UWI Five Islands Reaffirms Student Safety After Seizure Incident

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is pushing back against claims circulating online about its handling of a recent medical emergency involving a student.

An open letter published by an online outlet alleged that a lecturer failed to respond when a student suffered a seizure during a class on Monday, September 29. But campus officials say the account misrepresents what actually took place.

According to the university, the student, who had disclosed a medical condition upon admission, has long been supported through special accommodations. These include having a family member present during lectures and tutorials.

On the day of the incident, the relative was in attendance and provided immediate assistance, before the student was taken to the campus medical station staffed by qualified nurses.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” the campus stated. “The established system worked as intended.”

Campus officials added that the lecturer spoke with students who witnessed the incident, and counselling support has been made available to anyone who may have been affected.

The university also criticized the publication for not verifying details before going public, noting that the student’s family has expressed both gratitude for the support received and frustration that the matter was used to stir “public mischief.”

The UWI Five Islands Campus emphasized that its medical station operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with nurses on duty and clear emergency protocols in place for staff and students with declared health conditions.

“We remain proud of the safe and caring environment at Five Islands and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our campus community,” the statement concluded.