ started the year with a bang as they entered a number of Fresher’s event and were successful in both basketball and volleyball. They surpassed the expectation of many and smashed Chancellor Hall team out of the Semi finals of basketball to advance to the finals where they finished in second place to Aston Preston Hall .They also did well in the men’s volleyball rebounding from a loss to Aston Preston Hall to cop the third place prize.  

Some may still want to believe that the commuters will be the underdogs this year. However, for others such as the Commuting student’s Representative Daniel Wilson who believes that where there is a vision, enthusiasm, a heart and dedication all things are possible. Wilson after being motivated by peers ran for the post of Commuting Students Representative as he himself started to see his leadership capabilities. His was a mammoth task to round up approximately twelve thousand commuting students and get them involved in University or Guild activities one way or the other.

The road has not been easy but this charismatic, sociable and people-person leader admits that he often has to use his charm and persuasive skills to motivate and encourage ‘Commutaz’ to participate. Notwithstanding these admirable qualities Wilson admits that at times he feels like quitting but his faith, hope and vision for the ‘Commutaz’ keeps him going. Some of the strategies that has been devised by Wilson to incorporate ‘Commutaz’ in University sporting activities other than recreational sports, and interfaculty games will be centered around his committee who will put together the relevant persons  for the various sporting events and once they are given ample time to do so ‘Commutaz’ will participate.  

On the other hand there will be challenges that will either break or make the Commuting students Representative vision. Some of the challenges highlighted were “the lack of or limitation of a physical space for commutaz, finding trainers to prepare them for various activities, and finding a suitable time for practice”. In addition Mr. Jason McKenzie; Student Services and Development Manager for commuting students found that over the years students have to travel on a daily basis making it very difficult for them to be actively involved in a number of campus activities. Therefore, the commuting students are not able to make use of the various activities available to them as a result they do not feel connected to the University outside of their academics.

Challenges are often placed to deter or discourage persons from a goal or a vision so knowing the solution or the strategy to tackle these problems is pertinent. Wilson exclaims that “to get commuters involved it will be extremely hard; I expect it to get easier though, since we will be given a schedule with the various sporting competitions which will give us time to prepare for these activities”. Yet another challenge is the issue of communication however Mr. McKenzie, Student Services and development Manager for Commuting Students quickly addressed that by stating “There are websites specific to our students. There is a commuting student’s website which is currently being upgraded. Importantly other media such as social network sites, text messages, the UWI pipeline email, posters and notice boards are used”.

With these challenges besetting the commuters I asked Wilson if the University of The West Indies made or is making any provisions such as transportation, sleepovers, or anything for the commuters in light of their interest in these Sporting activities this year. Disappointingly he said “not in terms of transportation but in terms of sleep over I have managed to arrange these on some of the Traditional Halls such as Irvine Hall where Commuters are allowed to occupy the sick bay and although it can only occupy eight persons at a time I am sincerely grateful”.    

Wilson “wants commuters to know that they are like a hall in a sense and as such you don’t have to be force to compete for of the halls of residents. I want them to know that there is a commuting team or two in some instances. I also want them to realize that the commuting student is a body and not just an arm of the Halls” and to compliment this goal Mr. McKenzie in being keen on producing the distinctive University of The West Indies Graduate declared “that his vision is to have commuters actively involved and included in campus life so they would be no distinction between a graduate who has lived in hall and one who has not”.

To keep the ‘Commutaz’ fire blazing Wilson urges his ‘Commutaz’ to get involved because it increases the possibility of being chosen  on a UWI team. He stated that he has knowledge of persons who are on sports scholarships, and this has opened the opportunity for them to play on national teams.  So with passion, drive, dedication, commitment and a vision the ‘Commutaz’ fire will keep blazing.  

Sasha-Gaye Fraser

UWI Sports Department Writer