Dear Editor,

The vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Nigel Harris, is, I’m sure, rueing the day that the whole debacle surrounding Professor Brendan Bain fell under his purview.

History records that another man, who in the face of cries to “Crucify him!” from a raucous, wicked, bloodthirsty mob caved in, washed his hands, and surrendered to unjust demands. Washing of the hands is easier than cleansing of the conscience, and I daresay Prof Harris will have to spend some days talking with his conscience.

I enrolled in the University of the West Indies in 1971 and graduated with my medical degree in 1977. I subsequently completed postgraduate studies in the field of paediatrics in 1982. During that period of time, I wore the badge of the pelican proudly. I represented the university in Major League football (as vice-captain) and subsequently had the honour of captaining the University Workers’ football team. I was proud of my alma mater, and sang its praises far and wide.

The recent action by the institution, however, in the unjust dismissal of Prof Bain, has caused me to hang my head in shame, and until the matter is resolved, I wish to disassociate myself entirely from the institution. I have removed my undergraduate as well as my postgraduate certificates from the wall of my office, and wish no longer to participate in any activities of the UWI Alumni Association.

Prof Harris, as head of my once-beloved university, has shown himself to be one who has a brain, a mouth, an elongated structure running from the base of his neck down to his lower back (masquerading as a backbone), and a scrotal sac devoid of all anatomical structures usually contained therein.

John Royes

Consultant Paediatrician

Old Hope Road

jcroyes@gmail.com