IT is commendable that a security service is in place at the University of Guyana, but the service leaves much to be desired. It is not my intention to ridicule any person or company, but to state the facts about the state of the security system on UG campus.It is evident that there is no systematic or orderly way in which security checks are done at the Campus front gate. It is obvious that either proper orders are not given by the superiors or the orders are not followed.
On any given day, the security at the front gate would stop the $60 car, peep into it, then give the command to drive on; some would ask for a show of badges, but what sense does it make if the identities of those who show there badges are not verified? Anyone can flash a badge, anyone can take anyone’s badge and flash it, it could be a person with intention to commit a crime against a student or staff and the security will not even know that the person is not a student or someone that belongs on campus, because for them all that is required is to flash a badge; no verification is done.

There are some cars that are not even checked. Many times the security just stands there as a show because they have to; they can be seen way in the corner under the front tree and even if the car stops there for a check, they just signal drive on. Where is the safety? Where is the protection for students?
The buses pass in with persons coming up on campus and turn at the bus park.A few times one security can be seem in the walkway asking students to see their badges, but most of the time the security sits on a bench watching out shaking their feet as if to ask, What’s the use? With crime happening all over this country, does the security think that UG is exempted or somehow immune from the perpetrators of crime? Students need better security services if there are to feel safe on campus.

All the security officers have stations and areas which they are responsible for, but at nights, especially during class time, there is need for a patrol security officer, cars are parked in one of the darkest spots on campus, with no proper lighting system, hence more the need for a patrol officer (maybe on a bike) to look out for possible perpetrators of crime, so when students and lectures are in class, they can feel safe to leave their vehicles and bikes and to even walk around in any corner knowing that a security officer in looking out for them. Is this too much to ask?
I hope that better security practices and checks can be done at the front gate, better checks to be done by security for those who travel up to campus in buses and a patrol officer can be implemented. Though as a people we might not be able to eliminate or fully prevent crime, but if notice is placed into these areas we can prevent the possibility of any unwanted practice.

Regards
Samuel Gillis