The Ministry of Education and Youth says it is deeply concerned about what it said is the unauthorised disclosure of discussions regarding the selection process for the principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus.

The tertiary institution is seeking a replacement for current principal, Professor Dale Webber, who will step down on July 31.

READ: UWI Mona principal will not renew his contract

Media reports have identified UWI Pro Vice-Chancellor Densil Williams as the favourite for the post after he and other candidates were interviewed for the job.

In a release on Monday, the ministry, while noting that the government values transparency and integrity in all its operations, said “leaked reports undermine the professionalism of the selection process and introduce unnecessary speculation which could compromise the process.”

It said the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has requested that the UWI does a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The GOJ is hopeful that those who continue to attempt to compromise the process recognise the damage they are doing to the university and will refrain from this type of action,” the release stated.