Luke’s lamentation: A strange, surprising story!

22.AUG.08

Editor: I stumbled on a strange, surprising and interesting story captioned ‘Rhodes scholar to take legal action against UWI – SABOTAGE?’, in which Vincentian/International scholar Mr Luke Browne decried ‘victimization’ after being awarded an Upper Second Class Honours degree by the UWI.{{more}}

Editor, I find the story to be strange and very surprising because scores of Vincentian scholars who are ordinary mortals and are not hailed as ‘bright’ or budding ‘messiahs’ like Luke achieve First Class Honours degrees, double awards without strain. Hence, no one expects that ‘victimization’ or not that Luke would achieve less than first class, so it was shocking to even read otherwise!

The story is interesting on several fronts! Firstly, the cry of victimization appears to have given the youngster a taste of what his close-ones would have given to hundreds of Vincentian educators/teachers, even if when his case as read seems far less compelling and convincing than those who have seen real victimization from his ‘powerful’ end!

Editor, the story is also found to be interesting because both Mr Browne and the UWI appear to be contemplating legal action. Browne’s treat is more explicit, quote ‘The 2007 Rhodes Scholar, Vincentian Luke Browne, has signalled his intention to take legal action against the UWI.’ While Professor Hilary Beckles, on behalf of UWI, seems more discrete and or implicit in his contemplation of possible legal action when he said: “sometimes, the way in which allegations are made, legal consequences can be interpreted…”.

Even more interesting are some loud silences which echo throughout the story. For example, when did the perceived victimization begin? Was it challenged then, or ever was? Did Luke’s grades for example start falling after the alleged 2006 unfavourable attention brought to UWI? Were there any signs then that the student was being victimized after his action which is nearly two years old?

Additionally, Luke complains of circumstances which may have compromised the integrity of the examinations in paragraph 7. Did he address those immediately? For example, did he challenge the short notice given for assignment due date / or inadequate time? Or was there false certainty initially that he would do well irrespective of the ‘circumstance’ and so only attempted to address them when he discovered that his pride, heart, spirit and record crashed or were about to crash?

Nevertheless, Luke’s effort, unconvincing as the case appears to be, must be applauded! Too often most of us take real victimization lying down and or those who speak out are further victimized and sabotaged by high ups right here! I remember being at UWI School of Continuing Studies and one person apparently denied us a hearing of the lecturer’s last session before exams in which she mainly dealt with exams clues. Surely, I reported it immediately, even though the authorities here and in Barbados never responded. Also I recounted not knowing my grades for my study and Practicum for my BEd for nearly three years!

Editor, it would seem that there are many unanswered questions in this shocking and interesting story! As the lesson of how those who are victimised right here is appreciated!

Otto Sam