Dear Editor,
The moment there is suspicion about a person's motives everything he does become tainted. — Mohandas Gandhi
It is very clear to me that the University of the West Indies has erred in its judgement to fire Professor Brendan Bain. It is quite interesting that Prof Bain's performance in his capacity as director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Resources Training Network was never before questioned.
The irony of this situation is that the University of the West Indies should be an entity which embraces diversity of views, but based on this particular situation it could be understood that the university is clearly stating that some views are more acceptable than others. It raises the question whether the University of the West Indies is pushing J-FLAG's agenda.
It would be understandable if the university had fired Prof Bain for a breach of his fiduciary duties or for poor performance in his capacity as director, but how ridiculous it is that Prof Bain was fired because he opined his views in adjudication proceedings -- in which opinions are acceptable.
Section 22 of the Jamaican Constitution states that no person should be hindered in the enjoyment of freedom of expression, except with his own consent. This simply means that Prof Bain, Jack Tom and Mary Lee have a right to express themselves. Based on the action of the university it can be understood this is a clear indication of groups having devious ulterior motives influencing the administration at the seat of higher learning.
It is noteworthy from a legal perspective Prof Bain's opinion is in perfected sync with Jamaican law.
I am humbly asking the University of the West Indies to do the honourable thing and and reverse their actions by rehiring Prof Bain.
Marvin Forbes
forbesmarvin@gmail.com
UWI Building.jpg
University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
Do the honourable thing, UWI!
-->
The moment there is suspicion about a person's motives everything he does become tainted. — Mohandas Gandhi
It is very clear to me that the University of the West Indies has erred in its judgement to fire Professor Brendan Bain. It is quite interesting that Prof Bain's performance in his capacity as director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Resources Training Network was never before questioned.
The irony of this situation is that the University of the West Indies should be an entity which embraces diversity of views, but based on this particular situation it could be understood that the university is clearly stating that some views are more acceptable than others. It raises the question whether the University of the West Indies is pushing J-FLAG's agenda.
It would be understandable if the university had fired Prof Bain for a breach of his fiduciary duties or for poor performance in his capacity as director, but how ridiculous it is that Prof Bain was fired because he opined his views in adjudication proceedings -- in which opinions are acceptable.
Section 22 of the Jamaican Constitution states that no person should be hindered in the enjoyment of freedom of expression, except with his own consent. This simply means that Prof Bain, Jack Tom and Mary Lee have a right to express themselves. Based on the action of the university it can be understood this is a clear indication of groups having devious ulterior motives influencing the administration at the seat of higher learning.
It is noteworthy from a legal perspective Prof Bain's opinion is in perfected sync with Jamaican law.
I am humbly asking the University of the West Indies to do the honourable thing and and reverse their actions by rehiring Prof Bain.
Marvin Forbes
forbesmarvin@gmail.com
UWI Building.jpg
University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
Do the honourable thing, UWI!
-->