News Releases

Statement on WIGUT Protests

For Release Upon Receipt - November 21, 2024

St. Augustine


The UWI St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, November 21, 2024 –The Campus Executive Management Team of The UWI St. Augustine acknowledges the November protest action by members of the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT) at our St. Augustine Campus.

No Principal, or employer can rest easy when protests occur. We worry about our students who are the ones most impacted by such action. It disrupts their academic experience, creating anxiety during a critical time. Yet, we understand and empathize deeply with the frustration of our staff stemming from the decade-long delay in resolving salary negotiations. The prolonged hardship and uncertainty are exacerbated by the rising cost of living in the post-COVID era, which has intensified financial pressures on all categories of staff.

For over 2 years, my Management has been following up diligently on outstanding proposals. We have been encouraged by positive assurances in the national Budget and in meetings. However, as the teaching term concludes and examinations begin, the lack of concrete responses, or gains have heightened concerns. The anguish is deepened because both Cave Hill, Barbados and Mona, Jamaica, which began negotiations long after St. Augustine, have concluded negotiations satisfactorily and received generous increases. Those countries recognised the valuable contributions that the UWI continues to bring to their countries and region, contributing directly to the GDP. St. Augustine staff remains the poorest in the UWIverse. The result is increasing attrition of staff and increased difficulty to attract quality staff.

Further, the Campus Management's options are limited, given that Government pays salaries and as is well known, our own acute financial crisis, exacerbated by huge debts owed to us and decreased subventions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dialogue with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to resolve this impasse. We therefore urge all parties to move this process forward productively and swiftly, ensuring a resolution that benefits not only our staff, but also the students who depend on the stability and excellence of The UWI experience. Our goal is to uphold The UWI 's mission as a transformative force for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region.

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About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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